SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced on Tuesday (Oct 24) immediate measures for the welfare of outdoor workers in the face of rising temperatures to reduce the risk of heat stress. Effective immediately, outdoor workers facing temperatures of at least 32 degrees Celsius will be mandated to take a minimum 10-minute rest break in the shade every hour.
The move is a response to concerns about outdoor workers risking heat stress from extended exposure to high temperatures. In consultation with the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Heat Stress Expert Panel, MOM introduced a comprehensive set of measures to mitigate the risk for workers. The measures include acclimatization, hydration, rest, and shade.
New employees must gradually acclimatize to outdoor work, and all outdoor workers must hydrate at least hourly, taking regular rest breaks in shaded areas to dissipate accumulated body heat. One notable measure requires employers to monitor the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) hourly during outdoor work, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.
Certain workplaces, including construction sites with contract sums of S$5 million or more, shipyards, and the process industry, will require a WBGT meter on-site for localized measurements. Others can utilize the National Environment Agency’s myENV app to monitor WBGT readings.
When the WBGT reaches 32 degrees Celsius or higher, a mandatory 10-minute rest break under shade must be provided for workers involved in strenuous physical activities. For workers with pre-existing health conditions, the rest duration may need to be extended as advised by their doctors.
Workplaces are also encouraged to implement a buddy system for early recognition of heat injury symptoms and prompt interventions.
Other supporting measures include rescheduling outdoor work, ventilating workplaces, providing appropriate clothing, closely monitoring worker health conditions, establishing emergency response plans, and monitoring WBGT.
MOM said it will conduct inspections to ensure that these measures are effectively implemented, and employers will be legally obligated to adhere to them under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act.
While these measures aim to protect workers, there are concerns among some employers about potential disruptions to work processes. The Workplace Safety and Health Council advises firms to collaborate with relevant authorities to minimize the impact on businesses while ensuring worker safety.