Online Criminal Harms Act

Singapore to introduce Online Criminal Harms Act amid ‘growing international consensus’ for such laws: MHA

The proposed Online Criminal Harms Act is aimed at closing the gaps left by the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act as well as the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act.

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will table new legislation later this year to better tackle crimes committed in cyberspace, said Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo in Parliament on Monday (Feb 27).

If passed by Parliament, the proposed Online Criminal Harms Act will grant the Government powers to stop or remove online communications that pave the way for crimes in the physical world, such as inciting violence.

The Act is aimed at closing the gaps left by the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, which came into force in 2019, as well as the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act that was passed in Parliament in 2021.

Mrs Teo, who was speaking during the Committee of Supply debates, further noted that the Broadcasting Act was recently amended to “deal with harms that impact user safety, such as cyberbullying and content likely to undermine racial and religious harmony”.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority is now able to deal with harmful online content accessible to Singapore users, regardless of where the content is hosted or initiated.

The Government can also block access to egregious content on online communications services, including social media platforms, Mrs Teo said.

“But there remain gaps. There is online content which are criminal in their own right, or content which facilitate or abet such crimes,” she added.

These crimes include syndicated ones like scams, online incitement of mass public disorder, and malicious cyber activities such as phishing and the distribution of malware.

“We have been monitoring these developments closely and intend to update our suite of legislation to better protect our people,” Mrs Teo told the House.

She pointed out that online harms are “constantly evolving and take different forms” such as falsehoods, foreign interference and inappropriate sexual abuse material, while mediums are also exploited to incite violence, carry out scams at scale and for drug trafficking.

She added that there has been “growing international consensus for rules to combat online harm”, with the United Kingdom, the European Union, Germany and Australia having introduced or proposed new laws to regulate the online space.

MHA first said during the Committee of Supply debates in 2021 that it was studying potential levers to deal with criminal offences committed online.

WHAT THE ACT WILL ENTAIL

Mrs Teo said the proposed Online Criminal Harms Act will build on current laws in three ways.

It will first “expand the scope of regulatory levers that we can apply to online criminal activities”. This includes powers to stop or remove online communications that facilitate crimes in the physical world, such as inciting violence, she added.

The proposed Act will also increase the scope of entities that the Government can act against, including all mediums of online communication through which criminal activities could be conducted.

Finally, the new legislation will introduce levers that deal more effectively with the nature of online criminal harms, said Mrs Teo.

“The new legislation will introduce upstream measures to detect and reduce them, such as safeguards against inauthentic accounts. This legislation will also apply to other malicious cyber activities like phishing,” she added.

She did not elaborate on when MHA will table the new legislation.

Mrs Teo said that the Government earns the public's trust by "enforcing laws in a fair and transparent manner, and by consistently delivering good safety and security outcomes".

"In the online space, the Government does not set out to dictate or curtail the adoption of technology or use of online platforms," she added.

"However, we have a duty to protect our citizens from online harms – the same way we deal with threats in the physical domain."

WSH Alert -Harbour Pilot Died OverBoard

  

2023 5th Workplace Accident
Harbour pilot dies after falling overboard

On 11 February 2023 at about 3 am, a harbour pilot was crossing over from a tugboat to a launch boat when he fell overboard. His body was recovered by rescue divers later the same morning. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the pilot was wearing a life jacket and the sea was choppy at the time of the accident.

Transfers between vessels at sea expose workers to the risk of falling into water. Another accident where a worker fell into the sea while boarding a service boat occurred on 17 May 2022. The WSH Council calls on all maritime stakeholders performing similar activities to undertake an urgent assessment of their safety measures.

What companies should do

Companies should urgently assess and ensure that their WSH management system includes the following measures or checks:

• Safe transfer conditions: Do not proceed with vessel transfer if there are unfavourable weather or sea conditions, extensive vessel or boat movement, if anyone feels unwell, or if it feels unsafe to proceed. For safe boat-to-boat transfer at sea, it is ideal for both boats to be stationary and alongside each other. If stopping is not practical, both boats should be as slow as practicable and kept at the same speed.

• Safe vessel transfer: Establish and implement safe work procedures for transfer between vessels. Identify suitable transfer point(s) and allow transfers only at the designated point(s). Provide secure handholds and/ or footholds at each transfer point. Keep transfer points free of trip hazards and well-lit at night. Board only when the boat-to-boat transfer points are level with each other and under the direction of the launch master.

• Transfer supervision: Deploy workers on both boats to supervise and assist with the transfer, and to activate emergency response and rescue procedures if required.

• Worker competency: All personnel making vessel transfers should be trained on the safe work procedure for transfer.

• Right to decline boarding: Advise workers to stay alert and exercise caution during vessel transfer. Respect the right of workers to say no if the conditions for boarding are unfavourable.

