Review Workplace Safety and Health Regulations to Anticipate and Address Potential Climate Change-related Hazards
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns MP Raeesah Khan's inquiry regarding updates to workplace safety and health regulations to address climate change-related hazards such as rising outdoor temperatures. Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo stated that the Workplace Safety and Health Council updated heat stress guidelines in December 2020 to include worker acclimatization, heavy work scheduling, and first aid training. These revised guidelines provide prevention checklists for both indoor and outdoor work while addressing the risk of increased daily temperatures in Singapore. Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo noted that inspections show companies are providing necessary breaks, shelters, and water points to mitigate heat-related risks. The Ministry of Manpower continues to monitor climate change effects to issue further guidance and collaborate with industry professionals on preventing potential environmental hazards.
Transcript
42 Ms Raeesah Khan asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry has plans to update the workplace safety and health regulations to anticipate and address potential climate change-related hazards such as high outdoor temperatures; (b) if so, when can this be expected to take place; and (c) if no, why not.
Mrs Josephine Teo: MOM and the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council recently updated the WSH Guidelines on Managing Heat Stress in the Workplace in December 2020, taking into account the effects of climate change, and the risk that Singapore's daily temperatures could increase.
The Guidelines were updated to include strategies to reduce heat stress such as acclimatising newly-assigned workers and scheduling heavy physical work to the cooler part of the day. The revised Guidelines also included early recognition of heat stress and first aid training, as well as an updated heat stress prevention checklist covering both indoor and outdoor work.
Based on our inspections, companies do put in place the appropriate mitigating measures for effective management of heat stress. For example, in the construction industry, we found that companies provide workers with sufficient breaks, temporary rest shelters and access to water points throughout the day. For the Marine industry, companies use mobile shelters where possible to shield workers from direct sunlight as they carry out their work.
MOM closely monitors the effects of climate change and will issue updated guidance when necessary. We will also continue to work with the industry and WSH professionals to identify, educate on and prevent hazards posed by climate change to our workers' safety and health.