Heat Stress in the Workplace

Impact of Climate Change

Rising global temperature is increasing the risk of workplace heat injuries. From 1980 to 2020, the annual mean temperature in Singapore increased from 26.9°C to 28.0°C. The combined extremes of heat and humidity, decreased air movement or lack of shading from direct heat are harmful to human health and may lead to more occurrences of heat stress.

Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to cool down through perspiration. This causes the body temperature to rise rapidly, which may cause damage to the brain and other vital organs. Symptoms of heat stress include:

• Profuse sweating

• Inability to concentrate

• Dizziness

• Cessation of sweating

• Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat

• Severe thirst - a late symptom of heat stress

• Unconsciousness

Heat-related illness

Heat-related illnesses range from milder conditions such as heat rash, heat cramps and heat exhaustion, to more serious heat related illnesses such as heat stroke, which can be fatal or cause permanent disability if medical treatment is not administered promptly.

Studies indicated significant deterioration in mental functions, such as short-and long -term memory and visuospatial function, perceptive discrimination and reaction time in dehydrated subjects.5 Workers engaged in physical tasks were less productive and took longer to complete their tasks when given less water to drink. There was evidence from studies to indicate that dehydration could be linked to job-related accidents where dehydrated subjects fainted more quickly when subjected to an orthostatic challenge test (change in body posture).

Assessing risk factors for at-risk employees

Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments, for e.g. construction, boiler rooms, laundries, bakeries and kitchens may be at risk of heat stress. When there is a possibility of heat stress, conducting a risk assessment is a good starting point. Some factors (non-exhaustive), to consider include: 

If necessary, seek help from others who are more experienced in determining the risks from hot environments, for e.g. occupational hygienists or occupational health professionals.

Preventing heat stress at the workplace

In December 2020, the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC) published a revised comprehensive guideline on managing heat stress in the workplace (first published in 2010).4 The guideline can be downloaded here

Preventive measures can be taken to limit a worker’s exposure to heat, which could raise the ability of the worker to cope with the heat. These include assessing fitness-to work, work scheduling, adequate water intake and worker awareness

Additional preventive actions for hot indoor working environments include insulation and shielding from hot surfaces, ventilation and air conditioning as well as reducing ambient humidity

And here is the Heat Stress Management Compliance Checklist

Ice slurry

There are many studies to show that ingesting ice slurry mitigates heat injuries and improves heat tolerance, by lowering body core temperature by about half degree Celsius. Ingestion of ice slurry is also shown to be more efficient than drinking cold water.

A serving of 200-400ml of ice slurry would cool the body and improve heat tolerance for up to an hour, after which the effects will start to wear off. It is recommended to consume the ice slurry just before high intensity exercises, such as a 10km run.

The science of ice slurry is proven in sports and there are potential use cases for other industries such as construction, marine and healthcare. Using ice slurry to mitigate heat stress is also one of the recommended measures under WSH Guidelines ,with the added advantage of being a pre-emptive solution rather than a reactive one

MOM WSH Coordinator Refresher Training

MOM CIRCULAR - WSH Coordinator Refresher Training

WSH Coordinators play a crucial role in strengthening WSH governance on the ground. They bridge WSH directives from the management to workers, and see to the implementation and compliance with WSH practices. It is thus imperative that they undergo continuous training to build up their competencies to assist the occupier in managing workplace injury risks.

2. The WSH Act requires the Employer and the Principal to take reasonably practicable measures to ensure the safety and health of the workers. This includes providing these workers with adequate training for them to perform their work. MOM requires <Name of Company>, as the Occupier and Principal/Employer, to send all the appointed WSH Coordinators working in your construction worksites to undergo the WSH Coordinator Refresher Training. These include the WSH Coordinators employed by the contractors and subcontractors who are working in these worksites.

3. WSH Coordinators are required to complete the refresher training by the following deadlines:

a. All WSH Coordinators in the construction sector who were trained before and on 31 December 2017 will have to complete their refresher training by 30 June 2023;

b. All WSH Coordinators in the construction sector who were trained from 1 Jan 2018 till 31 Dec 2021 will have to complete their refresher training by 31 Dec 2023.

