Debated in Parliament on 6 Nov 2017.
Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) in light of global warming and temperatures rising on a yearly basis (a) whether the Ministry is exploring the impact of the heat on our workforce and productivity, particularly labour-intensive industries that work in the outdoors; and (b) how well-equipped is our workforce to cope with the impact of climate change in the medium to long term.
The Government is monitoring the rising temperatures in Singapore and its impact on our workforce and economy. Workers in Construction, Landscaping, Marine and Offshore Engineering and some parts of Logistics are involved in more outdoor work.
Companies in these sectors have put in place mitigating measures tailored to their respective operating contexts. For example, in the Marine industry, companies use mobile shelters where possible to shield workers from direct sunlight as they move along the production line. Construction and Landscape companies equip workers with loose and cool clothing, and ensure outdoor workers have access to drinking facilities throughout the day. Even in warehousing, which is largely sheltered nowadays, companies are increasingly using air-conditioning or large fans to reduce indoor temperatures. Under the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulations, employers are required to take these and other reasonable measures to minimise the risk of heat stress among their workers. The WSH Council has also published guidelines for managing heat stress, which include a 14-day heat acclimatisation programme in the first two weeks of employment, and adequate work-rest cycles.
For the medium to longer term, the Government is working with industry to adopt technologies and improve work processes that will reduce labour-intensive outdoor work. For instance, as part of the Construction Industry Transformation Map, companies are encouraged to prefabricate building components offsite, so that less time is spent on wet work onsite, where workers are exposed to the elements. Marine companies are adopting more robotics and automation in areas like hull blasting and painting. Various Government agencies also support research and development efforts to mitigate the impact of heat stress in urban Singapore.
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