Technology will continue to transform work to be smarter, leaner, and more connected. Still, we need to tap on it to make future workplaces safer and healthier, said NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Melvin Yong on 31 August 2020.
“Smarter workplaces must lead to safer workplaces, and I hope that the Government can accelerate the implementation of these technologies at our worksites, starting with the high-risk sectors such as construction and manufacturing,” he said.
In his debate speech in response to President Halimah Yacob’s address in Parliament, Mr Yong emphasised the importance of workplace safety and health (WSH).
He highlighted the need to extend stronger legislative protection to freelancers as well.
According to Mr Yong, freelancers are at a disadvantage as they do not enjoy the same WSH statutory benefits as employees, such as coverage under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA), medical group insurance, and medical leave.
“The lack of adequate WSH protection effectively makes freelancers cheaper to hire, which pushes more companies to adopt such self-employed arrangements to avoid costs. This is a gap that needs to be plugged,” said Mr Yong.
Referring to findings from a recent study by the National University of Singapore that those who work from home faced higher levels of stress than frontline workers, Mr Yong emphasised that workplace health must include mental health.
Mr Yong made this appeal as the lines between home and office have become increasingly blurred.
“I hope that the Government could expand the list of occupational diseases under the Work Injury Compensation Act, to include mental health illnesses related to work stress,” he said.
He also asked to expedite the release of the Tripartite Advisory on Mental Health to better support workers currently struggling with mental health issues related to work.
Another suggestion brought forward by Mr Yong was a ‘Right to Disconnect’ legislation.
Started in France, with similar laws present in other countries like the Philippines and Italy, the legislation allows employees to reject answering work calls and emails after office hours.
“Having a dedicated break can certainly help to reduce employee fatigue and burnout,” said Mr Yong.
