In the face of rising temperatures, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) takes action, unveiling new rules focused on the well-being of outdoor workers and mitigating the potential dangers of heat stress.
Rising Temperatures, Rising Concerns
As global temperatures continue to surge, the implications on outdoor workers become increasingly apparent. Unlike the general populace, these workers often don’t have the luxury to choose their activities, making them more vulnerable to heat stress, a concern that the MOM highlighted.
New Measures for Heat Stress Prevention
Introduced on Tuesday (Oct 24) and taking effect immediately, the newly instituted measures primarily target workers engaged in “heavy physical activities”. As per the directives:
- Workers must receive a mandatory 10-minute break every hour when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches or exceeds 32 degrees Celsius.
- To help workers acclimatize to outdoor conditions, newcomers need time for gradual adjustment.
- Adequate hydration is essential. All outdoor workers should drink water at least once every hour.
- Workers should regularly take rest breaks in shaded regions, helping to reduce accumulated body heat.
Monitoring Heat Stress: The Role of WBGT
Employers are now tasked with keeping a close eye on the WBGT, a measure that doesn’t just consider temperature but also factors in humidity, solar radiation, and wind – offering a more accurate reading of the prevailing conditions and associated health risks. This tool became even more accessible in July, when Singapore introduced a service enabling individuals to gauge the heat-related risks of outdoor activities based on WBGT readings.
Categorizing Heat Stress Risks
To simplify and categorize the risks, the Heat Stress Advisory now includes three distinct levels – low, moderate, and high. For situations when the WBGT soars to 32 degrees Celsius or above, employers must ensure that workers involved in intense physical labor receive at least 10 minutes of rest every hour under shaded areas. Furthermore, those with pre-existing health conditions may require extended breaks, in line with medical advice.
Implementation and Monitoring
To facilitate this, certain sectors, such as shipyards, the process industry, and construction sites boasting contracts over S$5 million, are mandated to have an on-site WBGT meter. The inclusion of this instrument becomes compulsory from January 1, 2024. However, for other workplaces, the National Environment Agency’s myENV app can serve the purpose of tracking WBGT readings.
Taking it a step further, the MOM encourages workplaces to introduce a “buddy system”. This would ensure that workers can quickly identify symptoms of heat injury in their peers, paving the way for timely interventions.
Ensuring Compliance
To ensure that the new rules aren’t merely words on paper, MOM is geared up to conduct inspections at various workplaces. Employers falling short of the standards set may face repercussions under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, which can range from stop work orders to composition fines.
Conclusion
The well-being of workers, particularly those braving the scorching outdoors, is paramount. With the new rules in place, Singapore’s MOM reinforces its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of its workforce, emphasizing the importance of adapting to a rapidly changing climate.
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