Providing breathable attire, ice packs to protect outdoor workers from heat mandatory from Dec 1
Outdoor workers are vulnerable to rising heat risks amid a rapidly intensifying El Nino.
Starting from December 1, 2026, employers in Singapore are required to equip outdoor workers with breathable, sweat-wicking uniforms and provide ice packs or water sprays to mitigate heat stress. Additionally, cool water must be accessible on-site, and employees should be trained on heat stress prevention measures. These new rules, previously classified as recommendations, are part of 11 mandatory heat stress requirements, up from the previous seven.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) introduced these changes in response to rising heat risks due to an intensifying El Nino climate phenomenon. Temperatures in August are projected to reach 35 degrees Celsius. Employers are also obligated to offer shaded rest areas, implement heat acclimatization regimes for new and returned workers, and provide wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) meters at sites with contracts over $5 million.
The four new measures apply to all heat stress levels determined by WBGTs. While existing regulations may vary based on WBGT ranges, the new rules apply uniformly. Failing to comply with these regulations may result in penalties, such as stop-work orders and fines. The measures were previously voluntary but are now mandatory. Employers had until November 30 to implement the enhancements, which have already been widely adopted.
Between 2021 and 2025, MOM recorded 24 heat-related cases and no fatalities, with 22 cases involving outdoor work. MOM took action against 151 employers in 2024 and 62 in 2025 for violating heat-safety rules, imposing penalties like stop-work orders and fines.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
