Guidelines for Employers of Aged, Pregnant or Disabled Employees on Mandated Breaks

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Manpower whether there are any guidelines or regulations to guide employers who employ aged, pregnant or disabled employees, on allowing mandated breaks for them or to perform their duties or responsibilities while sitting down for periods of time.

MOM and the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council have developed materials and programmes to guide employers to cater to the varying needs of their employees. For example, under the Total WSH programme, employers are taught to consider the health and fitness condition of individual employees, such as the aged, pregnant and disabled, when designing tasks and work schedules. The WSH Guidelines on Fatigue Management and Improving Ergonomics in the Workplace also recommend that employers allow employees to rest for minimally 20 to 30 minutes at regular intervals and provide anti-fatigue mats or sit-stand stools for those required to stand for prolonged periods of time.

For workmen earning up to $4,500 a month and non-workmen earning up to $2,600 a month, Part IV of the Employment Act entitles them to at least one rest break for every six consecutive hours of work.