• Emergency response: Equip each boat with life-saving equipment (e.g. life buoy with rope) for use in the event of a man-over-board situation. If a worker falls into the water, there must be a life buoy which he can hold on to so that his head stays above the water until he is rescued.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide workers with the necessary PPE (e.g. life jacket, safety boots, gloves, and safety helmet with chin strap) for transferring between vessels. The life jacket should be a working SOLAS-type approved life jacket or a life jacket meeting ISO 12402 Personal Flotation Device with a performance level 100 or higher. Place all life jackets on a regular inspection and maintenance programme to check their integrity and proper function so that they will work as intended during an emergency.

For more information, refer to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s Guidelines for Safe Transfer of Persons between Vessels at Anchorages; the WSH (General Provisions) Regulations; and the WSH Council’s Guide to WSH for Service Providers on Safe Working on Ships at Anchorages, and Case Studies for Working In and Around Water.

Video on Safe Boarding of Vessel

Under the WSH Act, first-time corporate offenders may be sentenced to the maximum fine of $500,000 whilst individuals can either be sentenced to the maximum fine of $200,000 and/or an imprisonment not exceeding 2 years. Read more on the WSH Act penalties.

During the extended Heightened Safety Period (1 September 2022 to 31 May 2023), the Ministry of Manpower will impose severe actions for serious WSH lapses, which include:

• Debarment from hiring new work pass holders.

• Company leaders to personally account to MOM and take responsibility for rectifications, and attend a mandatory half-day in-person WSH training course.

• Engaging external auditors to conduct a thorough review of company’s WSH processes.

* Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at 14 February 2023. This may be subject to change as investigations are still on-going. Please also note that the recommendations provided here are not exhaustive and they are meant to enhance workplace safety and health so that a recurrence may be prevented. The information and recommendations provided are not to be construed as implying liability on any party nor should it be taken to encapsulate all the responsibilities and obligations under the law.

Chemical Standard Exchange -Revised SS 586

 

Chemical Standards Exchange - "Safeguarding our workers and workplaces" and sharing of revised SS 586 Part 2 and 3

The Chemical Standards Exchange is an annual flagship seminar organised by the Chemical Standards Committee (CSC) to highlight the importance of Singapore Standards in promoting health, safety, environment, and sustainability in the chemical industry.

As the theme for 2022 focuses on health and safety, this exchange will showcase the revised Singapore Standard SS 586 : 2022 on Part 2 “Globally harmonised system of classification and labelling of chemicals – Singapore’s adaptations”, and Part 3 “ Preparation of safety data sheets (SDS)”, compared to the previous edition published in 2014 and 2008, respectively.

Highlights of the revised standard will be presented by the experts of the working group (WG) who were involved in the document’s development.

Other safety related standards under the care of CSC, will also be presented to briefly demonstrate how these documents can be used by the industry.

Event details:

Date         :       7 Mar 2023 (Tuesday)

Time         :       2.00pm to 5.00pm (Registration starts at 1.30pm)

Venue       :      Amara Singapore

                         Level 3 Ballroom

                         165 Tanjong Pagar Rd

                         Singapore 088539

Who should attend: Chemical manufacturers, importers, suppliers, users, testing laboratories and supply chain service providers, relevant government agencies, academia and research institutions.

How to register:

To register, interested participants will need to purchase a copy of SS 586 – 2 : 2022 or SS 586 – 3 : 2022  (at a 20% discounted price of $ 23.00 and $56.60 (excl. GST) respectively) from Toppan Leefung Pte Ltd (click here for SS 586-2 and here for SS 688-3) or via the QR codes below:

Click here, for the event registration after purchasing SS 586-2 or SS 586-3. Please note that, for each purchase of the standards, the organisation can send one representative to attend the physical event.

For enquiries on the purchase of standards, please contact Mr Rahman Daud from Toppan Leefung Pte Ltd at rahmandaud@toppanleefung.com.

Please note that seats are limited and would be on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Registration deadline: 1 Mar 2023

Programme in brief:

• Overview of Chemical Standards Committee
• The important role of standards in enabling safety in our workplaces
• Practices in the safe storage of flammable liquids (SS 532)
• Overview of revised SS 586 Part 2 and 3
• Highlights of key changes made to SS 586 Part 2 and Part 3
• Industry practices in adopting the change in SS 586
• Panel discussion on SS 586 Part 2 and 3

WSH Alert -Toppled Glass Struck Workers

 

Workers struck by toppled glass doors

On 2 February 2023, a group of workers was unpacking glass doors from a shipping container when nine of the doors (each weighing about 120 kg) toppled and struck two of the workers. One worker died of his injuries while the other had to be hospitalised.  

Preliminary investigations revealed that the glass doors were being unpacked from the shipping container without any form of support or restraint.

Figure 1: Shipping container with the glass doors before unpacking.

Figure 2: Position of the toppled glass doors after the accident.

Transportation of heavy material not secured in a stable position, such as glass panels stacked vertically, poses a high risk of the material toppling onto workers. The WSH Council calls on all companies handling heavy materials, including glass panels, to undertake an urgent assessment of their safety measures.

