WSH 2018 - Workplace Safety and Health Council · PDF fileCHALLENGES TO WORKPLACE HEALTH MANAGEMENT ... WSH 2018 In Singapore, ... • Guidebook on the Globally Harmonised System

workplacehealth

workplace

2018WSH

management in Singapore

improving

CONTENTINTRODUCTION AFocusonWorkplaceHealth WorkplaceHealthinSingapore—WhereWeStand

SINGAPORE’S WORKPLACE HEALTH FRAMEWORK TheLegislativeFramework KeyStakeholders

CHALLENGES TO WORKPLACE HEALTH MANAGEMENT TargetedOutcomes

APPROACHES AND STRATEGIES ApproachestoManagingWorkplaceHealth DifferentStrategiesforDifferentTypesofWorkplaceHealthHazards Strategy1—ImplementingTargetedInterventionProgrammes Strategy2—MonitoringandIntelligenceGathering Strategy3—ResearchandStandardsDevelopment Strategy4—PromotionofGoodPractices

CONCLUSION

APPENDIX 1 : WORKPLACE HEALTH STRATEGY

APPENDIX 2 : WORKPLACE HEALTH ACTION PLANS

112

348

1113

14151617202223

24

26

28

INTRODUCTION 01

improving WORKPLACE HEALTH management in Singapore

1.1 A Focus on Workplace Health

In 2005, Singapore adopted a new framework forworkplacesafetyandhealth(WSH)toimproveWSHstandards and safety outcomes. The framework isbasedonthreekeyprinciples:

a. Reducing risks at source by requiring allstakeholders to eliminate or minimise the riskstheycreate;

b. EngenderinggreaterindustryownershipofWSHoutcomes;and

c. Preventingaccidentsthroughhigherpenaltiesforpoorsafetymanagement.

Underthenewframework,theMinistryofManpower(MOM) has worked with the WSH Council andother industry partners to improve WSH through acombination of capability building, an enhancedregulatory framework and greater industryengagement.

In the past, the main focus was on improving themanagement of workplace safety, lapses whichhave an immediate and tangible impact in termsof injuries or fatalities. But even as we continue toimprove our management of workplace safety, itis important that our management of workplacehealth(WH)issueskeepsapace.Theimpactoffailuresin WH management lapses is more insidious, butno less severe than that stemming from workplacesafetylapses.

Indeed, in developed economies, the cost of WHproblems often outstrips that of workplace safetyissues. We therefore need a sensible approach tomanage the risks from WH hazards that balancesemployees’safetyandhealthwithbusinessneeds.

02

INTRODUCTION

Type of occupational diseases 2008 2007 2006

Total 855 602 657

Noise-induceddeafness 743 490 535

Occupationalskindiseases 66 59 89

Work-relatedmusculoskeletaldisorder 5 25 8

Barotrauma 5 17 5

Excessiveabsorptionofchemicals 11 3 5

Occupationallungdisease 5 3 2

Compressedairillness 7 2 3

Chemicalpoisoning 8 – –

Mesothelioma 4 – –

Otheroccupationaldiseases 1 3 10

Table 1: Number of confirmed occupational disease cases from 2006–2008

1.2 Workplace Health in Singapore — Where We Stand

In 2008, there were 855 confirmed cases ofOccupational diseases (ODs), of which 94.6%were cases of noise induced deafness (NID) andoccupational skin diseases. This translates to anincidencerateof36.2per100,000employees.

ODsareillnessesdirectlycausedbyphysical,chemicalorbiologicalhazardsintheworkplace.InSingapore,thereare31ODsthatarereportableundertheThirdScheduleoftheWSHAct.Itiscontractedasaresultofexposuresoveraperiodoftimetoriskfactorsarisingfromworkactivity.

WhileourWHstatisticsappearfairlymodestrelativetothoseinmostofthedevelopedcountries,theymaynotreflectanentirelyaccuratepictureofthestateofWH in Singapore. Under-reporting arising from thegeneral lack of awareness on ODs in Singapore islikelytobeamajorcontributingfactor.OtherfactorsincludemethodologicaldifferencesinhowcountriesdefineODsandtheirreportingrequirementsforsuchdiseases. (Singapore has 31 prescribed ODs underthe Third Schedule of the WSH Act as ODs whileother developed countries such as the UK, US andNordiccountrieshaveamuchbroaderdefinitionofworkplaceillness.)

WSH 2018

In Singapore, there are 31 occupational diseases that are reportable under the Third Schedule of the Workplace Safety and Health Act.

SINGAPORE’SWORKPLACEHEALTHFRAMEWORK

SINGAPORE’SWORKPLACEHEALTHFRAMEWORK2.1 The Legislative Framework

The Workplace Safety and Health ActEnacted in 2006, the WSH Act provides the mainlegislativeframeworkunderwhichWSHmattersareregulated.Itintroducesaperformance-basedregimethatrequiresstakeholderstoproactivelyidentifyandmitigateWSHrisks.TheActrecognisesthatsafetyisnotthesoledutyoftheoccupieranddefinesgeneraldutiesofcare fora rangeofstakeholders includingemployers,principalsandemployees.

Inaddition,subsidiarylegislationundertheWSHActregulates the management of WH in the followingareas:

a. Risk Management: Employers are required tocarryoutsafetyandhealthriskassessmentsundertheWSH(RiskManagement)Regulations.

b. Reporting:Allworkplacesarerequiredtoreportwork-related accidents, dangerous occurrencesand ODs under the WSH (Incident Reporting)Regulations.DoctorswhodiagnoseanyemployeewithanODarealsorequiredtoreport it.Atotalof31ODsare reportableunder the WSH Act, asdetailedinTable2.

Where an employee suffers from an OD, a registered

medical practitioner diagnosing the OD and the employer is required to submit a report to MOM within 10 days of the diagnosis.

c. Monitoring and Surveillance: Regulations arein place to ensure that the health of workers isnot compromised by excessive exposure to WHhazards such as noise and chemical agents. TheWSH (General Provisions) Regulations requireworkplaces to ensure that the exposure levelsof over 600 toxic substances do not exceed theprescribedpermissibleexposurelevels(PELs).

Workplaces with excessive chemical exposure (above 10% of the PEL) are to conduct chemical

monitoring at least once a year. For noisy workplaces with 10 or more workers exposed to noise of more than 85dBA over 8 hours, monitoring is required. All these monitoring results are to be submitted

to MOM.

Furthermore, MOM’s in-plant monitoringprogrammeplaceshigher-riskfactories,identifiedthroughourinspectionsandODstatistics,undersurveillance to monitor the exposure levels ofhazardous chemicals present in the workplace.Similarly,theFactories(Noise)RegulationsrequirefactoriestoensurethatworkersarenotexposedtonoiselevelsexceedingtheprescribedPELs.

04

WSH 2018

Table 2: List of reportable occupational diseases

No.

