Securing the Health of Our Workforce: A Critical Look at Singapore's WSH and WICA Acts
Singapore has long been recognized for its strong commitment to workplace safety and health (WSH). However, as our economy and industries evolve, so do the risks faced by our workers. While we often focus on preventing immediate injuries from accidents, a silent and insidious threat lingers: occupational diseases.
These are illnesses that develop over a prolonged period due to exposure to hazards in the workplace—think chronic lung conditions from inhaling dust, or hearing loss from consistent exposure to loud noise. Unlike a sudden accident, occupational diseases can take years to manifest, making them challenging to diagnose and link back to a specific employer or job.
This is precisely why the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is taking a proactive and crucial step: seeking public consultation on potential changes to the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act and the Workplace Injury Compensation Act (WICA). This is a timely and important development that directly impacts the well-being of every employee in Singapore.
Why This Consultation Matters
The WSH and WICA are the twin pillars of Singapore's worker protection framework. While they have been instrumental in improving workplace safety, the rise of new technologies, changing work environments, and the long-term nature of occupational diseases necessitate a fresh look at our current legislation.
Here’s why this public consultation is so important:
Keeping Pace with Modern Risks: As our economy diversifies, so do the hazards. We are seeing new forms of occupational diseases emerge from exposure to new chemicals, biological agents, and even psychosocial factors like stress. Our legal framework must be agile enough to recognize and address these new threats.
Ensuring Fair Compensation: The WICA provides a "no-fault" compensation system for work-related injuries and illnesses. However, the current framework for occupational diseases can be complex. The consultation is an opportunity to streamline the process, ensuring that affected workers receive the compensation they deserve without unnecessary legal and financial burdens.
Strengthening Prevention: By broadening the coverage of occupational diseases, MOM is sending a strong signal to employers: the health of your workforce is as important as their safety. This can spur companies to invest more in preventive measures, like improving ventilation, providing better personal protective equipment (PPE), and conducting regular health screenings.
A Shared Responsibility: The consultation is a recognition that workplace health and safety is not just a government or employer issue. It's a collective responsibility. By inviting public feedback, MOM is empowering employees, unions, and industry experts to shape policies that will protect them for years to come. Your voice matters, and this is your chance to be heard.
How You Can Contribute
The proposed changes are a significant step towards a more comprehensive and resilient workplace safety framework. But for them to be truly effective, they need to reflect the realities on the ground.
Whether you are an employee, an employer, a safety professional, or a member of the public, your perspective is invaluable. Consider these questions as you prepare to provide your feedback:
What new occupational risks have you observed in your industry?
What challenges have you or your colleagues faced in reporting and getting compensation for occupational diseases?
What measures do you think employers can take to better prevent long-term health issues for their workers?
The future of our workforce depends on our ability to adapt and evolve our policies. By participating in this public consultation, you are not just providing feedback; you are helping to build a safer and healthier Singapore for everyone.
Workplace Safety and Health Council nvite industry stakeholders and members of the public to share your feedback on the draft WSH Guidelines on Diagnosis and Management of Occupational Diseases. Please email the completed public consultation form to contact@wshc.sg by 29 July 2025.
