Guidance on WSH Reporting

INTRODUCTION

What is WSH Reporting?

WSH reporting is the provision of WSH information by companies in their annual reports.

The content for reporting can be broadly categorized into WSH performance, policies, and targets. Although the law does not mandate companies to report their WSH information, the Workplace Safety and Health Council considers this a good practice to adopt.

Why report on WSH in Annual Reports?

In today’s highly globalized world, there is growing demand for increased corporate transparency and accountability. Organizations face increasing pressures for more disclosures on various aspects of their corporate performance that includes social, ethical and environmental considerations.

There is an increasing recognition that WSH reporting contributes to good corporate governance as it is a key component to improve corporate disclosure. Reporting on WSH issues demonstrates a company’s commitment to effective workplace WSH management for the prevention of injuries at the workplace. The company’s open approach to managing WSH matters enhances organizational credibility among their investors.

WSH reporting also enhances the corporate social responsibility (CSR) profile of companies. WSH forms an integral part of CSR. CSR essentially integrates economic, social, ethical and environmental concerns in business operations. The major social concerns include the welfare of key stakeholders in an organization; especially employees.

Therefore, safety and health at work, as part of employees’ well-being, places WSH as a key component of any corporate CSR agenda.

Today, CSR has gained momentum as an important priority for companies and is being mainstreamed to form part of business performance monitoring and reporting. Many reporting guidelines and tools for measuring CSR performance also incorporate WSH issues. Therefore good WSH performance and practices can be leveraged as a positive aspect of CSR for corporate branding and creating stakeholder value.

Business benefits for WSH Reporting

More companies are beginning to accept that good WSH management can be leveraged as an indicator of good business performance. Companies which have good WSH performance benefit from reduced loss time in production and this translates to better productivity and business performance. The potential returns from WSH reporting include the following:

• Creates transparency on WSH performance that could be leveraged to drive further improvements. This also creates confidence in investors that the company is taking active measures to improve its safety and health performance and thereby its productivity.

• Provides basis for recognition of the employees’ contributions to WSH and reinforces the company’s values and culture

• Shows a company’s commitment to broad-based, corporate performance improvement, with WSH as a key business objective

• For companies which have achieved high WSH standards, a positive WSH profile would enhance their profile and provide a competitive advantage

Monitoring WSH performance to reinforce WSH reporting

In addition to WSH reporting, companies with good WSH practices also regularly monitor their performance for continual WSH improvement. To help companies track their WSH performance, we have suggested a list of leading WSH indicators in Annex A which can be used to monitor and provide advance indication of the effectiveness of their safety management systems.

How to report?

This set of guidelines will help companies to report on safety and health matters in their annual reports. We recommend that good WSH reporting should comprise information on WSH performance, active management of the safety and health of workers and proposals for continual improvement.

There is no single standard for WSH reporting. Companies which are new to WSH reporting may choose to start with reporting the key WSH information in the safety section of their annual report. The recommended reported information can be found under Basic Reporting (See Annex B). As companies gain more experience in WSH reporting, the WSH Council strongly encourages companies to extend WSH reporting by including more information recommended under Additional Reporting (see Annex C) .

There are many ways of presenting your organization’s WSH information. A template for basic WSH reporting can be found at Annex D. Companies may also wish to report their WSH information within the context of overall CSR reporting. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) sets out the guidelines for CSR reporting. However, companies are encouraged to report their WSH performance beyond the recommendations covered in the GRI Guidelines by incorporating Council’s WSH reporting guidelines within their CSR reporting.

ANNEX A

LIST OF SUGGESTED LEADING INDICATORS ON WSH

BROAD CONTEXT OF COMPANY’S POLICY ON WSH

• Whether the WSH policy has been published and adequately communicated for e.g. in safety committee meetings

• % of management and supervisors’ job descriptions that contain specific health and safety responsibilities

MANAGING WSH

Statutory compliance

• % of applicable legislation addressed by Company procedures

Risk Control

• Number and % of jobs for which risk assessments are carried out

• Number and % of risk assessments updated as a result of changes in work-scope

• % of Safety Management System that is compliant with current guidance (BS 8800; OHSAS18001)

Communication of WSH responsibilities for accountability

• Extent of communications of safety policies and targets to employees and stakeholders

• % of safety committee meetings conducted against scheduled meeting requirements per month

• Number and % of safety tours by senior managers and/or management per month

Integrating WSH in business practices

• Number and % of contracts with WSH requirements (e.g. bizSAFE requirements)

WSH PROGRAMMES AND INITIATIVES

Areas for WSH improvement

• Number and % of jobs with hazard assessments

• Number and % of safety gaps addressed

• Number and % of additional control measures identified at site during execution of work

Staff participation in WSH initiatives

• % of staff participation in national WSH events and committees

Workplace Health initiatives

• % reduction in exposure hours for hazardous activities

• % reduction of health risks at design stage by including standards (e.g. for noise and substance emissions) in procurement contracts

• % of workplace health issues addressed in safety briefings held per month

WSH INCIDENTS

Audits and inspections

• Number and % of audits completed against planned requirements per month

• Number and % of work site inspections carried out against planned requirements per month

Incident management

• Total number of WSH incidents reported

• % of WSH incidents management closed within targeted timeline

EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT

WSH Training

• Number and hours of training courses run

• % of training budget set aside and utilized for WSH training

• % of staff for WSH course attendance (average)

• Total number of safety days scheduled and held every month

• % of identified staff competency gaps addressed

Employee contributions on WSH

• % of staff involved in teams for WSH innovation

• % staff suggestions implemented for safety improvements

REPORT ON WSH PROGRESS AGAINST TARGETS

• % of WSH plans and objectives that have been set and achieved

MANAGING CONTRACTORS

• Whether guidelines available for contractor management

• Whether contractor management guidelines have been adequately communicated

• Whether procedures in place to ensure effective implementation of contractor management guidelines

ANNEX B

BASIC REPORTING

A. WSH Statistics

WSH statistical indicators serve as a useful gauge of your company’s WSH performance.

The following indicators should be included in your WSH reporting. For some, it is preferred to present the data as frequency rates as this helps with comparing against previous performance, your long-term safety targets and national averages.

1. Workplace Injuries2

Workplace Injury Rate

= No. of Fatal and non-Fatal Workplace Injuries x 100,000

   No. of employed Persons

2. Occupational Disease (OD)3 Cases

Occupational Disease Incidence

= No. of Occupational Diseases (i.e. chronic confirmed cases) x   100,000

No. of Employed Persons

3. Frequency of Workplace Accidents4

Accident Frequency Rate (AFR)5

= No. of Workplace Accidents Reported x 1,000,000

No. of Man-hours Worked

4. Number of Man-days Lost Due to Workplace Accidents

Accident Severity Rate (ASR)

= No. of Man-days Lost to Workplace Accidents x 1,000,000

No. of Man-Hours Worked

2 A workplace injury is any personal injury, disease (acute) or death resulting from a workplace accident.

Workplace Injuries cover those sustained by employees and:

i. Resulting in more than 3 consecutive days of medical leave; o

ii. Resulting in at least 24 hours of hospitalization

3 An Occupational Disease (OD) is a chronic disease contracted as a result of an exposure over a period of time to risk factors arising from work activity. A confirmed case of occupational disease is one where there is definite evidence that the worker has suffered from a disease which is related to his occupation. List of ODs can be found in the Third Schedule of the Workplace Safety and Health Act.

4 A workplace accident is an unexpected and unplanned occurrence, arising out of or in connection with work which results in one or more workers incurring a personal injury, disease (acute) or death. They cover those resulting in the

i. Death of Employees, self-employed persons and persons not at work

ii. Injury of self-employed persons and persons not at work who have to be taken to the hospital for treatment

5 A measure of how often workplace accidents take place

5. Number of workplace Fatalities in the Reporting Period

6. Estimated Financial Cost to company of work related injuries, illnesses suffered by staff and incidents in the reporting period

B. WSH Management Systems

To give a more holistic picture of your company’s WSH performance, it is best to complement your numerical reporting with information on your company’s WSH policies, plans and strategies. It also provides the information needed to drive safety improvements.

1. Broad context of your company’s policy on safety and health

Provide a brief overview of your company’s safety and health policy. It sets out your company’s general approach, objectives and arrangements in place for managing WSH.

This could comprise but not limited to the following:

• Company’s policy on WSH

• Statement by the Chief Executive / Board on commitment to WSH

• Board level responsibilities

• Broad Communication and implementation strategies for its WSH policies and targets

2. Managing WSH

Describe how WSH is managed in your workplaces. This could include:

• Programmes to enable statutory compliance

• How hazards and risks are systematically assessed and controlled

• How WSH responsibilities are assigned and communicated to ensure clear accountability.

