Safe Management Measures Requirements at Singapore Workplace After Circuit Breaker That Must Be Adhered To
MOM and MOH Issues Safety Requirements for Singaporeans After Circuit Breaker Period
Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH), together with MOM and other tripartite partners have issued Safe Management Measures Requirements at Singapore Workplace after Circuit Breaker.
MOH, along with its tripartite partners the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) and National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) issued the measures. All employers must adhere to the measures once they can resume operations.
The Purpose of the Safe Management Measures Requirements at Singapore Workplace After Circuit Breaker
The introduction of these safe management measures aims to support and protect the livelihoods of Singaporeans and local businesses. Simultaneously, it aims to prevent a spike in new cases and Singaporeans are on the move again, especially at the workplace.
Once local transmission numbers reduce, the restrictions can be relaxed gradually. Economic activities will selectively resume once it has been deemed safe enough. If the safe management measures are not implemented well, stricter restrictions could be brought back. This will affect the livelihoods of Singaporeans and the economy.
Any employer who does not adhere to the measures will have action taken against them by MOM and MOH. The action could include ceasing operations and stop-work order. All employers must abide by the measures at the workplace to minimise instances of more outbreaks. The measures must be in place as long as necessary.
Among the necessary steps that must be taken include:
- A monitoring plan that is detailed and ensures compliance with the Safe Management Measures
- A Safe Management Officer (SMO) must be appointed to coordinate, monitor and assist with the implementation of the measures.
- SMO conducts safety checks and inspections, documenting instances of non-compliance.
- SMO keeps records of all checks and inspections conducted.
- Ensure employees who can telecommute or work from home continue to do so.
- Conduct virtual meetings where possible with internal and any external employees or suppliers.
- Activities that require prolonged contact are not allowed.
- Focus extra attention on any vulnerable employees.
- Breaks and work hours to be staggered. Where possible, work hours should not end at peak-hour travel period if an employee needs to take public transport.
- Split shift or split team system should be implemented where possible.
- Avoid cross-deploying employees across teams, worksites, shifts, and outside of work.
- Minimise the need for any physical touchpoints.
- Maintaining a physical space of at least 1 metre between persons at all times.
- Proximity data should be recorded on phones using the TraceTogether app.
- SafeEntry visitor management system to record workplace entries.
- Masks to be wear at the workplace.
- Good personal hygiene must be observed.
- Work premises to be cleaned regularly, especially common areas with high human contact points.
- Cleaning agents must be available at all times (hand soap and toilet paper) at all toilets and hand-wash stations.
- Temperature screenings and health checks conducted regularly on work premises.
- Declaration records of all employees and visitors must be kept for at least 28 days.
- Travel advisory to be adhered to.
- Clinic-hopping should be avoided where possible. This is to prevent in-patient outbreaks. Management should ensure employees visit only one clinic when feeling unwell.
- Physical interaction must be limited and safe distancing measures implemented.
- Protective equipment must be used by employees when needed.
- Cleanliness on workplace premises must be observed.
Safe Management Measures for Unwell Employees
In the event employees are unwell or suspected ill, employers must prepare an evacuation plan. Any employee feeling unwell or displaying symptoms must report to their supervisor immediately. They will be required to leave work and consult a doctor right away. Employers must track and record such cases as part of the measures.
A follow-up plan is required for any confirmed cases. Businesses must be suspended if there are confirmed cases In an emergency, the employer should immediately. ring 995 and request an emergency ambulance.
Please ensure the necessary Safe Management Measures are communicated and explained to employees prior to the resumption of work. Please also put up signs to remind employees and visitors to observe all measures in place. If these Safe Management Measures are not well implemented, tighter measures that affect our economy and livelihoods will have to be reintroduced. The Government will take action against errant businesses, including the cessation of operations and enforcement.
For more information on MOM’s Safe Management Measures, click here for the following resources:
