Singapore implements mandatory hot weather breaks for workers

The updated rules include mandatory 10-minute breaks under shade every hour for employees engaged in "intense physical activities" when the temperature surpasses a specified threshold. MOM updated the rules because the rising temperatures in Singapore pose an elevated risk of heat stress, particularly for outdoor workers.

The new rules have been developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health's Heat Stress Expert Panel.

Employers must monitor the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) during every hour of outdoor work, especially during the hotter parts of the day. This is an internationally recognised measurement of the effect of environmental heat on the human body. It accounts for various environmental factors contributing to heat stress such as temperature, humidity, solar radiation and wind. It provides a more accurate assessment of real-world conditions and their associated health risks.

When the WBGT reaches 32 degrees Celsius or higher, outdoor workers engaged in “intense” physical activities must receive a 10-minute rest break every hour in a shaded area. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions may receive a longer rest period or follow their doctor's recommendations. Examples of "intense physical activities" provided by MOM include strenuous arm and trunk work, lifting, shovelling, manual cutting, pushing and pulling heavy loads, and brisk walking.

Rest periods should be extended with higher WBGT, more strenuous physical activity, and when shaded areas are unavailable. The need for additional rest may also depend on individual workers' health conditions.

The new rules require employers to give new workers sufficient time to acclimatise to outdoor labour, and to reduce direct sun exposure at rest areas and work areas as far as possible. All outdoor workers must hydrate at least once every hour and take regular breaks in shaded areas to cool off any heat build-up in their bodies.

Mayumi Soh of Pinsent Masons MPillay, the Singapore joint law venture between MPillay and Pinsent Masons, said: “Employers must manage their work schedules to accommodate the hot weather breaks, as well as consider if there are additional facilities and support which must be put in place for workers to have these breaks.”

Employers must also reschedule outdoor work to cooler parts of the day; provide air coolers and light-coloured clothing to their workers; monitor workers’ health closely and report accordingly; and set up an emergency response plan and reporting system. They are also encouraged to establish a ‘buddy’ system for early recognition of heat-related symptoms and to promptly intervene if any worker displays signs of excessive heat exposure.

Employers will be subject to inspections to ensure compliance with the new rules. Failure to comply can lead to penalties under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, which may include a ‘stop work’ order.

In July, Singapore introduced a new public ‘heat stress advisory’ service, which is accessible online and via an app. The service provides information on current heat stress risk during ‘low’, ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ risk outdoor activities, based on the WBGT.