The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is once again calling for all employers to take immediate and proactive measures to ensure that the health and safety of their workers are safeguarded all times, as the haze situation in Singapore persists. Their health and safety are of utmost priority and management must look after their interests over business always.
While no stop-work order has been issued by the relevant authorities at this point, employers should exercise discretion and flexibility where due and make necessary adjustments to their operations, especially where it involves minimising the risks posed by haze exposure to workers.
Appropriate protective masks must be issued to workers for outdoor work and if they are unwell, they must have the right to stop work and rest indoors. Workers should not be penalised for absence from work if it is due to the haze, which is beyond any of our control. Where appropriate, employers may also consider allowing workers to telecommute.
While we await further advisories from the authorities, employers should continue to be alert and adhere to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Cham Hui Fong
Assistant Secretary-General
National Trades Union Congress
