Singapore’s outdoor workers get a cooler deal from Dec 1 as heat rises

Singapore's outdoor workforce will receive mandatory access to cool drinking water, emergency ice packs, and heat-appropriate clothing starting December 1 under stricter regulations aimed at mitigating heat stress. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced that previous recommendations have now been turned into mandates. These enhancements provide clear expectations for employers while bolstering worker protection, stated Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash.

The new rules apply to all outdoor work, regardless of wet bulb globe temperature, in addition to existing requirements such as heat acclimatisation, hourly temperature monitoring, regular hydration, shaded rest, and emergency response. Employers found in violation may face enforcement actions like stop-work orders and fines. Employers are also encouraged to provide well-ventilated and insulated or cooled shaded rest areas from December 1.

The measures, developed with input from employers, unions, and industry stakeholders, are being introduced two years after they were first recommended. Dinesh noted that the changes were timed ahead of the hotter weather expected in May next year, as the MOM is also monitoring potential haze risks in the region. Thankfully, no increase in heat-related incidents has been observed so far.

However, MOM has mechanisms in place to alert outdoor worksites and protect workers if haze levels escalate. In the event of simultaneous haze and extreme heat, additional rest measures may be required to safeguard workers.