1. Anilinepoisoning 16. Hydrogensulphidepoisoning

2. Anthrax 17. Occupationalskindiseases

3. Arsenicalpoisoning 18. Leadpoisoning

4. Asbestosis 19. Liverangiosarcoma

5. Barotrauma 20. Manganesepoisoning

6. Berylliumpoisoning 21. Mercurialpoisoning

7. Byssinosis 22. Mesothelioma

8. Cadmiumpoisoning 23. Noise-induceddeafness

9. Carbamatepoisoning 24. Occupationalasthma

10. Carbonbisulphidepoisoning 25. Organophosphatepoisoning

11. Chromeulceration 26. Phosphorouspoisoning

12. Chronicbenzenepoisoning 27. Poisoningfromhalogenderivativesofhydrocarboncompounds

13. Compressedairillness 28. Repetitivestraindisorderoftheupperlimb

14. Cyanidepoisoning 29. Silicosis

15.Epitheliomatousulceration(duetotar,pitch,bitumen,mineraloilorparaffinoranycompound,productorresidueofanysuchsubstance)

30. Toxicanaemia

31. Toxichepatitis

0505

Reportable Occupational Diseases Reportable Occupational DiseasesNo.


Other Legislation, Singapore Standards, Codes of Practice and GuidelinesApartfromtheWSHActanditssubsidiarylegislation,there are other pieces of legislation regulating themanagementofspecificWHhazards.TheMinistryofHealth(MOH)regulatestheuseofbiologicalagentsunder the Biological Agents and Toxins Act. TheNational Environment Agency (NEA) regulates thehandlingofcertainhazardoussubstancesundertheEnvironmentalProtectionandManagementAct.

VariousSingaporeStandards (SS),CodesofPractice(CP)andguidelinesdevelopedbySPRINGSingapore,the WSH Council and other government agenciessupplementandsupportthesepiecesoflegislation,byprovidingtheindustrywithguidanceondealingwithspecificWHhazards. ThesearesummarisedinTable3.

In addition, under the Factories (MedicalExaminations) Regulations, workers in occupationsinvolving exposure to 19 health hazards must becertifiedfitfortheoccupationbyadesignatedfactorydoctorandundergoperiodicmedicalexaminationsthereafter. Depending on the hazards, theseexaminations include hearing tests, liver functiontests, chest X-rays and tests for chemical exposurelevels in the blood or urine. In 2008, some 106,000workersweremonitoredundertheFactories(MedicalExaminations)Regulations.

Data from the various monitoring and surveillanceprogrammesaresenttoMOMandkeptinanationalrepository.ThisenablesMOMtoidentifythehigher-risk workplaces, analyse OD trends and makeinterventionswherenecessary.

06

WSH 2018

SINGAPORE’S WORKPLACE HEALTH FRAMEWORK

Scope of Coverage Legislation Codes of Practice / Guidelines

Asbestos• EnvironmentalProtectionand

ManagementAct• Factories(Asbestos)Regulations

• GuidelinesontheRemovalofAsbestosMaterialsinBuildings

• GuidelinesontheHandlingofAsbestosMaterials

Biological • InfectiousDiseaseAct• BiologicalAgentsandToxinsAct

• SingaporeBiosafetyGuidelinesforResearchonGeneticallyModifiedOrganisms(GMOs)

• SchoolScienceLaboratorySafetyRegulations

Chemical Hazards

• WSH(GeneralProvisions)Regulations• WSH(AbrasiveBlasting)Regulations• EnvironmentalProtectionand

ManagementAct

• GuidelinesonPreventionandControlofChemicalHazards

• GuidelinesonRiskAssessmentforOccupationalExposuretoHarmfulChemicals

• GuidelinesonSolventDegreasing• CP61:1994PackagingandContainersfor

HazardousSubstances• SS586onSpecificationforHazard

CommunicationforHazardousChemicalsandDangerousGoods

• GuidebookontheGloballyHarmonisedSystemofClassificationandLabellingofChemicals

• SS548:2009CPforSelection,UseandMaintenanceofRespiratoryProtectionDevices

Confined Work Space • WSH(GeneralProvisions)Regulations • TechnicalAdvisoryonWorkingSafelyinConfinedSpaces

Compressed air Illness – • PreventionofCompressedAirIllnessandBarotraumainTunnelConstruction

Diving –• SS511:CPonDivingatWork• TechnicalAdvisoryforInland/Inshore

CommercialDivingSafetyandHealth

Ergonomics and Lighting –

• SS514:CPforOfficeErgonomics• SS92:CPonManualHandling• SS531CPforLightingofWorkPlaces

Indoor Air Quality – • SS554:2009CPforIndoorAirQualityforAir-ConditionedBuildings

First Aid • WSH(FirstAid)Regulations • GuidelinesonFirstAidRequirements

Medical Examinations • Factories(MedicalExaminations)Regulations • GuidelinesforDesignatedFactoryDoctors

Noise and Vibration • Factories(Noise)Regulations

• HearingConservationProgrammeGuidelines• GuidelinesonNoiseLabelling• CP99:2003CPforIndustrialNoiseControl• SS549:2009CPfortheSelection,Use,Careand

MaintenanceofHearingProtectors

Table 3: List of relevant subsidiary legislation, Singapore Standards, Codes of Practice and Guidelines


0507

2.2 Key Stakeholders

IndustryThisisadiversegroupthatincludesemployersandtheir associations (such as the Singapore NationalEmployers Federation, the Singapore BusinessFederation and the Association of Small andMedium Enterprises), trade associations (such asSingaporeChemicalIndustryCouncilandSingaporeManufacturers Association), and broader industry-led bodies such as the WSH Council. Given itsunderstanding and experience of the operatingconditionsattheworkplaceandtheworkprocessesemployed, industry is an important partner indevelopingeffectivetoolsandsolutionstomanageWH hazards. Industry also plays a critical role inraising awareness of WH issues, which are typicallyless well understood compared to more traditionalsafetyrisks.

WSH ProfessionalsWSH professionals such as WSH auditors, officersandcoordinatorsaretrainedtoadviseemployersonthe measures they should take to improve theiroverall management of WSH. There are otherprofessionals and competent persons providingsupport to employers specifically in the area ofmanaging WH hazards. Providing services rangingfrom the monitoring, evaluation and control ofWHhazards,totheconductofmedicalexaminationsand the management of work-related diseases andinjuries,theseprofessionalsandcompetentpersonsincludeoccupationalhealthphysicians,noisecontrolofficers and occupational hygienists (details inTable4).

Table 4: Number of professionals and competent persons involved in managing WH

Professional and Competent Persons Estimated Number as of 2009

Competentpersonsformanagementofhazardoussubstances 1511

Competentpersonsforsamplingandmonitoringofairbornecontaminants 390

Safetyassessors(confinedspace) 4330

Designatedfactorydoctors 670

Noisecontrolofficers 350

Noisemonitoringofficers 1000

Occupationalhealthnurses 200

Occupationalhygienists 20

Ergonomicspractitioners 80

Occupationalhealthphysicians 30

Occupationalphysiotherapists 500

Occupationaltherapists 320

Workplacesafetyandhealthauditors 160

Workplacesafetyandhealthcoordinators 2040

Workplacesafetyandhealthofficers 1580

08

WSH 2018


Providing services ranging from the monitoring, evaluation and control of WH hazards, to the conduct of medical examinations and the management of work-related diseases and injuries, these professionals and competent persons include occupational health physicians, noise control officers and occupational hygienists.

Table 5: Professional institutions and societies and the composition of their members involved in WH

Note: There are overlaps in membership composition.