What companies should do

Companies should urgently assess and ensure that their WSH management system includes the following measures or checks:

• Container packing plan: Request from the supplier a detailed packing plan which provides information on the contents of the shipping container such as the cargo inventory list, the weight of each cargo item, arrangement of cargo within the container, and how each item has been secured. If feasible, ask suppliers to pack the cargo in a stable or secured way, such that they will not topple during unpacking. 

• Safe unpacking method: Obtain from the supplier the instructions for safe container unpacking. The unpacking method depends on how the cargo was packed. The following are two recommended packing/ unpacking methods:

1. Bundling cargo into a crate or case within the container. The crate or case may then be moved in or out of the container using a purpose-built overhead travelling crane and/ or forklift with telescopic handlers.

2. In the case of glass panels, strap them onto palletised A-frame racks which can be moved in or out of the container using pallet jacks and/ or forklifts.

• Secured cargo: If the cargo cannot be bundled into a crate or strapped onto A-frame racks, ensure the cargo is secured in place with mechanical support (e.g. props, braces or frames) and/ or restraint belts attached to the anchor points inside the container. To prevent toppling and facilitate unpacking, remove the supports and restraints one at a time only for the cargo being moved whilst ensuring that the remaining items are still secured.

• Safe Work Procedure (SWP): Establish and implement a SWP for handling heavy cargo with toppling risks. The SWP should include the safe unpacking method, risk controls, safe working positions, and the mechanical handling equipment to be used. Train workers (including contractors and outsourced workers) on the safe unpacking method and provide on-site supervision to ensure the SWPs are closely followed.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide workers with the necessary PPE (e.g. safety helmet, safety shoes, safety eyewear, gloves, high-visibility reflective vest) for the unpacking task.

For more information, refer to SS 663: 2020 Code of Practice for Safe Loading on Vehicles, WSH Council’s Code of Practice on WSH Risk Management, WSH Guidelines on Safe Loading of Vehicles, and SafeWork NSW Australia’s Guide for Unpacking Shipping Containers.

Under the WSH Act, first-time corporate offenders may be sentenced to the maximum fine of $500,000 whilst individuals can either be sentenced to the maximum fine of $200,000 and/or an imprisonment not exceeding 2 years. Read more on the WSH Act penalties.

During the extended Heightened Safety Period (1 September 2022 to 31 May 2023), the Ministry of Manpower will impose severe actions for serious WSH lapses, which include:

• Debarment from hiring new work pass holders.

• Company leaders to personally account to MOM and take responsibility for rectifications, and attend a mandatory half-day in-person WSH training course.

• Engaging external auditors to conduct a thorough review of company’s WSH processes.

Joint Regulatory CWC Control

 

JOINT REGULATORY CONTROL OF SCHEDULED CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC) CHEMICALS

With effect from 21 August 2023, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will be co-regulating 47 scheduled CWC chemicals with Singapore Customs.

Existing Regulatory Control of Scheduled CWC Chemicals

2 Singapore Customs, as the National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention (NA(CWC)), will continue to oversee Singapore’s international obligations towards the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). There is no change to the existing Singapore Customs’ licensing regime.

Enhancements to Regulatory Control of Scheduled CWC Chemicals

3 In addition to Singapore Customs’ regulatory requirements, NEA and SCDF will be administering domestic regulatory controls on safety and security by co-regulating the 47 scheduled CWC chemicals as Hazardous Substances (HS) under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and its Regulations, or as Flammable Materials (FM) under the Fire Safety Act (FSA) and its Regulations respectively:

a) NEA will co-regulate 35 of the 47 scheduled CWC chemicals as HS with Singapore Customs. Today, NEA is already co-regulating 9 CWC chemicals2 and will coregulate another 26 CWC chemicals as part of this regulatory change.

b) SCDF will co-regulate the remaining 12 of the 47 scheduled CWC chemicals as FM with Singapore Customs.

4 Companies that perform the following activities which exceed the exemption threshold quantities or purities must obtain a licence/permit:

a) Activities involving HS require a HS licence or permit for:

i. Import, export, manufacture, offer for sale, transport, storage and/or use –

Companies will be required to obtain a HS licence. In addition to a HS licence, a HS transport approval will be required for the transportation of HS, subject to the type of HS and its quantity per transportation.

1 The legislative amendments are gazetted by NEA and SCDF on 17 February 2023 and will take effect on 21 August 2023, factoring a 6-month transition period for the industry to prepare and comply with the regulatory changes.

2 The 9 chemicals that NEA is currently co-regulating with Singapore Customs are (1) Amiton, (2)Arsenic trichloride, (3) Phosgene, (4) Cyanogen chloride, (5) Hydrogen cyanide, (6) Chloropicrin, (7) Phosphorus oxychloride, (8) Phosphorus trichloride, and (9) Phosphorus pentachloride.

ii. Purchase, storage and/or use – Companies will be required to obtain a HS permit.

b) Activities involving FM require a P&FM licence for import, transport, storage or conveyance via pipeline.