Priority for registration will be given to WSH Coordinators who are working in construction worksites where the contract sum is less than $10 million, and those who need to meet the earlier deadline. WSH Coordinators who were informed earlier and have applied to attend the refresher training need not register for the training again.

4. The refresher training will be conducted in two parts:

i) e-learning (estimated 5 hours), which can be carried out anywhere, anytime, and completed by different sections, at the participant’s convenience using his/her mobile phones or any other internet connected devices; AND

ii) a one day in-person training session, AFTER the participant has completed his/her e-learning.

5. The refresher training provides new information not covered in the WSH Coordinators’ Advanced Certificate in WSH course. Learners will be updated on the latest WSH developments, and key areas such as good WSH practices and effective management of contractors. There will be activities where they can apply their knowledge and skills to practical work scenarios.

6. The refresher training fees is estimated to be about $100, at the company’s cost, and should not be deducted from the WSH Coordinator’s salary. You may contact either training provider, as listed below, to sign up your WSH Coordinator/s for the refresher training and register via the registration QR code. The training provider will assist with the setting up of email address account, if required, for any WSH Coordinator who does not have an email address account. The email address is necessary and required for the WSH Coordinator to access the e-learning

7. All WSH Coordinators who attend the refresher training will have their training records updated in MOM WSH Training Record System (TRS). MOM shall conduct checks to ensure compliance of the training requirement for all your WSH Coordinators.

8. For any query pertaining to the WSH Coordinator Refresher Training, please email to wsh_training@wshc.sg.

The WSH Coordinator Refresher Training helps WSH Coordinators better understand their roles and responsibilities, and provide useful information on how they can manage worksite safety more effectively and efficiently. Participants also get the opportunity to discuss past incidents, and what they, as safety professionals on the ground, can do to prevent a similar recurrence. 

In this training, participants will complete an online learning package, comprising 10 key topics, such as how to manage contractors more assertively, how to develop a risk assessment plan for work activities onsite to address work hazards, and the good work practices to prevent serious/fatal consequences leading to a “Stop Work Order” from the Ministry of Manpower, hefty penalty fines, and or even custodial sentencing of those found guilty, including senior management.  After completing the e-learning package, participants are to attend a one-day physical workshop, where they can network with fellow WSH Coordinators from different companies. 

Below are some feedback from past participants and their employers about the WSH Coordinator Refresher Training:

“WSH Coordinators were better able to understand their duties, roles, and responsibilities, as stipulated in WSH (Construction) Regulations. They were able to perform their work more effectively and diligently, in areas of hazard identification and the execution of risk control measures. They were also able to communicate better to all parties, which can help lower accident/incident rates.”

“Timely updates on WSH legislations and requirements, and good WSH practices.”

“Relevant case studies were used in active class discussion/participation.”

“Reinforced the understanding and importance of risk assessment for the planning and execution of safe worksite activities, as well as useful tips shared on effective contractor management. Such contributes to the continual improvement of the WSH management system.” 

“Scenario based role plays allowed participants to discuss and share with fellow coordinators the useful learning points relevant and helpful for accident prevention at the worksites.”

“It is good to have this refresher training on a regular interval to help raise WSH awareness and upkeep good safety industry practices.

“The training was comprehensive, covering many types of construction hazards and control measures, such as work at height, loading and unloading, manual lifting, and machinery. It facilitates the building of good WSH practices onsite to prevent accidents and incidents.”

Watch the video to see what participants have to say about the training

WSH Alert -Worker Fall Into Lift Shaft

 

Worker fell into lift shaft

On 18 April 2023, a worker was carrying out welding work at a newly constructed lift shaft when he fell into the shaft and landed on the ground about six metres below. The worker was sent to the hospital where he died of his injuries.

Preliminary investigations revealed that guard rails were present around the open side of the lift shaft. The worker was not equipped with any fall-arrest equipment or travel restraints when the accident occurred.

Workers are at risk of falling from height when working next to or inside a lift shaft. The WSH Council calls on all companies taking on similar work activities to put in place the necessary measures to prevent falls.