• How WSH is embedded in business practices

3. WSH programmes and initiatives

Outline the company’s key WSH programmes which which may include the following:

• Priority areas targeted for improvement and reasons for selection

• Participation in national WSH related events and programmes such as bizSAFE ,and representation in national safety committees or taskforces

• Workplace Health policies and programmes such as education, training, preventive and risk control programmes in relation to occupational diseases; arrangements to promote workers’ rehabilitation after injury or illness, and the outcomes

4. WSH accolades and awards

Report on any safety awards or certificates your company has received in recognition of your WSH achievements. This could consist the following:

• Achievement of any WSH management accreditation

• WSH Awards received for stellar WSH performance by company, safety committee or representative

• Nomination / Awards by other internationally recognized safety agencies

5. WSH incidents

For any significant incident, including near misses, provide information on the circumstances concerning the incident, company’s responses and post-incident actions to prevent recurrence of the incident. This could also include

• The impact of the incident to the organizational staff morale; the family and relatives of the deceased employee, business operations and the business cost incurred

• Other actions taken such as welfare arrangements for the deceased worker’s family,

• An analysis of the incident and the key learning points

6. Employee involvement, contributions and WSH training for staff

Share on the company’s WSH initiatives or projects involving employees including:

• Availability and accessibility of information to employees on WSH

• Description of the WSH training provided for all employees, including supervisors and particular training for management and employee WSH representatives.

• Budget allocated for WSH training

• Average number of health and safety training days per employee

• Percentage of total workforce represented in formal joint management-worker safety committees.

• How employees are involved in health and safety management process, including identification and controlling of new hazards, work processes, accident and occupational disease investigations

7. Report on WSH progress against targets

A company that is dedicated to WSH improvement would regularly review its WSH performance to ensure it’s maintained or improved. The reporting could list out:

• New WSH innovations such as new programmes or case studies resulting in safety improvements and increased productivity and / or cost savings

• Assessment of its WSH performance against its targets

• New WSH targets for the forthcoming period

ANNEX C

ADDITIONAL REPORTING

1. Managing contractors

It is important to monitor the WSH arrangements of your contractors and suppliers as their WSH performance could adversely affect you. You should therefore address, where appropriate the WSH management of contractors and suppliers in your reporting. The report on processes in place to manage the WSH performance of contractors and suppliers could cover the following:

• Tender specifications in project requiring contractors to meet certain WSH standards

• Induction training for all contractors including supervisors and workers

• Arrangements for contractor management in the workplaces

• Introduction of awards to incentivise contractors and suppliers to achieve safety accreditation

2. Regulatory Actions

Worksite inspections may be carried out by the Ministry of Manpower arising from a complaint, the occurrence of an incident as well as proactive monitoring of specific companies’ WSH performance. Where appropriate, you should also report on any regulatory interventions, prosecutions for the reporting period and the subsequent actions taken by your company

• Amount of Composition Fines issued by Ministry of Manpower

• Number of prosecutions by Ministry of Manpower

• Number of Stop Work Order Issued by Ministry of Manpower

• Number of Remedial Orders issued by Ministry of Manpower

• Number of Notices of non-compliance issued by Ministry of Manpower

• Number of insurance claims filed

3. Other WSH Initiatives

You may wish to include additional information on your company’s WSH initiatives over and above the core information provided under Basic Reporting. The additional information on your company’s WSH initiatives for reporting could span across a wide spectrum of issues suggested in the following:

• Details of initiatives in upgrading equipment, processes or practices for WSH improvement

• Programmes to build and sustain WSH culture

• Organisation’s contribution to WSH within its industry – Representation in safety related committees, taskforces and /or groups ; invitation to share on best practices at safety events ; sponsorship of safety programmes or training and development awards

• Collaborative activities with external stakeholders such as safety-related institutions, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs)

• Inclusion of WSH issues in union agreements

• Whether the reported performance data has been independently verified by auditors

FURTHER INFORMATION ON WSH REPORTING

• Health and Safety Commission (UK); Health and Safety in annual reports: Guidance from the Health and Safety Commission, 2nd April 2001 http://www.hse.gov.uk/revitalising/annual.htm

• The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission

www.nohsc.gov.au

• Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Guidance on including health and safety performance in annual reports

http://www.iosh.co.uk

• Victorian Workcover Authority, Occupational Health and Safety Reporting: Guidelines for reporting OHS in annual reports http://www.workcover.vic.gov.au

• Global Reporting Initiative http://www.globalreporting.org/Home

Annex D

WSH Reporting Template

Unsafe And Safe Practices

 Safety lapses in the logistics industry

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) frequently conducts inspections for safety violations in workplaces. This article highlights safety lapses at companies in the logistics industry uncovered by MOM during their inspections, and what are the safe practices to adopt instead. These errant companies were issued with Stop Work Orders and composition fines.

