We thank Mr Li Ze Zong for his suggestion to integrate facets of the anti-diabetes war plan into Workplace Safety and Health 2018 Plus ("Take the war on diabetes to the workplace"; Nov 19).
The Workplace Safety and Health Act places equal emphasis on workplace safety and workplace health.
It recognises the inter-relatedness of safety and health, which must be managed in an integrated manner.
Hence, we advocate that workplaces adopt a Total Workplace Safety and Health approach in the Workplace Safety and Health 2018 Plus plan.
The Total Workplace Safety and Health approach, introduced by the Ministry of Manpower, the Workplace Safety and Health Council, the Ministry of Health and the Health Promotion Board, calls for companies to consider the safety, health and well-being of workers in their workplace risk assessment.
Over the past two years, the Workplace Safety and Health Council has worked with 120 companies employing more than 110,000 workers to implement Total Workplace Safety and Health in their workplaces.
For example, one company introduced an ergonomic programme to help its workers reduce back strain caused by packing activities. Another company initiated health screening for the early detection of chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases, which may impact a worker's ability to work.
We urge companies to implement Total Workplace Safety and Health at their workplaces, and place equal emphasis on workers' safety, health and well-being.
For more information on Total Workplace Safety and Health and to download relevant materials, please visit www.wshc.sg/totalwsh
Ho Siong Hin
Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health
Ministry of Manpower
Heng Chiang Gnee
Chairman
Workplace Safety and Health Council