Singapore is experiencing the effects of climate change together with other countries near the region. Strong winds and heavy rains lashed across Singapore saw toppling trees, snarling traffic and causing property damage.
The Ministry of Manpower and WSH Council urge workplaces to prepare for erratic and sudden changes in weather conditions, such as stronger winds, warmer temperatures, longer dry spells, increase occurrences in lightning, and flash floods.
To better prepare for erratic and adverse weather events, especially for outdoor work,
Companies are encouraged to:
- Monitor weather conditions: Use weather monitoring systems and alerts (e.g. by subscribing to the Heat Stress Level/Rainfall/Lightning/Air Quality alerts via the National Environment Agency’s myENV mobile app) to stay informed about upcoming weather conditions.
- Review risk assessments: Consider the impact of adverse weather events and implement suitable risk controls for specific work activities affected by the climate condition.
- Communicate possible hazards to workers: Train workers to recognise the hazard, and report to their supervisor and/or stop work as necessary especially in an emergency.
- Prepare a recovery plan: Check and ensure the integrity of affected structures and critical outdoor machineries and equipment after the weather event.
Recommendations on suitable risk controls include:
For more information, refer to the WSH Council’s Code of Practice on WSH Risk Management, the Ministry of Manpower’s Heat Stress Measures for Outdoor Work, Guidelines for Employers on Protecting Employees from the Effect of Haze, and the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Factsheet on Lightning Safety When Working Outdoors.