Professional Institutions and Societies Professional and Competent Persons

AssociationofSafetyAuditingFirms Workplacesafetyandhealthauditors

ChapterofPublicHealthandOccupationalPhysiciansAcademyofMedicineSingapore Occupationalhealthphysicians

EnvironmentalandOccupationalDermatologySociety DermatologistsOccupationalhealthphysicians

ErgonomicsSocietyofSingapore Humanfactorsprofessionals

InstitutionofEngineersSingapore(IES) Safetyengineersincludingworkplacesafetyandhealthofficers

OccupationalandEnvironmentalHealthSociety(OEHS)OccupationalhealthphysiciansOccupationalhygienistsWorkplacesafetyandhealthofficers

SingaporeInstitutionofSafetyOfficers(SISO) Workplacesafetyandhealthofficers

SingaporeMedicalAssociation/CollegeofFamilyPhysiciansSingapore Doctorsincludingdesignatedfactorydoctors

SingaporeSocietyofOccupationalHealthNurses Occupationalhealthnurses

By providing continuing education and trainingto their members, the professional bodies forWH professionals and competent persons playan active role in supporting efforts to improveWH management. Table 5 lists some of theseprofessionalbodies.

0509


WSH 2018

EmployeesEmployeesbearthebruntoftheconsequenceswhensafety and health lapses occur at the workplace.While their employers play an important role inproviding a safe and healthy work environment,employees must also take personal responsibilityfor their safety and be provided with adequatetraining to understand the importance of WSHandhowtotakeprecautionstoprotectthemselvesattheworkplace.

Government The Government’s primary role is to oversee thegeneraldirectionofWSHthroughitspolicymaking,as well as regulate and ensure compliance withthe relevant legislation. Agencies such as MOM,MOH and NEA play a regulatory role on the WHfront, dealing with issues such as the handling ofhazardous substances at the workplace. Otheragencies such as the Health Promotion Board(HPB) play an important role in working withemployers to provide a workplace environmentand workplace policies that support the healthand well-being of their employees. Meanwhile,theWorkforceDevelopmentAgency(WDA)providesskills training and upgrading for workers, includingWSHcompetencies.

Institutions such as research bodies, training providers, WSH consultancies and our tertiary educational institutions help support efforts to improve WH management in Singapore.

Other Supporting Institutions Institutions such as research bodies, trainingproviders, WSH consultancies and our tertiaryeducational institutions help support effortsto improve WH management in Singapore.Research institutions, training providers and WSHconsultancies provide training and expert adviceto improve WH outcomes. The tertiary educationalinstitutions also provide WSH training — at thepre-employment stage and through continuingeducation — and also conduct research into WSHissues. The Council is working with educationalinstitutions to integrate WSH into the academicsyllabuses of relevant courses such as engineeringand nursing at the diploma, undergraduate andpost-graduatelevels.

10


CHALLENGESTOWORKPLACEHEALTHMANAGEMENT

CHALLENGESTOWORKPLACEHEALTHMANAGEMENTUnique nature of WH hazards and ODs

OneofthekeychallengesinidentifyingappropriateapproachestotackleWHissuesistheuniquenatureofWHhazardsandODs.Whereastheconsequencesof failures in workplace safety are immediatelyobvious and manifest as injuries or fatalities, theconsequencesoffailuresinWHhazardmanagementmay only become apparent many years later.Because manyODshavea long latency period, theonsetofanODmayoccurlongafterexposuretotheWHhazardinquestion(suchasachemicalagent)hasceased.Moreover,someODssuchasmusculoskeletaldisordersandchronicobstructivelungdiseasemaybecausedbybothworkandnon-workfactors.Thesemakeitdifficultforemployerstointernalisethecostsstemming from poor WH management. Businessesmay therefore lack incentives to invest in WH,particularlyiftheytakeashorttermview.

The long latency period for ODs also presentschallenges on the enforcement front, given that itwould be difficult to assess whether at the time ofexposure, “reasonably practicable” measures wereundertaken at the workplace to mitigate exposurerisks. With most workers today likely to work formultipleemployersintheirlifetime,itmaybedifficulttodeterminewhenhewasexposedtotheWHhazardthatledtotheOD.

Lack of awareness and capability to manage WH hazards

Partly because the nature of WH hazards and ODsmake it difficult for employers to measure andinternalise the cost of poor WH management,the focus of industry efforts has been on tackling

workplacesafetylapsesthatcouldleadtoaccidents,rather than WH hazards. There is a general lack ofawareness amongst both businesses and workersconcerning WH issues in comparison to generalsafety matters, which garner publicity each timethere is a major workplace accident. Capabilities toeffectively manage WH hazards are also relativelyweak.This is particularly so with the newer sectorscoveredundertheWSHActaswellastheSmallandMediumEnterprises(SMEs).

Inadequate information on thestate of WH

Another challenge we face is our lack of acomprehensive and in-depth picture of the stateof WH in Singapore. This would impact our abilityto identify and effectively tackle WH problems.Under-reporting is one of the contributing factors.The relatively limited scope of our WH data isanother contributing factor, given that our data onWH is largelydrawnfromthestatisticsonreportedODs and the exposure data of those workplaceson our monitoring programmes. To enhance ourmanagement of WH and raise WH standards, it isessential that the action plans we develop addressthese three challenges, while bearing in mind theguidingprinciplesoftheoverallWSHframework.

We need a broadened data collection approach which will enable us to develop better picture of the key WH risks facing the population and to calibrate our efforts accordingly. It would also allow us to better assess and proactively respond to the emergence of any new WH risks.

WSH 2018

12

related illnesses or diseases1, including thoseresulting from exposure to asbestos and chemicalsinconfinedspaces,weaimtoreducethe incidencerateby20%fromthe3-yearaverageof85casesper100,000 employed persons (from 2006 to 2008).WhileODincidenceservesasausefulgaugeofthestateofWH,itisnonethelessadownstreammeasureofthatstate.WeshouldalsohaveupstreammeasuresonthestateofWHmanagement.

One such measure is the compliance rate ofworkplaces with theirWH legislative obligations. InadditiontofocusingonWHlegislativerequirementspertainingtonoise,chemicalexposureandwork inconfinedspaces,wewillalsoassesscompliancewithlegislativerequirementsforasbestoswork.Asbestos,while no longer used extensively in industry,nonethelessstillposesasignificantpublichealthriskduringworkprocesseslikerenovationworkgivenitspresenceinolderplantsandbuildings.

We aim to have 95% of workplaces inspectedin compliance with our key WH legislativerequirements by 2018, that is, the implementationof (i) a hearing conservation programme; (ii)a chemical management programme; (iiii) aconfined space management programme; and (iv)asbestos work-related legislative requirements.1 These chemical-related ODs include occupational dermatitis, chemical poisoning and excessive absorption, lung diseases and mesthothelioma.

3.1 Targeted Outcomes

The aim of the WH strategy is to help stakeholdersrecognise the importance of a healthy workplaceand take proactive measures to improve theirmanagement of WH hazards. The section belowsummarisestheoutcomeswewillworktowards:

Our efforts should lead to an overall improvementin the state of WH management and in turn,the health outcomes of employees. We shouldobserveareductionintheoverallODincidencerate.We aim to reduce the OD incidence rate by 20%,from the 3-year average of 32.4 cases per 100,000employedpersons (from2006to2008)to lessthan25.9casesper100,000by2018.Partofourstrategyto improve WH outcomes is to tackle the leadingcausesofreportedODsinSingapore,namelynoise,chemical exposure and work in confined spaces(which lead to ODs such as chemical poisoning).These three hazards account for around 95% ofreported ODs in Singapore. Apart from workingtowardsareductionintheoverallODincidencerate,wethereforealsoaimtoreducetheincidencerateofODsarisingfromthesespecificWHhazardsby20%.

