Compulsory hourly breaks for outdoor workers if Singapore weather gets too hot: MOM
New measures to reduce risk of heat stress include rehydrating at least hourly, setting up buddy system to look after one another
SINGAPORE — Outdoor workers in Singapore must be given a 10-minute break for every hour that the temperature crosses 32°C, under a new set of guidelines to reduce the risks of heat stress.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said in a media release on Tuesday (24 October) that the new measures will take immediate effect, and comes after consultation with the Ministry of Health's heat stress expert panel, focusing on the four aspects of acclimatise, drink, rest and shade.
Employers of outdoor workers will be required to implement these measures, and MOM will conduct inspections at workplaces to ensure that these measures are adequately implemented.
"A warmer climate puts workers, particularly those performing manual work outdoors, at an increased risk of heat stress," the ministry said in its media release.
"All workplaces are to assess if the work can be carried out safely, including implementing a heat stress management programme."
Acclimatise, drink, rest and shade
Under the heat stress management programme, the new measures are:
Acclimatise: Workers new to Singapore or returning from prolonged leave of more than a week should gradually increase their daily heat exposure over at least seven days. Those vulnerable to heat stress should be identified and arranged to be re-deployed.
Drink: Rehydrate at least hourly, and drink a recommended intake of 300ml per hour or more, depending on the rate of water loss based on work intensity. Work areas should be provided with cool or cold drinking water supply nearby.
Rest: Ensure workers get adequate rest under shade to allow for recovery from heat before restarting work. Rest area to be near work area, where feasible. Employers should also provide hourly rest breaks of a minimum of 10 minutes for heavy physical work activity when wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) reaches 32°C or higher. It is recommended to provide longer rest periods as the WBGT increases.
Shade: Reduce direct sun exposure at rest areas and work areas as far as possible, such as by setting up tents.
Ensuring worker safety in high heat stress environment
MOM also listed other measures to ensure that the workers are able to work safely in a high heat stress environment:
Reschedule work: Reschedule outdoor physical work to cooler parts of the day where feasible.
Ventilate workplace: Cool rest and work areas with fans or air coolers, and provide loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing to workers.
Monitor worker: Recognise and report early symptoms and signs of heat-related illnesses through close monitoring of worker’s health condition. Consider setting up a buddy system so that workers can look out for one another for symptoms and signs of heat-related illnesses.
Emergency response: Establish an emergency response plan and implement reporting procedures. Workplaces should have cold water, ice packs, water spray and cooler boxes on standby for such emergencies.
Monitor WBGT: Monitor WBGT every hour during work hours, especially during the hotter periods of the day.
Construction sites with a contract sum of $5 million or more, shipyards and the process industry will be required to have a WBGT meter on-site for localised measurements, as these workplaces are likely to have prolonged outdoor activities. Other workplaces can use NEA’s myENV app to monitor WBGT readings.
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