Here are some of the contraventions found in the logistics industry for learning purposes

Heat Stress Management

Heat Stress at Work 

Working in Singapore’s hot and humid weather can put you at an increased risk of heat stress.

Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to remove excess body heat, and this excess accumulated heat then harms the body.

Heat stress related illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with heat stroke being potentially fatal.

Preventing Heat Stress

Heat stress must not be overlooked, and you should take the necessary measures to protect yourself from heat-related risks.

Prevention Tips:

Do not over-exert yourself in the first two weeks of work, especially if you have just arrived from a cooler country.

• Acclimatise yourself to the hot weather.
• Wear loose-fitting and light-coloured clothes when outdoors.
• Work under the shade where possible.
• Drink lots of water – at least 500ml (one bottle) every hour.
• Take regular breaks in cool shaded areas.
• Sponge yourself with water during breaks or meals.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle with proper meals and sleep.

Helping Someone with Heat Stroke

If you notice someone with signs of heat stroke, call 995 for an ambulance immediately. While waiting for the ambulance, you should:

• Move the person to a shady or cooler area;
• Loosen or remove the person’s clothing;
• Apply cool water and fan on the person; and
• Place ice packs under the person’s armpits and groin area.

For more information

Check out WSH Guidelines on Heat Stress Management.

Check out ABC Checklist -Working Safely in Hot Environment

Safe Use Mobile Elevated Work Platforms

Introduction Background

Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) are mobile machines with an extendable work platform intended to raise personnel to perform works t height. Boom lifts and scissor lifts are common types of MEWPs.

This guide aims to share good MEWP-related practices in the following categories:

When planning work involving an MEWP, it is important to follow the stages:

i) Before using the MEWP

ii) When using the MEWP

iii) After using the MEWP

MEWPs are a safer option to reach working positions at height. Safe use of MEWPs is important to protect the operator’s safety and other workers around him.

However, accidents can happen. Several MEWP common hazards that have led to serious injuries or deaths include (but are not limited to):

• Entrapment—when the operator was trapped between part of the

basket and fixed structures (e.g. overhead steel beams)

• Overturning—when the MEWP toppled and the operator was thrown out of the basket

• Falling from height—when the operator fell from the work platform while climbing on the toe boards, midrails or guardrails of the MEWP

• Collision with pedestrians, overhead cables, or nearby vehicles

• “Catapult-effect” when using boom-type MEWP

Do not make any modifications or additions to the MEWP that may affect its operation, stability, safety factors, rated load, or structural integrity of the MEWP without the manufacturer and/or supplier prior approval.

• Identify the task to be undertaken;

• Identify the location and timing of MEWP usage;

• Select an appropriate MEWP;

• Identify hazards and risks associated with the use of a specific MEWP;

• Identify the hazards associated with the task;

• Identify control measures;

• Develop the safe work procedures (SWPs) and fall prevention plan (FPP);

• Develop the emergency plan for rescue from height;

• Communicate the plans (e.g. SWP, FPP, emergency plan) to all persons involved;

• Review the plans prior to and during the operation; and

• Incorporate any changes.

Before using an MEWP

A site survey should be conducted by a competent person to assess the site conditions and select an appropriate MEWP for the intended task, taking into consideration other factors such as ground and weather conditions

Ensure MEWP has a clear path of travel. 

Perform pre-use inspection in accordance with Manufacturer’s guidelines before operation.

Do not use the MEWP if any defects are found. ISOLATE, TAG and REPORT the machine as defective.

Do not operate MEWPs if operator is on medication or feeling unwell.

Operators must be trained, familiarised and authorised before operating any MEWP

Cordon off work area to ensure persons and equipment are clear of the area in the proximity of the MEWP. Ensure warning signs are clearly displayed

When using an MEWP

Anchor harness to the designated anchor point using a short lanyard.

Maintain firm footing when working on MEWPs.

Ensure that ground conditions are suitable as required by the specific MEWPs. Do not operate MEWPs on slopes beyond manufacturer’s specifications

Maintain a safe distance from overhead obstacles. Anti-entrapment devices can help raise awareness of overhead obstacles.

MEWPs are not meant for access. Do not exit an MEWP at height

Do not exceed the Safe Working Load and maximum Number of Occupants of the platform specified by the manufacture

After using an MEWP

Park and store MEWP at the designated area

Remove the ignition key to prevent unauthorised access

MOM Enforcement Actions

In March 2023, two fire incidents at the workplaces of Premium Automobiles Pte Ltd and Sika (Singapore) Pte Ltd occurred due to the lack of effective controls for flammable substances. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) conducted enforcement operations in March and inspected more than 120 motor workshops and manufacturing workplaces handling substantial quantities of flammable substances. 