What companies should do

Companies should urgently assess and ensure that their WSH management system includes the following measures or checks:

• Fall Prevention Plan (FPP): Establish and implement a site-specific FPP to reduce the risk of falling into a lift shaft.

• Permit-to-Work (PTW) system: Put in place a PTW system for work activities where a person could fall more than three metres. Ensure on-site checks are carried out by a competent person and risk controls are confirmed effective before authorising the work at height.

• Safe Work Procedure (SWP): Develop a SWP for carrying out welding works inside the lift shaft. Provide a proper means of access and a secure working platform (such as scaffold structure inside the lift shaft) for workers to safely carry out their work.

• Effective guard railing: Install guard railings as per Figure 3

• Worker training: Deploy only competent welders who have completed work-at-height training for work inside or next to a lift shaft. Instruct workers never to climb over or through guard rails.

• Work supervision: Supervise workers to ensure the SWP is strictly followed. Consider the use of video surveillance systems to supplement or raise the level of supervision for multiple worksites.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): If work next to an open side is unavoidable, provide workers with travel restraints or fall arrest equipment, and train workers to achieve 100% tie-off at all times.

For more information, refer to the WSH (Work at Heights) Regulations 2013, Code of Practice for Working Safely at Heights, WSH Guidelines on Working Safely during Modernization, Installation or Dismantling of Electric Passenger and Goods Lifts, and WSH Guidelines on Personal Protective Equipment for Work at Heights

Under the WSH Act, first-time corporate offenders may be sentenced to the maximum fine of $500,000 whilst individuals can either be sentenced to the maximum fine of $200,000 and/or an imprisonment not exceeding 2 years. Read more on the WSH Act penalties.

During the extended Heightened Safety Period (1 September 2022 to 31 May 2023), the Ministry of Manpower will impose severe actions for serious WSH lapses, which include:

• Debarment from hiring new work pass holders.

• Company leaders to personally account to MOM and take responsibility for rectifications, and attend a mandatory half-day in-person WSH training course.

• Engaging external auditors to conduct a thorough review of company’s WSH processes.

WSH Alert -Worker Pinned By Forklift

Technician pinned by forklift mast

On 28 April 2023, a technician was preparing to carry out repair works on a forklift when the forklift’s mast fell on him. The technician was pronounced dead at the scene by attending paramedics.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the locking pins of the mast were removed without first securing the mast

Workers involved in vehicular repair may be exposed to physical hazards when working with vehicle parts or engine components. The WSH Council calls on all companies carrying out vehicular repair to ensure worker safety and undertake an assessment of their safety measures.

What companies should do

Companies should assess and ensure that their WSH management system includes the following measures or checks:

• Competent worker: Deploy only trained and authorised forklift technicians to assemble/ disassemble, repair or maintain a forklift. Only workers who have completed the WSQ Operate Forklift course are allowed to move and operate the forklift.

• Safe work method: Provide workers with the Safe Work Procedure (SWP) for mast disassembly. The SWP must include steps to control the risk of forklift masts falling onto workers. To prevent the mast from toppling, it must be either properly secured or held in place before any locking pins are removed. Securing may be achieved, for example, by attaching the mast to a suitable support structure. The mast may be held in place, for example, by using a hoist, crane, or the forks of another forklift.

Consult the forklift manufacturer for specific advice on how the mast may be safely removed for the model.

• Safe work position: Brief workers on the risk of mast toppling during mast disassembly, mark out the mast fall zone, and ensure no one is in the fall zone before the mast locking pins are removed.

• Work supervision: Provide on-site supervision to ensure workers are aware of the hazards present and that the SWP is followed closely.

For more information, refer to Code of Practice on WSH Risk Management, Chapter 8 (Maintenance and Servicing) of the WSH Guidelines on Safe Operation of Forklift Trucks, and Chapter 4.4 (Maintenance of Machines) of the WSH Guidelines on Safe Use of Machinery.