20% overall reductionin OD incidence rate

WeaimtoreducetheincidencerateforNIDby20%,from the 3-year average of 590 cases per 100,000employedpersons(from2006to2008).Forchemical-

20% reduction in incidence of (i) NID; and (ii) chemical-related illnesses or diseases

95% of workplaces inspected have implemented WH hazard management

programmes in compliance with legislative requirements


0513

APPROACHESANDSTRATEGIES

APPROACHESANDSTRATEGIESThissectionoutlines theapproachesandstrategieswewillemploytotackleWHissues.

4.1 Approaches to Managing Workplace Health

The unique challenges posed by the nature of WHhazardsrequiretheadoptionofamodifiedapproachfromthatusedtomanagesafetyhazards.

A compliance-based regulatory frameworkTheenactmentoftheWSHActmarkedashift froma prescriptive legislative regime to a performance-based one. Rather than prescribe in detail whatstakeholders are expected to do to ensure safetyoutcomes, the WSH Act lays out general duties ofcareforthevariousstakeholders,requiringthemtotake “reasonably practicable” measures to ensureworkersafety.

However, itmaynotbeeasy toeffect thisprinciplefor WH issues, given the long latency period ofmany ODs. For instance, should a worker bediagnosed with an OD with a long latency period,it is a challenge to establish whether his employerat the time of probable exposure had undertaken“reasonably practicable” measures to minimise theworker’sriskofexposure.Thisisfurthercomplicatedby the fact that the worker’s condition may beexacerbated by non-work factors as well. Unlikeworkplace accidents, it can be more challengingestablishing the circumstances contributing tothe development of the OD and hence, provideguidance on the“reasonably practicable” measures

that may be undertaken to prevent the OD. Giventhese considerations, it may be necessary forthe WH regulatory framework to adopt a moreprescriptive approach in order to providestakeholders with greater guidance on theirobligations to ensure WH outcomes. For instance,the regulatory framework should prescribe specificmeasuresthatstakeholdersshouldputinplaceandspecificstandards,includingPELs,thatstakeholdersshould comply with, rather than outline generaldutiesofcare.

Greater focus on eliminating or reducing exposures to WH hazardsButwhileit isimportantandnecessarytoprescribePELs and other suitable indicators for specifichazards through legislation, compliance with suchindicatorsdoesnot implythecompleteeliminationof risk. PELs merely set the minimum acceptablestandardsthatindustryshouldcomplywithintermsofmanagingWHhazards.Moreover, theprocessofsettingappropriatePELsisoftencomplexandlong-drawnandPELshaveyettobeestablishedformanychemicalsandbiologicalagents.

A more progressive and proactive approach todriving improvements in WH management andraising WH standards would be for regulators andindustry to focus on eliminating or incrementallyreducingexposuretoWHhazardstoaslowalevelaspossible,whetherornotPELshavebeenestablished.Thisapproachcanbesupportedbytheapplicationof research to develop cost-effective solutions andthesharingandpromotionofbestindustrypracticesinmanagingWHhazards.


0515

Established WH Hazards

Direct Causal Link Contributing FactorEmerging Hazards Unknown Hazards

Targeted intervention programmes

Promotion of good practices

Research and standards development

Monitoring and intelligence gathering

4.2 Different Strategies for Different Types of Workplace

Health Hazards

WHhazardsrefertophysicalorpsychosocialfactors,andchemicalorbiologicalagentsat theworkplacewhichhaveapotentiallyadverse impactonhealth.These hazards can be broadly classified into threecategories:

a. Established hazards where the relationshipbetween the OD and hazard is well-understood.Therearetwosubgroupswithinthiscategory:

• Established hazards where a direct causallink to the OD can be proven. Such hazardsinclude noise (which can cause permanentloss of hearing), chemicals (which can causepoisoning)andinfectiousagents(e.g.,hepatitisandHIVfromneedle-stickinjuries).

• Established hazards that are contributing factors to the OD. For example, poor

workplace ergonomics are among thefactors that collectively can lead to

musculoskeletaldisorder.

b. Emerging hazards whose health effects andimpact are still being studied. Examples includenano-materialsandthecontributionofworkstresstocardiovascularandotherchronicdiseases.

c. Unknown hazards. Thesearenewhazardswhichmay emerge as new work processes, chemical,biologicalandinfectiousagentsareintroducedattheworkplace.

Given the different nature and characteristics ofestablished, emerging and unknown hazards, wecannot adopt a uniform approach or strategy fortackling all three categories of hazards. Rather,a differentiated approach for each category ofhazard is required. Table 6 summarises the variouscombinations of strategies we will employ to dealwith established, emerging and unknown hazardsrespectively. An overview of the WH Strategy isin Appendix 1. An Action Plan with details onhowweintendto implementthevariousstrategiescanbefoundinAppendix2.

Table 6: Summary of strategies for managing WH hazards

16

WSH 2018

APPROACHES AND STRATEGIES

We will put in place targeted interventionprogrammes to tackle established ODs. These ODsstem from established WH hazards where a directcausal link to the OD can be proven. Given thenature of these WH hazards, our interventionprogrammes can systematically eliminate ormitigatethesehazardsby:

Developing and prescribing appropriate standards In collaboration with industry, we will developappropriate standards to minimise the risk ofexposuretothetargetedhazards.Asourregulatoryframework for WH will have a stronger focus oncompliance, we must ensure that the prescribedstandards, procedures and control measures arerobust and effective. This can be done throughregular reviews, monitoring the extent of adoptionofthestandardsandbybenchmarkingourpracticesagainst standards established by internationalorganisations.

Providing compliance assistanceTo provide industry with guidance as to whatconstitutes “reasonably practicable” measures tominimisethetargetedWHhazards,wewilldevelopcompliance assistance materials such as technicalguidelines, codes of practice and checklists.Industry access to such materials will be enhancedby improving the content and accessibility ofexisting electronic databases on good practiceson WH hazards control. As SMEs may requireadditional assistance to manage short termcompliance costs, we will explore leveraging onexistingprogrammessuchastheRiskManagementAssistanceFund(RMAF)todoso.

Deepening capabilities to monitor and control hazardsWe will review and enhance the current trainingframework to ensure that stakeholders — fromemployers to WSH professionals to workers onthe ground — are equipped with the necessary

competencies to manage the WH hazards. WSHprofessionals and specialists should have thetechnicalskills toassistemployersandoccupiers inminimisingworkerexposuretothetargetedhazards.Generic WSH courses targeted at workers andsupervisors should incorporate modules designedto raise awareness of these hazards and basic riskmanagementmeasures.Educating and engaging employeesWhile employers will remain an important targetaudience for outreach efforts, greater emphasisshould be placed on reaching out to employeesdirectly to educate them on protecting themselvesfrom the targeted WH hazards. Apart from regularoutreach events at workplaces and foreign workerdormitories, we can work with the healthcareprofessionals to facilitate the dissemination ofinformation during workers’ periodic medicalexaminations.