Through the enforcement operations, MOM uncovered offences such as inadequate safe work procedures for managing flammable substances, improper storage of flammable substances, and not providing suitable personal protective equipment to workers. 11 companies with very poor or no controls for managing flammable substances were issued with composition fines amounting to S$27,000. 

 

“Fire and explosion pose a serious threat to life and property as demonstrated in the 2021 Stars Engrg Pte Ltd’s case where three workers died and five injured. Companies that handle flammable substances must take the fire and explosion risk seriously and ensure that effective control measures are in place. Workers must be informed of the risks and trained on the precautions to undertake, including being equipped with adequate personal protective equipment. MOM will continue to take strict enforcement actions against errant companies.” – Mr Sebastian Tan, Director, Occupational Safety and Health Inspectorate, MOM.

LTA Alert -Rain Cover for Lorry Ferrying Workers

As announced on 19 Oct 2022, the Land Transport Authority, with support from the Ministry of Manpower, mandated the installation of rain covers on all lorries used for transporting workers. The objective is to improve the safety and well-being of workers during their travels in these vehicles.

Rain Cover Installation

The rain covers must be properly secured and installed on the canopy for all non-enclosed sections of the lorry deck, so as to fully shield workers from bad weather. In addition, at least one side of the lorry’s rain cover needs to be transparent, to ensure that there is enough light for the workers onboard.

Example of a properly installed rain cover that covers all non-enclosed sections of the lorry deck, with at least one side being transparent

The rain cover installation service is available at several vehicle workshops and the process take approximately 2 hours, depending on the lorry type. Kindly encourage your members to install the rain covers early as there may be high demand at the workshops closer to the due date.

More information on the safety regulations and measures for lorries ferrying workers can be found below.

New measures were announced on 19 October 2022 to enhance the safety and welfare of worker transportation. Please visit https://go.gov.sg/joint-factsheet

For more information on the safety regulations for lorries ferrying workers, please visit https://go.gov.sg/req-for-ferrying-workers 

Workplace Safety And Health Report

More workplace deaths and close shaves in 2022; surge in cases of work-related health conditions: MOM

Among the "occupational diseases" reported, cases of noise-induced deafness more than tripled from 168 in 2021 to 624 in 2022.

SINGAPORE: The number of workplace fatalities, dangerous occurrences and cases of occupational disease in Singapore rose across the board in 2022, according to the annual Workplace Safety and Health Report released on Tuesday (Apr 4).

Published by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the report showed there were 46 workplace-related deaths last year - a rate of 1.3 per 100,000 workers. This was up from 37 in 2021 and the highest number of fatalities since 2015 and 2016, when there were 66 each year.

The top two causes were vehicular incidents and falls from a height, which together accounted for half of all workplace fatalities in 2022. The most number of cases, 14, occurred in the construction sector.

"The spate of workplace fatal injuries were largely due to basic safety lapses, such as inadequate safety planning and control measures, and non-compliance with safety measures," said MOM. 

The number of dangerous occurrences – incidents with a high potential for multiple fatalities, but where no one was injured – also more than doubled from 13 in 2021 to 27 in 2022. There were 46 such incidents reported in 2015. 

Among the incidents last year, 20 involved the collapse or failure of structures and equipment, with the remaining involving fires and explosions.

MOM attributed the spike last year to a rise in crane-related incidents in the construction sector, which again contributed the most - 56 per cent - of all dangerous occurrences.

The ministry pointed to a S$4 million grant announced in January, to co-fund the installation of stability control systems on lorry cranes.

MOM also said it was reviewing additional measures that would enhance crane operators' competency, and increase the deterrence of unsafe crane-related operations.

In response to the spate of workplace fatalities last year, a Heightened Safety Period (HSP) was implemented in September. It brought the monthly average of fatalities down from 4.5 to 2.5. 

Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad said that while the construction sector has "seen improvements in reducing workplace accidents", the incidence of major injuries did not improve in some sectors such as manufacturing.

The HSP was thus extended until May 31 this year, and a Multi-Agency Workplace Safety Taskforce convened to come up with strategies to strengthen workplace safety.

"Overall, there was some improvement in the workplace safety landscape with the introduction of HSP, but continued vigilance is needed," said MOM. 

"Safety measures announced earlier in February are being implemented and will take effect in the coming weeks and months."

WORK-RELATED HEALTH CONDITIONS

Elsewhere, reported cases of occupational diseases rose from 659 in 2021 to a new high of 1,052 in 2022 - or from a rate of 20 cases per 100,000 workers to 29.7.

