Written Answer to PQ on Effectiveness and Sustainability of Enhanced Heat Stress Measures

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2744 of 2024 FOR THE SITTING ON 7 MAY 2024
QUESTION NO. 5756 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Mr Yip Hon Weng

To ask the Minister for Manpower since the implementation of enhanced measures to reduce heat stress for outdoor workers (a) whether the measures are reducing the number of reported heat-related incidents; (b) how many employers have been issued fines for non-compliance; (c) how is the Ministry working with employers to ensure that the measures are sustainable; and (d) how does the Ministry support employers in making their workplaces more heat-resilient in the long term.

Answer:

The enhanced measures to reduce heat stress for outdoor workers were developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health’s Heat Stress Expert Panel, government agencies, and employer associations such as the Singapore Contractors Association Limited. To help businesses prepare for and comply with the enhanced measures, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council have released guidelines including the Heat Stress Management Compliance Checklist and Specifications for Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Meters for Workplace Measurements, as well as conducted several industry-specific forums. MOM and the WSH Council also disseminate information on heat stress regularly through channels such as the WSH Council’s Bulletin and Facebook page, and MOM’s FWMOMCare App where information is disseminated in the native languages of migrant workers.

2. In the six months since the implementation of the enhanced measures in October 2023, two heat-related incidents have been reported to MOM. The number of reported heat-related incidents has remained low in the past five years, with no more than five incidents annually.

3. To ensure compliance to the enhanced heat stress measures, MOM has inspected close to 70 workplaces, and taken enforcement actions against 23 companies for breaches. We have worked with these employers to rectify the lapses and put in place measures to protect their workers from risk of heat injury.

4. MOM will also continue to consult the industry when there are new developments, and update the heat stress measures accordingly if the temperature gets warmer. Together, we can build heat resilience in workplaces.