5 Please refer to Annex A for details on the co-regulation of the 47 scheduled CWC chemicals, including the respective agencies, exemption criteria for licence/permit application and requirements for road transportation.

6 All HS and FM licence/permit holders will be subject to safety requirements imposed by NEA and SCDF respectively. Facilities storing scheduled CWC chemicals will also be subject to enhanced security requirements under the respective regulatory regimes. Agencies will reach out to the licensees of these facilities and if necessary, arrange for a joint site inspection with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) to thoroughly assess the adequacy of existing onsite security measures. The details on the licensing/permit/approval requirements may also be found on the NEA and SCDF websites respectively:

NEA https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/pollution-control/chemicalsafety/hazardous-substances

SCDF https://www.scdf.gov.sg/home/fire-safety/petroleum-and-flammablematerial-licences

7 To avoid any potential disruption to business operations, companies dealing with the scheduled CWC chemicals should consider applying for or amending their licences/permits/transport approvals from 1 March 2023 onwards. Applications can be submitted via GoBusiness at https://gobusiness.gov.sg. For SCDF’s import and pipeline licences, applications can be submitted via SCDF E-Services3 at https://eservices1.scdf.gov.sg.

Streamlining of TradeNet Import/Export Permit Declarations for Scheduled CWC Chemicals

8 Companies that are importing/exporting scheduled CWC chemicals shall continue to apply for the TradeNet import/export permit. Agencies will implement product code pairing for TradeNet import and export permit declarations for the jointly controlled chemicals using relevant Harmonised System Codes and Product Codes of Singapore Customs and NEA/SCDF. Detailed changes to the declaration process will be made known to traders and declaring agents in Q2 2023. In the interim, traders and declaring agents may continue to declare the import and export permit applications for these chemicals using existing Singapore Customs’ Product Codes. 

9 Please note that Singapore Customs’ existing trade controls and restrictions4 under the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act and its Regulations remain applicable. From 21 August 2023, TradeNet import/export permit approvals from the co-regulating agencies (i.e.,

Singapore Customs and NEA/SCDF) will be required prior to any import/export of scheduled CWC chemicals.

10 Should you have any enquiries on the regulatory changes involving scheduled CWC chemicals, please contact:

SCDF • Storage Licence (Koh_Wen_Xi@scdf.gov.sg)

• Transport Licence

(Md_Razif_Abd_Rahman@scdf.gov.sg)

• Import Licence (Muhathir_Mohamad@scdf.gov.sg)

• Pipeline Licence (Wong_Weng_Kuin@scdf.gov.sg)

NEA • NEA_PCD_HS@nea.gov.sg

Singapore Customs

• CUSTOMS_NACWC@customs.gov.sg

Healthy 365 Program

 

What is Healthy 365?

Healthy 365 is a mobile application by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) Singapore which aims to encourage users to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Through the use of gamification and rewards, users are encouraged to sign up for in-app challenges and health programmes to earn Healthpoints.

The app seamlessly pairs with fitness tracking devices to help users log their daily steps count and amount of time spent on active exercises. Users can also scan QR codes via the app to earn Healthpoints when they purchase healthier meals, drinks and groceries from participating partners.

By 7 February 2023, all users must perform a one-time Singpass login to continue using the Healthy 365 app. Update your app from 5 January 2023 and follow on-screen instructions. If you do not have a Singpass account, click here to set up one now.

For support, click on the FAQs or step-by-step guides below.

Download the Healthy 365 app today!

Key Features

Fitness journey at a glance featuring user's fitness and rewards information

Health challenges, including the National Steps Challenge and Eat, Drink, Shop Healthy Challenge, for users to sign up to convert their healthier actions into rewards

Events listing featuring exercise classes that users can book via the app

Healthpoints redemption that includes a catalogue of healthy lifestyle rewards for users to choose from

Minimum Mobile Phone PS Requirements

Android Ver. 6

iOS Ver. 10

Supported HPB-Issued Fitness Trackers

AxtroFit

AxtroFit 2

AxtroFit 3

Careeach (HR)

Glide HR

Tempo 2 (HR)

Tempo 3C

Tempo 4C

Supported 3rd Party Fitness Apps

Actxa®

Apple Health

Fitbit

Garmin Connect ™

Polar Flow

Samsung Health

Also check out LumiHealth, a personalised health programme that helps Singapore residents improve their mental well-being, fitness, nutrition, sleep, and more with the LumiHealth app and Apple watch. Click here for more information.

View App FAQ

View App Terms of Use

View Privacy Statement

View step-by-step guide for Healthy 365 app log in and profile update

View step-by-step guide to verify your Healthy 365 account with Singpass - English | Chinese | Malay | Tamil

WSH (Medical Examinations) Regulations 2011

Under the Workplace Safety and Health (Medical Examinations) Regulations 2011, PART II MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS OF PERSONS

EMPLOYED IN HAZARDOUS OCCUPATIONS

Persons to be medically certified fit for employment

4.—(1)  It shall be the duty of the responsible person of a person who is to be employed in any hazardous occupation described in regulation 3(a) to (e) to ensure that the person shall undergo a pre-placement medical examination by a designated workplace doctor and be certified fit to work in such occupation, not later than 3 months after the date he commences his employment in such occupation.

