Written Answer by Minister for Manpower on Climate Change-Related Hazards

NOTICE PAPER NO. 348 OF 2021 FOR THE SITTING ON 5 APRIL 2021

QUESTION NO. 625 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Ms Raeesah Khan

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry has plans to update the workplace safety and health regulations to anticipate and address potential climate change-related hazards such as high outdoor temperatures; (b) if so, when can this be expected to take place; and (c) if no, why not.

1. MOM and the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council recently updated the WSH Guidelines on Managing Heat Stress in the Workplace in December 2020, taking into account the effects of climate change, and the risk that Singapore’s daily temperatures could increase.

2. The Guidelines were updated to include strategies to reduce heat stress such as acclimatising newly-assigned workers and scheduling heavy physical work to the cooler part of the day. The revised Guidelines also included early recognition of heat stress and first aid training, as well as an updated heat stress prevention checklist covering both indoor and outdoor work.

3. Based on our inspections, companies do put in place the appropriate mitigating measures for effective management of heat stress. For example, in the construction industry, we found that companies provide workers with sufficient breaks, temporary rest shelters and access to water points throughout the day. For the Marine industry, companies use mobile shelters where possible to shield workers from direct sunlight as they carry out their work.

4. MOM closely monitors the effects of climate change and will issue updated guidance when necessary. We will also continue to work with the industry and WSH professionals to identify, educate on and prevent hazards posed by climate change to our workers’ safety and health.