Debated in Parliament on 9 May 2023.
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Manpower in each of the last five years (a) how many workplace inspections have been carried out to ensure that adequate safety measures are taken to prevent heat injuries; (b) how many employers have been found to have been in breach of the safety measures; and (c) how many of such employers have been subjected to punitive action.
With the rising temperatures due to climate change, heat stress management has been a growing area of focus for workplace safety and health (WSH). During the hotter months of the year, typically between May and September, referencing forecasts by the Meteorological Service Singapore, inspections on heat stress management is part of the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM's) routine inspections. These include checks on whether there are heat stressors that put workers at risks and what on-site measures companies have put in place to manage heat-related risks and hazards, such as the provision of shaded areas and access to water facilities.
In addition to a focus on heat stress management in routine inspections, MOM also conducts targeted inspections on heat stress to check not just onsite measures but also workplace management system and programmes in place including (a) acclimatisation programmes for newly assigned workers; (b) adequate water intake through supervised and scheduled hydration sessions; and (c) training of workers on symptoms of heat injury and early reporting to supervisors if they are feeling unwell. In 2022, targeted inspections on heat stress were conducted at 497 worksites and enforcement actions were taken against 25 companies. Another round of targeted inspections will be conducted this year.
MOM and the WSH Council regularly engage industry, such as through the upcoming Heat Stress Forum this month, to remind companies to put in place mitigating measures to protect workers against heat stress, especially those involved in outdoor work activities. Employers are also encouraged to use the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature meter to assess heat stress risks at the workplace. Companies may refer to the WSH Guidelines on Managing Heat Stress for more detailed guidance.
The number of work-related heat disorder cases remain relatively low, at five or less cases yearly in the past five years. MOM will continue to monitor the situation closely.
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