(2)  It shall be the duty of the responsible person of a person who is to be employed in the hazardous occupation described in regulation 3(f) to ensure that the person shall be medically examined by a designated workplace doctor and certified fit to work in such occupation within 30 days before the date he is to commence his employment in such occupation.

(3)  The medical examination referred to in paragraph (1) or (2) shall —

(a)consist of the examinations and investigations specified in the Schedule and such other examinations or investigations as the Commissioner may require from time to time in any particular case; and

(b)include —

(i)a clinical examination of the person for symptoms and signs of any diseases that may result from exposure to the hazards of the occupation in which the person is employed; and

(ii)an assessment as to whether the person who is to be employed in a hazardous occupation is fit to work in that occupation.

Periodic medical examinations

5.—(1)  It shall be the duty of the responsible person of a person employed in any hazardous occupation to ensure that the person shall be periodically examined by a designated workplace doctor.

(2)  The periodic medical examinations referred to in paragraph (1) shall —

(a)consist of the examinations and investigations specified in the Schedule;

(b)include —

(i)a clinical examination of the person for symptoms and signs of any diseases that may result from exposure to the hazards of the occupation in which the person is employed; and

(ii)an assessment as to whether the person who is employed in a hazardous occupation is fit to continue working in that occupation; and

(c)take place at the intervals specified in the Schedule.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the Commissioner may, in cases where he considers expedient, require any person to be examined at intervals other than or in addition to those specified in the Schedule.

Other medical examinations

6.—(1)  The Commissioner may require any person or category of persons employed in any hazardous occupation to undergo a medical examination other than or in addition to the medical examinations referred to in regulations 4 and 5.

(2) Where a person employed in any hazardous occupation is required to undergo any audiometric examinations under these Regulations, it shall be the duty of the responsible person of that person to ensure that the audiometric examinations shall be carried out by persons who have undergone a course of training in audiometric screening acceptable to the Commissioner (as specified by the Commissioner at the Ministry of Manpower website).

(3) Any responsible person who contravenes paragraph (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $2,000.

Medical expenses to be borne by responsible person

7.—(1)  It shall be the duty of the responsible person of a person who is employed or to be employed in any hazardous occupation —

(a)to arrange, at the expense of the responsible person, all medical examinations and investigations that the person employed or to be employed in any hazardous occupation is required to undergo under these Regulations; and

(b)to grant paid leave of absence to that person required to undergo any medical examination or investigation under these Regulations.

(2) It shall be the duty of any person who is required to undergo any medical examination or investigation under these Regulations to ensure that he shall submit himself for such medical examination and investigation.

(3) Any person who contravenes paragraph (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $2,000.

Registers of employees in hazardous occupations

8.—(1) It shall be the duty of the responsible person of a person or persons employed in any hazardous occupation in a workplace to keep registers of such persons.

(2)The responsible person shall ensure that the registers referred to in paragraph (1) are —

(a)kept in such form and manner as may be required by the Commissioner;

(b)updated at all times such as to show at any time, the particulars of all persons who are currently employed in any hazardous occupation in the workplace and all the persons who had or have been employed in the hazardous occupation in the workplace in the last 5 years; and

(c)be produced for inspection upon request by an inspector.

(3) Any person who contravenes paragraph (1) or (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

Designated workplace doctor to report results of medical examinations to employers

9.—(1) It shall be the duty of the designated workplace doctor to report the results of the medical examination of a person employed in any hazardous occupation in a workplace to the responsible person of that person.

(2) The report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted by the designated workplace doctor in a form determined by the Commissioner.

(3) The responsible person of a person employed in any hazardous occupation shall —

(a)keep the report of every medical examination of that person employed in a hazardous occupation for a period of at least 5 years from the date of the medical examination; and

(b)whenever required by the Commissioner within the period referred to in sub-paragraph (a), make available to the Commissioner the report or a summary of the report, as the Commissioner may specify.

(4)Any person who contravenes paragraph (1), (2) or (3) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

Designated workplace doctor may recommend suspension from work

10.—(1)  Where a designated workplace doctor, having regard to the results of the medical examination carried out under these Regulations, is satisfied that the health of a person is likely to be or has been injuriously affected by the person’s employment in a hazardous occupation, it shall be the duty of the designated workplace doctor to advise the person that he —

(a)should not continue to be employed in that occupation; or

(b)be suspended from his work in such hazardous occupation temporarily for such period of time, as may be determined by the designated workplace doctor or permanently.

(2) Where the designated workplace doctor advises that a person employed in a hazardous occupation be suspended from employment in such hazardous occupation, it shall be the duty of the designated workplace doctor to —

(a)complete a certificate of suspension in such form and manner as may be determined by the Commissioner; and

(b)give a copy of the certificate of suspension to that person who is to be suspended from employment in a hazardous occupation, the responsible person concerned and the Commissioner.

