Singapore haze advisory calls on employers to prioritise worker health and safety

The Singapore government held its inaugural press conference on the haze crisis on 16 October, setting out steps aimed at safeguarding residents and addressing the underlying fires driving the deterioration in air quality.

Jasmin Lau, the acting minister for manpower, said that compliance with workplace safety obligations during haze conditions is not discretionary and “protecting workers from haze is not optional".

She referenced the duty of employers under the Workplace Safety and Health Act to take reasonable and practicable measures to keep workers safe, and that includes protecting them from the haze, and said employers should monitor the haze situations, and follow Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) haze guidelines. 

The press conference followed the release of updated tripartite guidance issued by the MOM, Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) and National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), which encourages employers to establish haze response plans before conditions deteriorate. The guidance states that prolonged or strenuous outdoor work should be reduced, minimised or avoided depending on air quality levels, with employers expected to assess risks and adopt appropriate mitigating measures.

Mayumi Soh, an expert in employment law at Pinsent Masons, said: "With haze conditions beginning to be felt, employers should review and activate the measures set out in the advisory and its accompanying guidelines, so that they are ready to protect their workforce and respond effectively should conditions worsen."

“The guidance highlights the need to protect vulnerable workers, including older employees, pregnant employees and those with respiratory or heart conditions,” she said.

“Employers are encouraged to consider flexible work arrangements, such as remote working and staggered hours, where employees are unable to attend work due to haze-related health concerns or caregiving responsibilities.”

Employers remain responsible for ensuring worker safety under Singapore’s workplace safety laws, according to the guidelines, which recommend that companies identify susceptible employees, determine when outdoor work should be restricted, maintain supplies of N95 masks and improve workplace air quality where possible.

Soh said: “For outdoor workers, the guidance sets out measures linked to air quality levels, including job rotation, additional indoor rest breaks, adequate hydration and the postponement of non-essential work.”

“Where outdoor work in poor air quality conditions is unavoidable, employers may need to provide suitable respiratory protection and ensure workers are properly trained in its use,” she said.