Targeted enforcement To complement our engagement efforts, we willalso step up enforcement efforts in the targetedintervention areas by focusing on specific hazardsandindustry.

Intervention programmes targeting leading causesof reported ODs in Singapore will be implementedinphases—noise,chemicalsexposureandworkinconfinedspaces—aswellasasbestoswork,whichpose a significant public health risk during workprocesses like renovation work, given the presenceof asbestos in older plants and buildings. Inaddition, there would also be stepped upenforcementprogrammesincertainhighrisksectorssuchasshipyardsandmetalworkingindustry.Newfocus areas may be identified in the future, shouldnew priorities emerge. Details on the four targetedintervention programmes are described on thenextpage.

0517


Strategy 1Implementing Targeted Intervention Programmes

a. Work involving noisy processes NIDistheleadingODinSingapore,accountingfor

over80%ofallODs.Thereisaneedtocontinuetargeting noise hazards, particularly in themanufacturing, shipbuilding/ship-repairing andconstructionsectors,whichaccountedfor84.9%oftheNIDcasesreportedin2008.

Some key initiatives under this programmeinclude strengthening legislative requirements,

identifying noisy workplaces for surveillanceand control, managing noise hazards atworkplaces through the implementation ofHearing Conservation Programme (HCP), raisingawarenessandbuildingcapabilityinnoisehazardmanagement. The key elements of the in-plantHCP include noise monitoring, noise control,hearing protection, audiometric examinationsandhealtheducation.

b. Work in confined spaces In the past and recent years, workers have died

after being exposed to toxic levels of chemicalvapours and gases, or were asphyxiated from alackofoxygen,asaresultfromworkinconfinedspaces. Many incidents had occurred insideISO tankers, storage or ballast tanks, silos,ship compartments and manholes. There is aneed to strengthen the regulatory framework.Accordingly, new regulations for confinedspace work have been introduced to ensurethat systematic processes are put in place forworkplacesto identifypotentialconfinedspacesand implement safe work procedures for entryand work in confined spaces. Concurrently, we

willenhancetheawarenessandcapabilityoftheindustrytodealwiththerisksinvolvedinworkinconfinedspaces.

Companies carrying out work in confinedspaces will be required to implement aconfined space management programmeconsisting of these elements: hazard

identification,evaluationandcontrol,entry-permitsystem, atmospheric testing and monitoring,ventilationandemergencyresponse.

c. Work involving asbestos Asbestos is a human carcinogen that can cause fatal cancers such as mesothelioma and lung

cancer. While asbestos is no longer used extensively in industry, workers involved in asbestos removal work in ships and plants, or

demolition or renovation works face a high risk of exposure. The public may also be exposed

when asbestos removal works are poorlymanaged. We need to strengthen currentlegislationtoputinplacemorestringentcontrolsonasbestosmanagementandasbestosremovalwork, including introducing a licensing schemefor asbestos removal contractors and duties onbuildingowners.Thereisalsoaneedforgreaterawareness, particularly among workers, of thehealtheffectsofasbestosexposureandworkersand supervisors need to be better trained inmanagingthereleaseofasbestosfibres.

Worksites with work involving asbestos willbe required to comply with existing legislativerequirements for asbestos works. This includes

WSH 2018

18


implementingsaferemovalmethodsforasbestoscontaining materials, providing appropriateshowerfacilitiesandPPE,andproperstorageanddisposalofasbestoswaste.

d. Work involving known hazardous chemicals There are over 600 prescribed chemicals under

theWSH(GeneralProvisions)Regulations.Whenchemicals are poorly managed, they can causemany ODs including occupational skin diseases,poisoning and occupational lung diseases.A comprehensive and effective monitoringprogramme for workplaces using hazardouschemicals is necessary for early risk detectionand intervention. Raising awareness of chemicalhazards and strengthening capabilities in

proper chemical management monitoring andcontrol are key activities of this programme. Ashazardous chemicals are regulated by differentauthoritiesinSingapore,awhole-of-governmentapproachwouldbeneededintermsofmonitoring,intelligencegathering,andenforcement.

Workplacesarerequiredtoimplementanin-plantchemical management programme consistingof these key elements: hazard communication(labelling and safety data sheet), training andeducation, hazard assessment and control (withrespect to storage, handling and disposal ofchemicals), PPE, workplace monitoring, medicalsurveillance,andemergencyresponse.

Results of regular exposure monitoring will berequiredtobesubmittedtoMOMandcapturedinourchemicalexposuredatabase.

Compliance assistance

Developing Standards

Educating employees

Building capabilities

Targeted enforcement

Targeted Intervention Programmes


0519

Strategy 2Monitoring and Intelligence Gathering

There is a need to put in place a robust reportingsystem to (i) prioritise our efforts to better tackleestablished WH hazards; and (ii) identify new andemergingWHhazardstowhichweneedtodeveloparesponse.Arobustreportingsystemshouldenableus to obtain reliable and comprehensive data onOD incidence and exposure to WH hazards in atimelyfashion.

Thecurrentreportingsystemwouldbeimproved.Intermsofcomprehensiveness,thescopeofcurrentlycollected data is fairly limited. Our data on ODincidenceiscurrentlyrestrictedtothe31reportableODsprescribedundertheThirdScheduleoftheWSHAct.Meanwhile,weonlycollectexposuredatafromworkplaces under our monitoring programmes,whichconstituteonlyafractionofworkplaceswherethe WH hazards in question are present. In termsof reliability, our WH statistics may not provide anentirelyrepresentativepictureoftheWHlandscapeinSingapore,duetounder-reportingandagenerallackofawarenessonODs.

To improve the quality of our WH data, we willenhance our WH reporting and monitoringmechanisms and our intelligence gatheringcapabilitiesthroughthefollowingavenues:

a. Engaging doctors Doctors are often the first point of contact for

workerswithpotentialwork-relateddiseasesandare best placed to help identify the emergenceof WH trends and disease clusters. Enhancingdoctors’ awareness and knowledge of work-related diseases will help facilitate accuratediagnosesandreporting.Meanwhile,simplifyingthereportingprocessfordoctorsandestablishingbetterinformation-sharingplatformswillfacilitatethe prompt reporting of work-related diseases.Doctors should also be encouraged to reportpotential new ODs. MOM and the WSH Council

will work closely with MOH, the healthcare industry and the relevant professional associationsontheseefforts.

b. Exploring new mechanisms for data collection To complement WH data collected from our

existing reporting and monitoring systems, wewill explore the use of surveys as an alternative

source of data. Surveys can help us betterunderstandthedrivingforcesbehindWHtrends,deepen our understanding of work-relateddiseasesbeyondthe31reportableODsandgaininsightsintonewandemergingWHhazardsthatworkersonthegroundmayface.Asanalternativesource of data, surveys could also help addresstheissueofunder-reporting.

There is a need to put in place a robust reporting system to(i) prioritise our efforts to better tackle established WH hazards; and(ii) identify new and emerging WH hazards to which we need to develop a response.

WSH 2018

20


c. Enhancing and expanding monitoring programmes

Tobroadenthescopeofexposuredatacollected,we will expand the range of WH hazards andworkplacescoveredbyourexposuremonitoringprogrammes.

