Employers reminded that workers' health and safety should remain a 'priority'
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has issued additional guidance to protect workers from haze exposure, as it reminded employers to always prioritise their workers' health and safety amid poor air quality.
"The health and safety of our workers must always remain a priority, especially during periods of haze," said Minister of State for Manpower, Dinesh Vasu Dash, in a statement.
"I strongly urge employers to stay alert to haze conditions, take appropriate precautions, and pay particular attention to workers who are more vulnerable to its effects."
The minister issued the statement as MOM released additional guidance for employers on how to adjust outdoor work based on the one-hour PM2.5 readings.
Additional guidance for employers
Under the additional guidance, MOM said employers should refer to the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) forecast to plan outdoor work for the following day, including identifying activities to reduce or reschedule.
When the PSI forecast begins indicating "unhealthy" air quality, MOM advised employers to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor work for healthy employees.
"If prolonged or strenuous outdoor work is not avoidable, and an employer still requires an employee to do so due to extenuating circumstances, masks should be provided," the guidance said.
During the day, employers should use the one-hour PM2.5 readings to adjust outdoor work activities as air quality changes.
The guidance advised employers to start reducing strenuous outdoor work when the one-hour PM2.5 level hits elevated status.
According to the guidance, employers are advised to mitigate risks through mechanical aids, job rotation, indoor rest breaks and adequate hydration, among other measures.
Meanwhile, employers are also reminded to review their haze management plans, including:
- Identifying workers who are more susceptible to the effects of haze
- Determining which outdoor work activities should be reduced or rescheduled
- Setting criteria for restricting outdoor work as haze conditions worsen
- Maintaining at least a one-week supply of masks as part of their haze-related business continuity plans, if they have employees who are required to work outdoors
"The additional guidance will help employers respond promptly to changing air quality and make informed decisions on outdoor work arrangements," Dinesh said.
"With timely adjustments to work arrangements and the right protective measures, we can better safeguard workers while supporting business continuity."