Other relevant resources include UK Health and Safety Executive’s guidance document “Health and Safety in Motor Vehicle Repair and Associated Industries” and US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s fatal accident report “Maintenance Worker Struck by Forklift Carriage

Under the WSH Act, first-time corporate offenders may be sentenced to the maximum fine of $500,000 whilst individuals can either be sentenced to the maximum fine of $200,000 and/or an imprisonment not exceeding 2 years. Read more on the WSH Act penalties.

During the extended Heightened Safety Period (1 September 2022 to 31 May 2023), the Ministry of Manpower will impose severe actions for serious WSH lapses, which include:

• Debarment from hiring new work pass holders.

• Company leaders to personally account to MOM and take responsibility for rectifications, and attend a mandatory half-day in-person WSH training course.

• Engaging external auditors to conduct a thorough review of company’s WSH processes.

Safety Measure for Strengthening WSH

SINGAPORE: The heightened safety period imposed from September last year will end on May 31, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced on Tuesday (May 23).

But some requirements will remain, and new measures will be introduced to create “sustainable workplace safety (and) health outcomes”, the ministry said.

The heightened safety period was introduced after a spate of workplace-related fatalities in 2022. The number of workplace deaths in 2022 was 46, the highest number since 2016 when there were 66 fatalities.

In February, the MOM extended the heightened safety period by three months, pointing to past trends that showed higher workplace injury numbers after Chinese New Year as companies rush to compensate for lost time. As of Mar 3, there have been six workplace deaths this year.

Singapore’s workplace fatality rate per 100,000 workers has fallen to 0.8 since the measures were imposed, down from 1.5 for January to August 2022, MOM said in a press release.

The MOM’s Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) target for 2028 is to keep the fatality rate below 1.

“The (heightened safety period) has served its purpose as an urgent call on employers to prioritise safety and bring down workplace fatalities,” it said.

However, the ministry noted that the major injuries rate per 100,000 workers worsened to 19.2, from 16.8 previously. The improvement in safety was also uneven across different industries.

Construction showed the most improvement, though it remains the top contributor to the absolute number of fatal and major injuries. The fatal and major injury rate in the manufacturing sector worsened to 39.3 during the heightened safety period, higher than the construction industry’s rate of 34.5.

“This indicates the need for more sector-specific intervention to improve workplace safety outcomes,” MOM wrote.Mr

Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Manpower, also expressed concern at the major injuries rate. But he ruled out extending the heightened safety period indefinitely. 

"It relies primarily on tougher enforcements and penalties, and is not a sustainable approach," he said. "As we exit HSP (heightened safety period), we need to recognise that it takes the collective will, responsibility and effort of the entire ecosystem to keep our workers safe and healthy."

NEW SAFETY MEASURES

To strengthen ownership of WSH “fundamentally and sustainably”, the multi-agency workplace safety taskforce will be retaining some measures from the heightened safety period and implementing new requirements.

The demerit points system for WSH breaches in the construction sector will be expanded to the manufacturing sector from October this year. Companies that accumulate 25 demerit points or more for WSH infringements within an 18-month period will be temporarily barred from employing foreign employees

Construction tenders by government procurement entities will need to have more stringent safety requirements. Main and sub-contractors will have to meet a set of safety criteria, and there will be a minimum safety weightage when evaluating tenders.

Contractors may be temporarily disqualified from tenders if systemic workplace breaches are discovered or if they accumulate more than 25 demerit points for safety infringements. A WSH bonus scheme may also be introduced to incentivise good safety performance. More details will be announced at a later date.

A video surveillance system will be required at construction sites where the project value is more than S$5 million (US$3.72 million) from June next year to help companies manage safety. The surveillance can help identify risks, facilitate investigations and deter unsafe behaviour.

Measures that will remain after the heightened safety period ends include requiring chief executives to personally account for selected cases of serious lapses and requiring companies to engage auditors if major injuries occur and a stop-work order is imposed.

Chief executives will also still need to attend an in-person WSH programme if serious lapses are uncovered after safety incidents.

From March next year, chief executives and board directors of all firms in higher-risk industries will be required to attend a WSH programme online or in person.

Other new measures include imposing duties on manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that industrial machines, equipment and hazardous substances are used safely, and providing an additional avenue for small and medium enterprises to improve WSH capabilities and an online learning component for workers doing safety courses.