Forinstance,newsectorscoveredundertheWSHAct could be included in these programmes.We would also strengthen the capability of WHprofessionals such as occupational hygienistsand designated factory doctors and otherstakeholdersinvolvedinrecognising,monitoringandevaluatingWHissues.

d. Enhancing links between existing databases To deepen our understanding of ODs and their

contributing factors, we will work with othergovernment agencies such as MOH to link theirdisease registers with data from our exposuremonitoring programmes. This will facilitate themitigationofWHrisksupstream.

e. Strengthening links with WSH-related organisations

Strengthening our information sharing links with our foreign counterparts on WSH and international organisations such as the

International Labour Organization (ILO) and

WHOwillenhanceourability tokeepabreastof international developments on WSH, including

the emergence of new WH hazards. Apart fromparticipating in regional and internationalconferences, we will also explore jointcollaborations with international and nationalWSHbodies.


0521

However,ourresearcheffortsonestablishedWHhazards will move beyond setting appropriateexposure standards, to include working withindustrytodevelopimprovedtoolsandprocessestominimiseexposuretoworkers.

b. Emerging WH hazards With the establishment of new growth sectors

suchasnanotechnologyinSingapore,workplacehazards whose health effects and impact arestill not well understood may emerge. Forthis category of hazards, our focus will be on

workingwithindustryandtherelevanteconomicagencies such as Ministry of Trade and Industry(MTI) and Economic Development Board (EDB)to better understand the work processes andexposuresituationsrelatedtosuchhazards.Thiswill enable us to develop appropriate standardsand control solutions that balance safety andhealthconsiderationswithbusinessconcerns.

The broad nature of WH issues, from exposure to chemical and biological agents, to air quality issues and work stress, is wide ranging. It requires close coordination both within the government and with the industry.

Strategy 3Research and Standards Development

Along with monitoring and intelligence gathering,researchandstandardsdevelopmentcanhelpinformoureffortstobettertackleestablishedWHhazards,as well as new and emerging ones. The traditionalfocus of WH research has been on deepening ourunderstandingofODsandtheircontributingfactorsand establishing the exposure level beyond whichthese factors are likely to result in disease. Thisresearch,whichprovidesthebasisforthesettingofPELs, is still relevant, as it can help to calibrate oureffortstomanageWHhazards.

However, our research efforts should also supportour adoption of a more progressive and proactiveapproach to managing WH that places a greateremphasis on eliminating or incrementally reducingexposuretoWHhazardstoaslowalevelaspossible,whether or not PELs have been established. Thiswill entail close collaboration with industry todevelopcost-effectivetoolsandsolutionstomanageWHhazards.

a. Established WH hazards Forthiscategoryofhazards,wewillcontinueto

review existing exposure standards to ensurethat they remain in line with internationalbest practices, and that they do not imposeunreasonable compliance costs on industry andarerelevanttothelocalworkforce.

WSH 2018

22


Strategy 4Promotion of Good Practices

There are limitations to using a purely regulatoryapproachtotackleWHissues.ForcertainWHissuessuch as office ergonomics and indoor air qualityand emerging health hazards where the causallink with OD incidence is not well-established, it ismoreappropriatetoadoptapromotionalapproachencouragingtheadoptionofgoodWHpractices.

The broad nature of WH issues, from exposureto chemical and biological agents, to air qualityissues and work stress, is wide-ranging. It requiresclose coordination both within the governmentand with the industry. Within the government, wewill strengthen collaboration between the variousagenciessuchasMOM,MOH,HPBandNEA,aswellaswithindustrybodiessuchastheWSHCouncil.

We should adopt holistic approach for ourpromotionalefforts,toensurethatthemessagingonWH iscoherentandcoordinatedacross thevariousagencies.Ouroutreacheffortswillcentreon:

a. Creating a business case for employers Creating a business case for strengthening the

managementofWHprovidesapowerful tool toencourage and motivate employers to improveWH standards. We can identify and highlightemployers that have benefited from putting in

placegoodWHpractices.EmployersshouldalsobeencouragedtoadoptbestpracticesdevelopedbyestablishedWSHresearchcentres locallyandabroad.TheycanbefurtherrecognisedfortheireffortsthroughtheannualWSHAwards.

b. Encouraging employees to take personal responsibility for their health at work

Paralleltooureffortstodevelopabusinesscase foremployerstostrengthenthemanagementof

WH, we will reach out to workers to encouragethem to take greater responsibility for theirhealth. For instance, workers should be madeaware of how certain ODs can be triggered byboth work and non-work factors and they aretaughttoexerciseduecarebothinandoutoftheworkplace.


0523

CONCLUSION

CONCLUSIONWH is an important factor for sustainable growthand development. At the national level, it can helppreserve and enhance the productive capacityof the workforce. For employers and businesses,strongWHmanagementcanbeameansofgainingacompetitiveedge.Ahealthyworkplacegivesbothemployeesandinvestorsconfidenceinthecompany.It can create business opportunities by sending asignalofanemployer’s commitment to sustainableand progressive business practices. It can also be asignificant advantage in attracting and retainingtalentandpreservingthewell-beingofthattalent.

This approach to improving WH management willcomplement thenationalWSHstrategy,WSH2018,and accelerate our progress towards a safety andhealthy workplace for everyone in Singapore andmaking Singapore a country renowned for bestpracticesinWSH.


0525

APPENDIX1

Overview of Workplace Health Strategy


0527

Implementing Targeted

Intervention Programmes

Monitoring and

Intelligence Gathering

Research and

Standards Development

Promotion of

Good Practices

4 STRATEGIES

Fourkeyprogrammes(i) noisywork(ii)hazardouschemicals(iii)asbestos(iv)confinedspace

• Developingandprescribingappropriatestandards

• Providingcomplianceassistance

• Deepeningcapabilitiestomonitorandcontrolhazards

• Educatingand engagingemployees• Targetedenforcement

• Engagingdoctors• Exploringnew

mechanismsfordatacollection

• Enhancingandexpandingmonitoringprogrammes

• Enhancinglinksbetweenexistingdatabases

• StrengtheninglinkswithWSH-relatedorganisations

Establishedhazards• Reviewexisting

exposurestandards• Developimproved toolsandprocessesto minimiseexposureto

workers

Emerginghazards• Workingwithindustry

andrelevanteconomicagenciestodevelopappropriatestandards

andcontrolsolutions

• Holisticapproachtowardsworkplacehealthpromotion

• Creatingabusinesscaseforemployers

• Encouragingemployeestotakepersonalresponsibilityfortheirhealthatwork

Areas of Work Areas of Work Areas of Work Areas of Work

WORKPLACEHEALTHSTRATEGY

APPENDIX2

No. Action Plan

1. Noise Induced Deafness Prevention Programme (NIDPP)TheobjectiveoftheNIDPreventionProgrammeistoreducetheincidenceofNID.Inadditiontotargetedenforcement,theothercomponentsoftheprogrammewillconsistof:

Developing and prescribing appropriate standards• Reviewingcurrentlegislativerequirementsonnoisemanagementtotakeintoaccountinternational bestpractices.