(3) It shall be the duty of the responsible person of the person named in the certificate of suspension referred to in paragraph (2) to suspend the person from his work in the hazardous occupation.

(4) Any person named in the certificate of suspension referred to in paragraph (2) or the responsible person may, within 14 days from the date of the certificate of suspension, appeal to the Commissioner against it and the Commissioner’s decision shall be final.

Designated workplace doctor may inspect place of work

11.—(1)  It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace to provide all facilities to the designated workplace doctor to inspect the premises of the workplace and any process or work in or on which a person being examined by the designated workplace doctor under these Regulations is or is to be employed.

(2)It shall be the duty of the responsible person of a person who is employed in any hazardous occupation in a workplace and the occupier of that workplace to provide the designated workplace doctor with all information which is relevant and within their joint knowledge to enable the designated workplace doctor to carry out a proper medical examination of such person under these Regulations.

These are just some of the legal requirement for medical examinations. To learn more refer to the Singapore Statues Online and update your organization compliance obligation procedure

WSHC (Workplace Safety and Health Committees) Regulations 2008

Workplace Safety and Health (Workplace Safety and Health Committees) Regulations 2008

PART II

FORMATION OF WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE

Appointment of workplace safety and health committee and chairman

4.—(1) For the purposes of section 29(1) of the Act, a workplace safety and health committee shall be appointed in respect of every factory to which these Regulations apply.

(2) It shall be the duty of the occupier of such a factory to appoint, in respect of the factory —

(a)a workplace safety and health committee; and

(b)a person as a chairman of the workplace safety and health committee, being a person whom the occupier reasonably believes is competent to perform the functions and duties of its chairman.

Appointment of secretary

5.—(1)PART III

MEETINGS OF WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE

Meetings

7.—(1) It shall be the duty of the occupier of a factory to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that the workplace safety and health committee of the factory meets at least once a month to discuss matters relating to the safety and health of persons at work in that factory.

(2) No person shall prevent any member from attending any meeting of his workplace safety and health committee that is held during working hours.

(3) No person shall make any deduction from the salary of any member for being absent from work for the purpose of attending any meeting of his workplace safety and health committee.

Minutes of meeting

8.—(1) It shall be the duty of the secretary of the workplace safety and health committee of a factory to furnish a copy of the minutes of every meeting of the workplace safety and health committee of the factory to every member thereof and to the occupier of the factory.

(2)It shall be the duty of the occupier of a factory to —

(a)keep a copy of such minutes in the factory for inspection by any inspector; and

(b)furnish a copy of such minutes to the Commissioner at any time when required by the Commissioner.

Non-member may attend meetings

9.A workplace safety and health committee of a factory may invite any person employed in the factory who has suffered bodily injury as a result of any accident or dangerous occurrence which took place in the factory to attend any meeting of the committee to discuss the accident or dangerous occurrence.

Matters to be discussed at meetings

10.  At any meeting of a workplace safety and health committee of a factory, only matters relating to the safety and health of persons at work in the factory shall be discussed.Where there is a person appointed as the workplace safety and health officer of a factory, he shall be deemed to be appointed as the secretary of the workplace safety and health committee of that factory.

(2) Where no person is appointed as the workplace safety and health officer of a factory, it shall be the duty of the occupier of the factory to appoint, from among the members of the workplace safety and health committee of the factory, a person to be its secretary.

Composition of workplace safety and health committee

6.It shall be the duty of the occupier of a factory to ensure that —

(a)the workplace safety and health committee of the factory consists of members who are representatives of persons at work in the factory and of the management of the factory; and

(b)at all times, the number of members who are representatives of the persons at work in the factory is not less than those who are representatives of the management of the factory.

PART IV. FUNCTIONS OF WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE

General inspection of factory

11.—(1)  It shall be the duty of the occupier of a factory to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that the workplace safety and health committee of the factory inspects the factory at least once a month to see if necessary measures are taken to ensure the safety and health of persons at work in the factory.

(2) Following every inspection of the factory under paragraph (1), it shall be the duty of the chairman of the workplace safety and health committee of the factory to ensure that the workplace safety and health committee —

(a)discusses the observations of the members during the inspection at its next meeting; and

(b)records in a report —

(i)its opinion in respect of the lack of any measure, or any deficient measure, taken to ensure the safety and health of persons at work in the factory; and

(ii)its recommendations on the actions to be taken in the factory to ensure the safety and health of persons at work in the factory.

Inspection of factory after accident or dangerous occurrence

12.—(1) Where any accident or dangerous occurrence has taken place in any factory —

(a)it shall be the duty of the occupier of the factory to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that the workplace safety and health committee of the factory immediately carries out an inspection of the factory; and

(b)it shall be the duty of the workplace safety and health officer appointed in respect of the factory (if one has been appointed) to immediately conduct an investigation into the accident or dangerous occurrence and furnish the chairman of the workplace safety and health committee of the factory with a report of the findings of his investigation.