Companies will also need to monitor noise in the workplace and send workers exposed to excessive noise for annual hearing examinations.

On Tuesday, the WSH Council launched a campaign with the tagline “Reporting Saves Lives”, which calls on employers to set up an internal reporting framework to reduce risks. Workers are encouraged to proactively report unsafe situations to their employers, union leaders or MOM, and members of the public can also highlight safety concerns.

“Everyone should play their part to report unsafe workplace situations and take an active role in preventing workplace injuries and fatalities,” MOM said in a press release.

Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of National Development Tan Kiat How said he is encouraged by the outcomes following the heightened safety period.

“But our work does not stop here. We must continue strengthening the workplace safety culture and mindset in our industry,” he said.

PMD Fire in SengKang

A raging fire badly damaged a HDB flat at Fernvale Road in Sengkang on May 18 morning, which was suspected to have originated from the charging of a battery pack of a personal mobility device (PMD) in the living room.

In a Facebook post on the same day, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) stated that they were alerted to the blaze at around 6:20am.

It took place in a fourth-floor HDB unit at Block 443C Fernvale Road.

Fire raging in the living room of the unit

SCDF noted that upon arrival, the fire was raging in the unit, and this affected the contents of the living room.

It was subsequently extinguished by firefighters from Sengkang Fire Station using a water jet.

A picture of the aftermath showed the charred interior of the unit.

Image from SCDF on Facebook.

Three persons conveyed to SGH for smoke inhalation

SCDF added that during the firefighting operation, three persons were found in separate bedrooms of the affected unit.

They were rescued by SCDF firefighters, and conveyed to the Singapore General Hospital for smoke inhalation.

Another three persons from a neighbouring unit were evacuated by the police and SCDF as a precautionary measure.

Additionally, about 50 residents had evacuated from the block prior to SCDF’s arrival.

Fire likely originated from PMD battery pack: SCDF

Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire had likely originated from the battery pack of a PMD, which was charging in the living room, SCDF noted.

Image from SCDF on Facebook.

SCDF also issued a reminder to the public on ways to prevent fires caused by PMDs or power assisted bicycles (PABs).

PMDs refer to wheeled, motorised gadgets like electric scooters or hoverboards, while PABs refer to bicycles equipped with battery-powered motors.

Here are some fire safety tips provided by SCDF:

• Don't charge batteries for an extended period of time, or overnight
• Don't buy or use non-original batteries
• Don't charge a PMD or PAB near combustible materials or near an escape path
• Do regularly check batteries for any damage or deformities

Image from SCDF on Facebook.

42 fires caused by such devices in 2022

This was not the first time that fires in HDB flats were caused by PMDs, PABs or personal mobility aids (PMAs).

Requirement for Hygiene Monitoring

Hygiene monitoring includes toxic substance monitoring and noise monitoring, and must be done by a competent person.

What is hygiene monitoring

Hygiene monitoring tests the workplace environment, and includes toxic substance monitoring and noise monitoring. Monitoring must be done by a competent person.

A competent person needs to complete the relevant WSQ certification, including the following:

For noise monitoring, they should complete the Monitoring Noise and Vibration course.

For toxic substance monitoring, they should complete the Measure Exposure and Assess the Risk due to Hazardous Substances course.

Relevant regulations:

Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations

Workplace Safety and Health (Noise) Regulations

What is monitoring

Monitoring helps you assess your workers’ level of exposure to hazards and how effective your hazard control measures are.

You should evaluate the results of workplace monitoring and take the necessary measures to safeguard your workers’ health. You should also inform employees of the results and keep a record.

Toxic substances monitoring

If your workplace uses or generates toxic substances, you must conduct regular toxic substances monitoring. The frequency of monitoring is dependent on the level of contaminant compared against the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) stated in the WSH (General Provision Regulations) First Schedule.

After conducting monitoring, you would have to submit a toxic substances monitoring report to MOM.

The recommended frequencies for monitoring are:

For details on monitoring requirements, refer to guidelines on sampling strategy and submission of toxic substances monitoring

Effective for subsequent (future, starting with the next report) toxic substances monitoring report e-submissions, you will need to submit completed Annex K of the WSH Guidelines - MHCP. This is an additional file to submit to the web portal.

Please fill up the three pages of questionnaire to self-assess your workplace Management of Hazardous Chemicals Programme (MHCP). Then scan and submit it to web portal together with the future hygiene monitoring reports.

Noise monitoring

Noise monitoring involves:

• Workplace noise monitoring – testing noise levels throughout the workplace.
• Personal noise monitoring – testing noise levels that specific groups of workers are exposed to.

After conducting monitoring, you would have to submit a noise monitoring report to MOM.

When to do noise monitoring

For details on monitoring requirements, refer to the Workplace Safety and Health Guidelines

Workplace Accident Involving Gondola

SINGAPORE: Two workers were taken to a hospital after a gondola tipped to one side at a Housing Board block in Boon Lay on Thursday (May 11) morning. 

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a call for assistance at 8.10am.

Upon its arrival at Block 199 Boon Lay Drive, a worker was seen on the ledge of the 15th storey next to a "lopsided gondola". 

The worker was brought in safely through the unit windows on the 15th floor by SCDF officers. 

"We understand that another worker was also brought to safety through the unit windows on the 14th floor by a member of public prior to SCDF's arrival," it said. 

Both workers were taken to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.

The scene on Thursday afternoon showed the gondola was still dangling from the side of the building. There was also visible damage to the parapet on the roof, with a section of the parapet missing

There was a cordon at the block to prevent vehicles and people from crossing over to the site of the incident.

"The first worker was rescued before SCDF arrived by climbing into the 14th floor. The second worker sat at the parapet of the 15th floor whilst waiting for SCDF's arrival because he was injured."

He added that the man was rescued when SCDF officers arrived

In a statement on Thursday evening, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said the gondola's supports failed, causing it to tilt.

"The workers were harnessed onto a lifeline as part of standard safety requirements," the ministry said. "Both workers were treated at the hospital and have since been discharged."

MOM also identified the employer as Ban Contract Services, and said it is investigating the accident.

Behaviour Observation and Intervention

Launch of Process Sector Behavioural Observation and Intervention Video

Definition: Behavioural Observation and Intervention
Behavioural observation and intervention (BO&I) is a safety initiative to:promote safe work practices; and Instil a sense of safety ownership in all workers.. BO&I reduces WSH incidents and injuries. It also improves organisational WSH performance.  

The BO&I Approach
BO&I complements the organisational risk management and/or WSH management system (WSHMS) to minimise the occurrence of hazardous situations by focusing on at-risk behaviours.

As shown in the injury pyramid below, it is possible for hazardous situations to continue to arise due to WSHMS failures (e.g. poor WSHMS implementation), unsafe workplace conditions (e.g. incomplete risk assessment) and/or at-risk behaviours.

The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council, in collaboration with the Association of Process Industry (ASPRI), has produced a new Behavioural Observation and Intervention (BOI) video to help companies in the process sector build a safer work environment through encouraging safety-centric behaviours and early intervention. The video portrays scenarios in the chemical industries, and how BOI and safe work practices can instil a sense of safety ownership in all workers and reduce the incidence of at-risk work behaviours.

In his opening address at the launch event on 4 May 2023, Mr Lim Keng Yang, Chairman of WSH Council (Chemical Industries) Committee, encouraged the chemical industries to strive towards zero accidents and called on them to build a safer workplace through programmes such as BOI.

The event, held at the ASPRI Integrated Training Centre, also saw a presentation by Mr Cheng Beng Kwang, Director (Project) from PEC Ltd, on his company’s implementation of BOI and its benefits towards building a safer workplace.  Over 110 plant owners, contractors and workers from the chemical and process construction and maintenance sector attended the event.

To raise awareness on BOI, ASPRI will also be developing three BOI micro-learning modules to help companies and their employees better understand its concept and how it can be applied in the process sector.

View and share the Behavioural Observation and Intervention video with your colleagues and co-workers.

Companies can find out more on Behavioural Observation and Intervention (BOI) on the WSH Council website and the BOI training course on ASPRI’s IPI e-Connect.

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