Providing compliance assistance• Providingtechnicalassistanceintheformofguidelinesandcheckliststoemployersindevelopingand

implementinganeffectiveHearingConservationProgramme(HCP)tomanagenoisehazards.Theprogrammewouldinvolveidentifyingnoisehazardsthroughnoisemonitoring,institutingappropriatenoisecontrolmeasures,raisingawarenessthroughhealtheducation,providingforhearingprotectorsanddetectingearlyhearinglossthroughmedicalexaminations.

Deepening capabilities to monitor and control hazards• Reviewingandexpandingthecurrentcoverageofworkplacesandworkersundermonitoring.• Strengtheningthecapabilitiesofnoisemonitoringand/ornoisecontrolofficerstoidentifynoisywork

processesandmitigatenoisehazards.• Targetingoccupiersandemployersthroughseminarsanddisseminationofcollateralstoraiseawarenessof

workplacenoisehazardsandtheirprevention.

Educating and engaging employees• RaisingawarenessofthehazardsofnoiseandthepreventivemeasuresthroughWSHnewslettersandother

outreachactivitiessuchasdormitoryroadshows.

Strategy 1 — Implementing Targeted Intervention Programmes


0529WORKPLACEHEALTHACTIONPLANS

No. Action Plan

2. Confined Space Management ProgrammeTheprogrammeaimstoenhanceconfinedspacehazardmanagementintargetedworkplacestopreventdeathsfromchemicalpoisoningandasphyxiationduringconfinedspaceworkandrescueoperations.Inadditiontotargetedenforcement,theotherinitiativeswouldinclude:

Developing and prescribing appropriate standards• Introducingnewregulationsforconfinedspaceworktostrengthenenforcementefforts.

Providing compliance assistance• Providingtechnicalassistancesuchastechnicaladvisoryandcheckliststohelptheindustryimplement

effectivein-plantconfinedspaceprogrammes.Theprogrammeswillinstituteasystematicapproachinmanagingconfinedspacehazardsthroughconductingproperriskassessments,settingupaneffective

entry-permitsystem,developingproperproceduresforatmospherictestingandmonitoring,ensuringadequateventilationandemergencyresponse.

Deepening capabilities to monitor and control hazards• Encouragingcompaniestoreviewandimprovetheirstandardoperatingproceduresforentryintoand

workinginconfinedspacesthroughengagementactivities.• Sharingofaccidentcasestudiesthroughinternetplatformsandseminars.

Educating and engaging employees• Strongeremphasisonthedangersofconfinedspacesandtheprecautionarymeasuresincurrentworker

safetyorientation/instructioncourses.

3. National Asbestos Control ProgrammeTheprogrammeaimstoeliminateasbestos-relateddiseasesoverthelongterm.Inadditiontotargetedenforcement,theinitiativeswouldinclude:

Developing and prescribing appropriate standards• Strengtheninglegislativerequirementstoputinplacemorestringentcontrolsonasbestosmanagementand

asbestosremovalworks,forexample,introducingalicensingschemeforasbestosremovalcontractors.

Providing compliance assistance• Developingguidelinesbasedoninternationalbestpracticestoaidindustryinmitigatingasbestos exposurerisks.• Improvingawarenessofasbestos-relatedsupportservicessuchasasbestosidentificationservicesand

asbestosremovalcontractorsthroughpublicityduringseminarsandtheInternet.

Deepening capabilities to monitor and control hazards• WorkingwithNEAtoreviewandstrengthenexistingcoursestofocusonacompetency-basedapproach

towardsensuringproperasbestosmanagementincludingasbestosidentification.• Strengtheninginternalinspectors’capabilitiestoidentifyandaddressasbestosissuesthroughtraining.• Raisingawarenessamongbuildingownersonthedangersofasbestosthroughdisseminationofcollaterals

andWSHbulletin.

Educating and engaging employees• Strongeremphasisonthehazardsofasbestosandthepreventivemeasuresinthecoursesforsupervisorsin

theconstructionandmarineindustries.

WSH 2018


30

No. Action Plan

4. Management of Hazardous Chemicals ProgrammeTheprogrammeaimstopreventandcontrolchemicalhazardsandprotectpersonsatworkagainstsuchhazards.Inadditiontotargetedenforcement,theotherinitiativeswouldinclude:

Developing and prescribing appropriate standards• Reviewingexistingrequirementsandintroducingnewregulationsforchemicalsafetymanagementto

strengthenenforcementefforts.• Reviewingcurrentexposurelimitstobeinlinewithinternationallevels.• ReviewingWSHstandardsforhazardscommunication,classificationandlabellingofchemicalsand

preparationofSafetyDataSheets(SDS)tobeinlinewiththeGloballyHarmonizedSystem(GHS).• ReviewingexistingguidelinesonPreventionandControlofChemicalHazards.• ReviewingguidelinesonStatutoryMedicalExaminationsforworkersinvolvedintheuseandhandlingof

hazardouschemicals.• Identifyingmajorhazardfactories,thatis,workplaceswithhazardouschemicalsthatposesevere

consequences,formonitoringandsurveillanceincludingensuringtheproperimplementationofoccupationalsafetyandhealthmanagementsystems.

Providing compliance assistance• ConductGHSbriefingsessionsforchemicalmanufacturersandsuppliers.• DevelopingWSHguidancematerialforuseandhandlingofhighriskchemicals.• ReachingouttoSMEstoraiseawarenessonchemicalhazardsthroughWSHC’soutreachplatforms,for

example,seminars,WSHbulletins.

Deepening capabilities to monitor and control hazards• ReviewingtrainingcoursesonManagementofHazardousSubstancesandAirSampling&Monitoringof

AirborneContaminants.• Expandingthecurrentcoverageofworkplacesandworkersunderchemicalmonitoring.

Educating and engaging employees• Strongeremphasisonhazardcommunicationforworkerswhohandleorusechemicalsintherelevant trainingcourses.• Developingeducationalleafletsonhazardcommunication.


0531

WSH 2018

32

No. Action Plan

1. Engaging doctors to facilitate the diagnosis, management and reporting of work-related diseases Initiatives could include:• WorkingwithNationalUniversityofSingapore(NUS)andMOHtoequipmedicalstudentsandtraineedoctors

withbasicknowledgeofWHissues.• Incorporatingoccupationalhealthtopicsintothecontinuingmedicaleducation(CME)programmefor

designatedfactorydoctors,primaryhealthcarephysiciansandspecialists.• EstablishingregularWHinformationsharingplatformssuchasseminarsorworkshopswithdoctors.• InitiatingregulardialogueswithrelevantassociationssuchastheSingaporeMedicalAssociationtoexchange

informationonprevailingandemergingWHconcerns.• Establishinginformationsharingplatformsandelectroniclinkagestofacilitatereportingbydoctors.• Encouragingnon-mandatoryreportingofpossiblework-relateddiseasesbydoctorsinMOMandMOH’s

outreachefforts.• Facilitatingtheestablishmentofoccupationalhealthservicestowhichworkersandcompaniescanaccess

inSingapore,therebyimprovingaccesstooccupationalhealthservicesandconsolidateourpresenceinthevariouspolyclinicsandrestructuredhospitals.

• FacilitatingdiagnosisofODwithclearandconsistentguidelinestoenabledoctorstorecogniseODseffectively.

