A HEALTHLY WORKFORCE IN A SAFE WORKPLACE

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DIVISION

YEAR IN REVIEW 2015

Long Term

STRENGTHENING ENGAGEMENT WITH SMES

SMEs play an important part in Singapore’s economy as they make up 99 percent of the companies, employ 70 percent of the workforce and contribute 50 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). With this in mind, WSH Council’s commitment to the development of SMEs is clearly evident since 2011 where one of the strategic priority areas was to enhance sectoral efforts in engaging SMEs. Various forms of assistance were developed by WSH Council since its formation in 2008 e.g. Risk Management Assistance Fund (RMAF), bizSAFE, Go-To-Engagement, WSH Culture Funds (WCF), WSH Assist and electronic WSH bulletins, etc. to ensure that SMEs successfully incorporate WSH in their operations. In October 2015, WSH Council was appointed as SPRING Singapore’s partner to drive WSH. SMEs could now apply for SPRING’s Capability Development Grant (CDG) to achieve bizSAFE Level Star. This grant will enable SMEs to defray up to 70 percent of the cost of completing the programme.

Moving ahead, it is necessary to deepen and enhance our engagement efforts by developing sector-specific approaches that take into account the distinct nature, challenges and WSH landscape of SMEs in each industry. A structured approach would be put in place to leverage on the work done by various agencies for SMEs, and to reap synergies for effective outreach and engagement. In addition, WSH Council would continue to build partnerships beyond existing platforms for better outreach to a greater pool of SMEs and create an ecosystem for SMEs to work safely.

REVAMP OF THE WIC SYSTEM

The aim of the WIC system revamp is to build a more sustainable and efficient system that can contribute to a better WSH environment in workplaces.

This is done through a fundamental shift of focus from an injury compensation model to an upstream WSH prevention one, contributing to better WSH landscape in workplaces. Better WSH will lead to fewer work injuries and reduce the costs of injuries. The new system will also place more attention on injury management and return to work that will help employees remain economically productive and benefits employers with shorter downtime. Insurers will also be given a more significant role in managing WIC claims to help bring about quicker case settlements.

DEVELOPER & DESIGNER EARLY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME (D2E2)

ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME (D2E2) D2E2 is developed by the OSH Inspectorate (OSHI) with a view of addressing WSH early at the start of a building project. It is an initiative to engage developers and designers of large scale projects and projects that may have significant WSH risks. OSHI will work with these developers and designers to set the projects’ specific WSH performance targets in the early phases and recommends improvements to the design where possible. A planned schedule of joint worksite visits by MOM will be developed to enable closer surveillance and identification of potential hazardous areas. Thematic inspection such as for lifting operations and health risk controls will also be initiated as part of the programme. Good practices arising from D2E2 will be published and shared with the industry. To date, collaboration with developers on D2E2 has been initiated for 3 projects, with 2 other projects are scheduled to commence in the pipeline.

TOTAL WSH

To strengthen the emphasis on protecting and promoting health of workers in the workplace, the “Total Workplace Safety and Health” (Total WSH) approach was introduced at the National WSH Campaign 2014. Total WSH is an enhancement in our approach in managing risks in the workplace, taking into consideration not only the WSH aspects of employees but their well-being as well. The intent, approach and broad implementation strategies for Total WSH were developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders including employers, unions, industry associations, WSH professionals, HR professionals, service providers, relevant government agencies. A successful implementation following the Total WSH approach should result in enhancement of staff well-being and productivity in a company.

A joint WSH Council-Health Promotion Board (HPB) Guide on Total WSH has been developed to assist organisations in adopting and implementing this approach. A high-level Tripartite Oversight Committee (TOC) with representation from MOH, MOM, HPB, WSH Council, tripartite partners and relevant stakeholders was also formed in May 2014 to oversee and drive development and execution of a nation-wide workplace health roadmap. In alignment with TOC’s broad strategies and initiatives, WSH Council continues to develop the industry’s capabilities and competencies through initiatives such as self-help tools for companies and training programmes for various stakeholders. WSH Council would also continue to build awareness and understanding of the Total WSH approach through outreach and promotional activities.


The “Total Workplace Safety and Health” (Total WSH) approach, which was introduced at the National WSH Campaign 2014, is an enhancement in our approach in managing risks in the workplace, taking into consideration not only the WSH aspects of employees but their well-being as well.”