(2) After an inspection has been carried out in accordance with paragraph (1)(a) of a factory where an accident or a dangerous occurrence has taken place, it shall be the duty of the chairman of the workplace safety and health committee of the factory to ensure that the workplace safety and health committee of the factory —

(a)holds a meeting to discuss the observations of the members during the inspection and the report of the workplace safety and health officer referred to in paragraph (1)(b), if any; and

(b)records in a report —

(i)its opinion in respect of the lack of any measure, or any deficient measure, taken to ensure the safety and health of persons at work in the factory so far associated with the condition of the factory and the cause of the accident or dangerous occurrence; and

(ii)its recommendations on the actions to be taken in the factory to ensure the safety and health of persons at work in the factory.

Action to be taken on report of workplace safety and health committee

13.—(1) It shall be the duty of the chairman to furnish every report of his workplace safety and health committee referred to in regulation 11(2)(b) or 12(2)(b) to the occupier of the factory.

(2)  It shall be the duty of the occupier of the factory, as soon as is reasonably practicable after receiving any report furnished under paragraph (1), to do the following:

(a)discuss the recommendations of the workplace safety and health committee with the workplace safety and health officer (if one has been appointed) or the chairman;

(b)record in the report the occupier’s decision; and

(c)direct any person at work in the factory to take such action as the occupier thinks necessary in the interests of the safety and health of persons at work in the factory.

(3) It shall be the duty of the occupier of the factory to keep a copy of every report furnished under paragraph (1) in the factory.

Workplace safety and health committee to assist in organising certain activities to promote safe conduct of work in factory

14. The workplace safety and health committee of a factory may assist in organising any contest, competition or other activity for the purpose of promoting the safe conduct of work in the factory.

Guidelines to promote safe conduct of work in factory

15.—(1) The workplace safety and health committee of a factory shall, with the approval of the occupier of the factory, issue a set of guidelines to promote the safety and health of persons at work in the factory.

(2) The guidelines may, with the approval of the occupier of the factory, be amended or revoked by the workplace safety and health committee.

(3) It shall be the duty of the occupier of the factory to publish a copy of the guidelines, and all amendments made to the guidelines, in such manner as will secure adequate publicity at the factory for the guidelines.

Basic knowledge of members of workplace safety and health committee

16. It shall be the duty of the occupier of a factory to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, such measures to ensure that the members of the workplace safety and health committee have a basic understanding and knowledge of the functions and duties of a workplace safety and health committee under the Act.

Powers of workplace safety and health committee

17. The workplace safety and health committee of a factory shall, for the purposes of discharging its functions and duties under the Act, have the power to do all or any of the following:

(a)to enter, inspect and examine the factory at any reasonable time;

(b)to inspect and examine any machinery, equipment, plant, installation or article in the factory;

(c)to require the production of factory records, certificates, notices and documents kept or required to be kept under the Act, including any other relevant document, and to inspect and examine any of them;

(d)to make such examination and inquiry of the factory and of any person at work in that factory as may be necessary to execute its duties;

(e)to assess the levels of noise, illumination, heat or harmful or hazardous substances in the factory and the exposure levels of persons at work therein;

(f)to investigate any accident, dangerous occurrence or occupational disease that occurred within the factory.

These are just some of the function of Workplace Safety and Health Safety Committee. To learn more refer to the Singapore Statutes Online and add this requirement into  your organization compliance obligation procedure

WSH (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations 2007

Workplace Safety and Health (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations 2007

Application for approval to be workplace safety and health officer

2.—(1) A person may apply to the Commissioner for his approval to act as a workplace safety and health officer.

(2)An application under paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee specified in the First Schedule and such fee shall not be refundable.

Requirements for approval as workplace safety and health officer

3. For the purposes of section 33(3)(a) of the Act, a person may be approved to act as a workplace safety and health officer if he satisfies the Commissioner that —

(a)he has —

(i)successfully completed a training course to equip him to become a workplace safety and health officer; and

(ii)at least 2 years’ practical experience relevant to the work to be performed by a workplace safety and health officer; or

(b)although not having the qualifications and practical experience in paragraph (a), he nevertheless has had such other qualifications and practical experience as to render him, in the Commissioner’s opinion, competent to act as a workplace safety and health officer.

Certificate of approval

4.—(1) A certificate of approval for a person to act as a workplace safety and health officer shall, unless the approval for the person to so act is earlier cancelled, be valid for a period of 2 years from the date of approval or for such shorter period as the Commissioner may specify in the certificate of approval.

(2) A certificate of approval issued shall not be transferable.

(3) Where a certificate of approval is lost, destroyed or defaced, the holder of the certificate may apply to the Commissioner for a replacement certificate on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the First Schedule.

(4) An application under paragraph (3) to the Commissioner shall be supported by such documentary proof that the certificate of approval issued earlier has been lost, destroyed or defaced.