These refer to diseases contracted as a result of exposure to risk factors arising from work activity, and listed in the Workplace Safety and Health Act.

The most number of cases - 506 - were picked up in the manufacturing sector.

Noise-induced deafness and musculoskeletal disorders like back injuries were the top two types of occupational diseases, collectively accounting for 92 per cent of all cases.

For noise-induced deafness alone, there was a spike in cases from 168 in 2021 to 624 last year.

MOM attributed the rise in reported cases to ongoing efforts in its Enhanced Workplace Health Surveillance (WHS+) programme, as well as increased awareness in reporting amongst doctors and employers.

WHS+ aims to minimise hazards that lead to occupational diseases.

MOM said it would continue to increase the number of workplaces under WHS+, and also work with the Workplace Safety and Health Council to increase awareness and implementation of workplace health programmes.

Workplace Health Surveillance

Enhanced workplace health surveillance (WHS+)

Companies to implement workplace health (WH) programmes and upstream risk controls at workplaces to prevent occupational diseases.

Increase workplace health (WH) surveillance

Workplace health surveillance involves the monitoring of workplace environments to assess exposure levels of workers to WH hazards such as chemical or noise hazard, as well as the monitoring of workers’ health through medical screening to detect overexposures and early signs of occupational diseases.

Sectors likely to have chemical and excessive noise hazards 

Food, beverage and tobacco

Healthcare

Logistics and transport

Marine

Metal working

Non-metallic mineral products

Pharmaceuticals and biological products

Refineries and petrochemicals

Rubber and plastic

Waste treatment and recycling

Woodworking and furniture

Submit declaration on the presence of WH hazards for identified workplaces

Your workplace will be informed via letters to submit a declaration if your workplace:

Uses toxic substances

Has processes involving toxic substances or

Has noisy processes  

Workplaces who declared  presence of toxic substances and/or noisy processes are required to: 

Conduct hygiene monitoring to assess exposure levels of their workers

Implement control measures to reduce workers’ exposure

Put in place effective WH programmes such as Management of Hazardous Chemical Programme (MHCP) or Hearing Conservation Programme (HCP) to manage the hazard at the workplace and

Conduct medical monitoring for your workers who are exposed to specific WH hazards.

Adoption of upstream risk controls

Select appropriate and adequate risk controls following the hierarchy of control to reduce workers’ exposure to WH hazards.

What is hierarchy of control?

Hierarchy of control is a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing risks and it ranks risk controls from the highest level of protection and reliability through to the lowest and least reliable protection. Elimination, substitution, and engineering controls are more effective in reducing or controlling the risk of workers’ exposure to WH hazards and should be considered first.

Reduce workers’ exposure to toxic substances and excessive noise

Exposure to toxic substances

Workplace occupiers are required to prevent the accumulation of toxic dust, fumes, gas, vapour, mist, fibre, or other contaminants and protect workers from exposure to these contaminants in the workplace.  

Several upstream risk control measures that occupiers can implement to reduce workers’ exposures to toxic airborne contaminants  can be found under Regulation 39(2) of the Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations.

Exposure to excessive noise

Workplace occupiers are required to reduce or control the noise from any machinery or equipment used, so that no workers will be exposed to excessive noise.

Several upstream risk control measures that occupiers can implement to reduce noise levels in the workplace can be found under Regulation 4(3) of the Workplace Safety and Health (Noise) Regulations. 

WHS+ consultation and audit programme

The WHS+ consultation and audit programme is to help high risk workplaces that use toxic substances and/or workplaces with noisy processes, to manage their WH hazards and reduce workers’ exposure risks, via a systematic approach of identification, evaluation, control and review of the measures.

At a glance

Related eServices	Enhanced Workplace Health Surveillance Consultants and Auditors
Related documents	Gap analysis, CIP and WHS+ audit checklist (noise) Gap analysis, CIP and WHS+ audit checklist (hazardous chemicals)
Relevant regulations	Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations Workplace Safety and Health (Noise) Regulations

Who is required to undergo this programme

Identified workplaces with high exposure to toxic substances and noise are required by MOM to undergo WHS+ consultation and audit programme. Considerations to include workplaces under this programme will be based on hygiene monitoring reports, incidence of occupational diseases (ODs), etc.

What is required under this programme

Companies will be required to carry out the following:

Phase 1: Conduct gap analysis

Gap analysis should be conducted by a consultant or competent person for noise or chemical hazards. This is to identify the gaps in the implementation of Management of Hazardous Chemicals Programme (MHCP) or Hearing Conservation Programme (HCP) at the workplace, and to develop action plans to rectify the identified gaps.

The consultant or competent person appointed should be a Registered Industrial Hygienist (RIH) or Workplace Safety and Health Officer (WSHO) with relevant training and experience in managing occupational health hazards such as chemicals and noise.

You can refer to the list of service providers offering:

Chemical control consultant services

Noise control consultant services

Phase 2: Develop control and implementation plan (CIP)

A control and implementation plan (CIP) must be developed and implemented by your company to address the effective control of chemicals or noise at the workplace to reduce your workers’ exposure to acceptable levels.

Your company is required to explore possible upstream risk controls (elimination, substitution, and engineering controls) and select suitable and effective risk control solutions to be implemented for identified high-risk work processes at your workplace. You may engage a consultant (e.g. noise control consultant or ventilation design engineer) to advise you on the suitable control measures for your high-risk processes.

A post-implementation toxic substances or noise monitoring is required to be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the control measures implemented. Gaps identified in MHCP or HCP must also be addressed and documented in the CIP.

Phase 3: Conduct third-party audit

Your company is to engage a third-party WSH auditor to audit the completion of gap analysis and CIP. The WSH auditor should be from an auditing organisation accredited by Singapore Accreditation Council to conduct occupational health and safety management system certification and have sufficient competency in auditing.

As part of the audit, WSH auditors will need to ensure that these requirements have been fulfilled:

The action items identified from the gap analysis of MHCP or HCP are addressed.

The risk control measures are comprehensive and properly implemented.

The MHCP or HCP implemented at the workplace are effective in preventing ODs.

The WSH auditor will prepare an audit report, and you are required to submit the audit report to MOM for an exit assessment. The submission should include the completed gap analysis, CIP and WHS+ audit checklist with the post implementation noise or toxic substances monitoring report.

You can refer to the list of service providers offering:

WHS+ MHCP audit services

WHS+ HCP audit services

Phase 4: Exit assessment

Your company will exit from WHS+ consultation and audit programme when it demonstrates significant improvement in its WH programmes implementation and ability to reduce your workers’ exposures to toxic substances and excessive noise effectively.

Your company’s management must also demonstrate their ability to manage WH hazards and maintain or upkeep their WH programmes in their workplaces to prevent ODs.

Extension of Heightened Safety Period Alert

MOM Extends Heightened Safety Period by Three Months with Additional Measures

1.  The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will be extending the Heightened Safety Period (HSP) by three months from 1 March to 31 May 2023, with additional measures. The HSP was first introduced on 1 September 2022 for six months, with stronger measures1 to address the concerning rise in workplace fatalities. The annualised workplace fatality rate per 100,000 workers improved during the HSP, falling from 1.5 for January-August 2022, to 0.8 for September-December 2022. The full year fatality rate for 2022 was 1.3 per 100,000 workers.

2.  However, the annualised major injury rate per 100,000 workers increased from 16.8 to 18.7 in that same period. The impact of HSP was also uneven across sectors. While Construction showed the most improvement in terms of monthly average fatal and major injuries2, the Transportation & Storage sector’s monthly average fatalities3 did not improve and its major injuries4 worsened during HSP. This is of concern, as major injuries reflect persistent safety lapses at workplaces and most of these injuries have debilitating effects.

3.  Since the start of 2023, there have been four workplace fatalities. Furthermore, based on past trends, periods post-Chinese New Year have had higher workplace injury numbers as companies rush to compensate for workdays lost. Heightened alert and vigilance need to be maintained.

Additional Measures During Extended HSP

4. During the extended HSP, MOM will put in place the following additional measures, taking into account the recommendations of the International Advisory Panel last month, to complement existing ones (see Annex for existing measures):

• Require CEOs and Board of Directors to attend a mandatory half-day in-person WSH training course, for companies found to have serious WSH lapses following serious or fatal workplace accidents.
  
  
  • This is on top of existing HSP measures where companies may be barred from employing new foreign employees for up to three months. We will continue to require company leaders to personally account to MOM and take responsibility for WSH rectifications. These measures aim to strengthen WSH ownership and accountability among corporate senior leadership, and better equip them to meet their WSH responsibilities.
  • The course curriculum will be an enhanced version of the existing bizSAFE5 training for senior management. It will feature additional modules on the Approved Code of Practice for Chief Executives and Board of Directors’ WSH Duties, and root cause analysis of top incident types. MOM will notify companies whose senior leaders are required to attend this training.