2. Exploring new mechanisms for data collectionInitiatives could include:• CollectingcomprehensiveinformationonWH(e.g.,exposurestorisksanddiseases)byleveragingonexisting

surveymechanismsorcommissioningnewindustry-widesurveystodeepenourunderstandingofthenatureandextentofWHrisksfacedbyworkers.SurveillancestudiesonspecificindustryandworkergroupscouldbeconductedtocollectinformationonWHhazardsintheworkplaceandtoidentifyhighriskindustryandthehazardsfacedbyspecificworkergroups.

• Leveragingonthelicensingdatabaseofotheragenciestoidentifyworkplacesforinclusioninhygieneandmedicalmonitoring.

• EncouragingHRpractitioners,WSHprofessionals,andemployeestoreportWHproblemsandotherpoorpracticesthroughtheMOMSafetyHotlineorotherchannels.

3. Enhancing and expanding monitoring programmesInitiatives could include:• Reviewingthecurrentmonitoringrequirementsandrangeofhazardsandworkplacesmonitoredtotake

intoaccountinternationalpractices,localODpatternsandtrends.NewhazardsandsectorsmaybeincludedformonitoringtoprovideamorecomprehensiveoverviewofthestateofWHinSingapore.ThiscouldentailexpandingourmandatoryreportingrequirementsbyreviewingthelistofthereportableODsunderthe

WSHAct.• Identifyingnewhealthindicatorsformoreeffectivemonitoringofemployeesbyreviewinginternational

practicesandlocalconditions,andevaluatingthecost-effectivenessoftheseindicators.

Strategy 2 — Monitoring and Intelligence Gathering


No. Action Plan

4. Enhancing links between existing databasesInitiatives could include:• WorkingwithMOHandHPBtofacilitatesharingofinformationtoidentifypossiblework-relatedcancersand

infectiousdiseases,includingexploringpossiblelinkageswithrelevantdiseaseregisters.SystemscouldbeenhancedtolinkselectedWHriskexposure(employeesandworkplaces)databaseswithrelevantdiseaseregistriestoidentifytrendsandpossiblework-relateddiseaseclusters.

• Improvingtheaccessibilityanduser-friendlinessoftheelectronicreportingsystemfordoctorsandotherstoreportODs.

5. Strengthening links with WSH-related organisations Initiatives could include:• InvitingeminentexpertsonWHtosharetheirexperienceswiththelocalindustry.• ExploringjointcollaborationswithleadingWHorganisationsintheareasofWHinformationsharing anddissemination.• EncouraginglocalWSHprofessionalbodiestocollaboratewithregionalandinternationalcounterpartsso astoincreasesharinginWHknowledgeandexperience.


0533

Strategy 3 — Research and Standards Development

No. Action Plan

1. Initiatives could include:• ResearchintointernationalbestpracticesinexistingandemergingWHissues,coveringareassuchasriskand

hazardanalysis,technicalandsystemsriskcontrols.• Reviewingexistingguidelinesandcodesofpracticesonmeasuresforprotectingworkersagainsthazardous

workingconditionstoensurethattheyareinlinewithinternationalbestpractices.• Initiatingregulardialoguebetweenresearchersandotherstakeholderssuchasgovernmentagenciesandthe

industryassociationstodiscussWHresearchprioritiesandshareresearchprogress.• DevelopingaschemeorprocesstolinkcompanieslookingforWHsolutionswithresearcherswhocan

conceptualiseandtest-bedideas.• PublishinginformationontheresearchsolutionsontheInternetordisseminatinginformationonthenew

toolsthroughindustryassociationstoincreaseawarenessofnewtoolsavailabletoimproveWHconditions.• DevelopingsuitableplatformsforresearcherstonetworkandinteractwithprominentinternationalWH

expertsandlocalindustryleadersandcollaboratewithinternationalresearchcentres.• Conductingregularsitevisitsanddialogueswithindustryrepresentativesfromnewgrowthareasand

economicagenciestounderstandworkprocessesandexposuresituations.• InitiatingregularpublicationofinternationalscansofemergingWHissuesandresponses.

Strategy 4 — Promotion of Good Practices

No. Action Plan

1. Initiatives could include:• IntegrationofpromotionaleffortsbyMOM,MOH,HPB,NEAandrelevantindustrybodiessuchastheWSH

CouncilwhenWHissuesareinvolved,suchaspublishingofjointguidelines,educationalmaterialsinvariouslanguagesandholdingjointseminars,programmesandcampaigns.Suchpromotionaleffortscouldtargetworkplacesaswellaseducationalinstitutions.

• PromotingawarenessofWHhazardsandthemeasuresthatworkerscantaketoprotectthemselvesthroughvariouschannelssuchastheWSHprofessionals,unions,employerorganisationsandCommunityDevelopmentCouncils(CDCs).

• DevelopinganonlinedatabaseofcasestudiesillustratinggoodWHpracticeswhichcanbesharedwith theindustry.• ReviewingandexpandingtheWSHbestpracticesawardschemetoincludeawiderrangeofWHhazards(e.g.,

controlofbiologicalhazards)toencouragegreaterparticipationfromtheindustry,particularlyfromthe newsectors.• IncreasedsharingofWHtopicsthroughWSHalertandnewsletters.• ProvidingassistanceforSMEstoadoptcontrolsolutionstomanageWHhazards,e.g.,practicalandlow-cost

solutions;sharingofbestpractices;financialfundingschemes.• Encouragingcompaniestoputinplacevariousplatformstoenhancetheirawarenessofworkplacehealth

issuessuchas(i)orientationprogrammesfornewstaff;(ii)incorporatinginformationonWHincompanies’regularinternalnewslettersorHRannouncements;and(iii)specialprogrammesorganisedaspartofstaffwelfarebyleveragingonvariouspromotionalplatforms.

• EncouragingHRprofessionalsandlinesupervisorstoparticipateintrainingcoursesandeducationalseminarsorganisedtostrengthentheirknowledgeandawarenessofWHissues.

• LeveragingontheworkoftheNationalTripartiteCommitteeonWHtoencouragingtheadoptionofamoreholisticapproachtoWH.Thisisachievedbyreviewingexistingstrategiesandformulatingnewonestomaketheworkplaceanimportantplatformforenhancingthehealthandproductivityofemployeessignificantly.

• Developing,inpartnershipwithHPBandtheindustry,aCodeofPracticeonWorkplaceHealthPromotiontoprovidepracticalguidanceonimplementationofhealthscreeningandhealthprogrammesinworkplaces.

WSH 2018

34


This page is intentionally left blank.

This page is intentionally left blank.

Published in April 2010 by theWorkplace Safety andHealth Council in collaboration with the MinistryofManpower.

All rights reserved. This publication may not bereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,inwholeorinpart,withoutpriorwrittenpermission.Theinformationprovidedinthispublicationisaccurateatthetimeofprinting.TheWorkplaceSafetyandHealthCouncildoesnotacceptanyliabilityorresponsibilitytoanypartyforlossesordamagesarisingfromfollowingthispublication.

This publication is also available on the WorkplaceSafetyandHealthCouncilwebsite:www.wshc.sg

publishedbyWORKPLACESAFETYANDHEALTHCOUNCIL

Documents

WSH 2018 - Workplace Safety and Health Council · PDF fileCHALLENGES TO WORKPLACE HEALTH MANAGEMENT ... WSH 2018 In Singapore, ... • Guidebook on the Globally Harmonised System