Renewal of approval

5.—(1) An application by a person for the renewal of the Commissioner’s approval of the person to act as a workplace safety and health officer shall be made in such form and manner as the Commissioner may determine, and shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee specified in the First Schedule.

(2) Any renewal fee paid under paragraph (1) shall not be refundable.

(3) Upon receiving an application for the renewal of approval under paragraph (1), the Commissioner may —

(a)renew the approval to act as a workplace safety and health officer for a period of 2 years; or

(b)refuse the renewal application if the Commissioner is satisfied that the applicant is no longer a fit and proper person to act as a workplace safety and health officer.

Register of workplace safety and health officers

6. The Commissioner shall keep an up-to-date register of all persons approved to act as workplace safety and health officers.

Workplace safety and health officer to attend courses

7.—(1) The Commissioner may, in granting any person approval to act as a workplace safety and health officer, impose as a condition the requirement for the person to attend such training courses which, in the opinion of the Commissioner, are relevant to the work of a workplace safety and health officer.

(2) Where a workplace safety and health officer fails to comply with paragraph (1), the Commissioner may —

(a)cancel the approval of the person as a workplace safety and health officer; or

(b)refuse the renewal application of a person as a workplace safety and health officer.

Workplaces requiring workplace safety and health officers

8.—(1) Every workplace within the prescribed class or description of workplaces specified in the Second Schedule shall have appointed in writing in respect thereof a workplace safety and health officer.

(2) A workplace safety and health officer referred to in paragraph (1) shall be appointed by the occupier of a workplace.

(3) Any occupier of a workplace who contravenes paragraph (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $1,000 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.

Duties of workplace safety and health officer

9.—(1) The duties of a workplace safety and health officer appointed in respect of a workplace shall be —

(a)to assist the occupier of the workplace or other person in charge of the workplace to identify and assess any foreseeable risk arising from the workplace or work processes therein;

(b)to recommend to the occupier of the workplace or other person in charge of the workplace reasonably practicable measures to eliminate any foreseeable risk to any person who is at work in that workplace or may be affected by the occupier’s undertaking in the workplace;

(c)where it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk referred to in sub-paragraph (b), to recommend to the occupier of the workplace or other person in charge of the workplace —

(i)such reasonably practicable measures to minimise the risk; and

(ii)such safe work procedures to control the risk; and

(d)to assist the occupier of the workplace or other person in charge of the workplace implement the measure or safe work procedure referred to in sub-paragraph (b) or (c), as the case may be.

(2) Any workplace safety and health officer who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes paragraph (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.

Powers of workplace safety and health officer

10. The workplace safety and health officer shall, for the purposes of discharging his duties under regulation 9, have the power to do any or all of the following:

(a)to enter, inspect and examine at any reasonable time the workplace;

(b)to inspect and examine any machinery, equipment, plant, installation or article in the workplace;

(c)to require the production of workplace records, certificates, notices and documents kept or required to be kept under the Act, including any other relevant document, and to inspect and examine any of them;

(d)to make such examination and inquiry of the workplace and of any person at work at that workplace as may be necessary to execute his duties;

(e)to assess the levels of noise, illumination, heat or harmful or hazardous substances in the workplace and the exposure levels of persons at work therein;

(f)to investigate any accident, dangerous occurrence or occupational disease that occurred within the workplace.

Apply to be a registered workplace safety and health officer

You can apply to be a registered workplace safety and health officer (WSHO) if you meet the requirements.

Requirements

You need to meet the following requirements to apply:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Singaporean, PR, Employment Pass holder or S Pass holder.

Note: If you’re a work pass holder, your occupation must be one of the following. Any other occupations will not be accepted.

• Fire and Safety Officer
• Health, Safety and Environmental Officer
• Safety Officer
• Workplace Safety Health Officer
• Have at least one of the prescribed workplace safety and health (WSH)-related qualifications (see accepted WSH-related qualifications).
• Have at least 2 years of work experience relevant to the work to be carried out by a WSHO. You need to provide documentary proof, e.g. a testimonial from your employer specifying clearly the period of employment where you served in a WSH-related designation.

The following work experience can be considered:

• Assistant WSHO
• WSH Coordinator or Safety Coordinator
• HSE Manager
• HSE Superintendent
• HSE Executive

You may have to attend an interview to allow us to further assess your suitability to be a WSH officer. We may require additional time to process your application if an interview is needed.

How to apply

To apply, follow these steps:

Log in to MOM website to apply. Navigate to Workplace Safety and Health .WSH professionals and Competent Persons-Apply for a licence or find listings for authorised examiners for lifting equipment and pressure vessels, crane operators, designated workplace doctors and WSH officers

Upload all supporting documents.

Pay the $110 fee online. Your application will only be processed upon payment.

(Optional) Log in to check your application status.

You will receive the outcome by mail. If your application is successful, you will also receive the registration card.

These are just some of the function of Workplace Safety and Health Officer. To learn more refer to the Singapore Statutes Online

and add this requirement into  your organization compliance obligation procedure