With the haze situation in Singapore reaching the unhealthy level, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has issued advisories for the public to minimise prolonged or heavy outdoor activities.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has also issued guidelines to remind employers of their duty to protect their employees’ safety and health at work and to assess the haze-related risks and adopt appropriate measures to minimise or mitigate these risks, for example, reduce strenuous outdoor work or stop work if it reaches unsafe levels.
The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) concurs and urges employers to follow these guidelines set in place and to ensure that the health and safety of workers remain their top priority. While good workplace safety and health practices should be an ongoing effort, employers should step-up vigilance amid the current haze situation and exercise due diligence in deploying their workers outdoors to ensure that their health and safety are not compromised for any reasons.
Employers are encouraged to monitor the situation closely and be alert for any further advisories from the relevant authorities.
Yeo Guat Kwang
Director
Workplace Safety and Health Secretariat
National Trades Union Congress