• Increase maximum fines from $20,000 to $50,000 for breaches of WSH Act Subsidiary Legislation that could result in death or serious bodily injury, in order to enhance deterrence for WSH Act breaches.
  
  
• Empower workers by raising awareness of the various channels to report WSH concerns and providing protection for workers who speak up.
  
  
  • The WSH Council will launch a National WSH Campaign in April 2023, to encourage workers and members of the public to report unsafe practices at workplaces. Workers are encouraged to first report WSH concerns to their supervisors and companies for expedient resolution, before raising it to the authorities if no action is taken. This can be easily done through the SnapSAFE page on MOM’s website, and a QR code leading to the page is displayed at worksites. Workers and members of the public can also call MOM’s hotline at 6438 5122.
  • Migrant workers can also reach out to MOM through the FWMOMCare app, or reach the Migrant Workers’ Centre at 6536 2692. The Campaign will also heighten awareness of the types of protection available for workers who report or raise WSH issues.
    
    
• Introduce bite-sized versions of WSH guidance materials to better support all companies, in particular SMEs, in instilling a stronger safe operations culture. This is in addition to the earlier expansion of the StartSAFE programme to better support SMEs. The WSH Council will introduce these materials from May 2023. 

Longer-term Measures to Sustain WSH Standards

5.  Beyond the HSP and the above measures, MOM, together with the Multi-Agency Workplace Safety Taskforce (MAST)6, will consider further measures to strengthen WSH standards and practices. These include placing greater accountability on employers and senior management, enhancing safety training, reviewing incentives and penalties, and sectoral strategies.

6.  Said Senior Minister of State for Manpower, Mr Zaqy Mohamad: “We have made good progress following the HSP, with improvements seen in the annualised workplace fatality rates and within the Construction sector. This shows that tangible results in WSH performance is possible with concerted efforts from all stakeholders. However, we are still not where we want to be – which is why we remain cautious and have decided to extend the HSP with additional measures. Only with vigilance, greater ownership and continual training, can we get back on track to achieving our WSH 2028 goals of keeping our fatality rate at below 1.0 per 100,000 workers, and our major injury rates at below 12.0 per 100,000 workers.”

 Annex

Existing Initiatives for Heightened Safety Period 

Initiatives	Details
Tighter enforcement measures	Companies found to have serious WSH lapses following serious or fatal workplace accidents may be debarred from employing new foreign employees for up to three months. Chief Executives will also be required to personally account to MOM and take responsibility for rectifications.
Strengthened support for SMEs who need help to improve their WSH practices and processes, through the expansion of StartSAFE	Provide small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with more access to WSH consultants who can help them identify WSH risks and implement good WSH practices, as part of the existing StartSAFE programme. The costs of the WSH consultants are fully borne by MOM.
Targeted measures for the construction sector	A new harmonised set of disqualification criteria across all public sector construction tenders to align the evaluation criteria and temporarily disqualify contractors with poor WSH performance from participating in these tenders; A Revised Demerit Point System, where the threshold for issuing demerit points is lowered. This means that more demerit points will be issued for WSH Act breaches, and errant companies with consistently poor WSH performance will reach the penalty thresholds more quickly - after which they will be debarred from hiring foreign employees for up to 2 years.
Set up of Multi-Agency Workplace Safety Taskforce	Comprising representatives from key government agencies that oversee sectors where most fatal and major injuries occur, the Multi-Agency Workplace Safety Taskforce aims to: Identify sectoral-specific strategies that complement MOM’s cross-sectoral strategies, to contribute to a sustained reduction in workplace fatality and injury rates, and Strengthen sectoral engagements with companies to reinforce the importance of WSH.

 FOOTNOTE

See go.gov.sg/heightenedsafetyperiod

1. Monthly average number of fatalities for Construction fell from 1.6 pre-HSP to 0.3 during HSP. Similarly, monthly average number of major injuries fell from 8.3 pre-HSP to 7.3 during HSP for major injuries with higher risk of fatalities, and 5.5 pre-HSP to 4.5 during HSP for major injuries with lower risk of fatalities.
2. Monthly average number of fatalities for Transportation & Storage pre- and during HSP remained at 0.8.
3. Monthly average number of major injuries with lower risk of fatalities for Transportation & Storage worsened from 2.3 pre-HSP to 4.3 during HSP, and monthly average number of major injuries with higher risk of fatalities stayed about the same pre- and during HSP at 2.3 and 2.0 respectively.
4. bizSAFE is a nationally recognised capability building programme designed to help companies build workplace safety and health capabilities.
5. Set up on 12 October 2022, the MAST comprises representatives from Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Trade and Industry.