Forum: Employers should be vigilant and adjust workplace measures during haze periods
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
We thank Madan Kishor for his letter, “Practical guidelines needed on haze for workers who can’t avoid being outdoors” (Aug 27), and for highlighting the importance of protecting workers during haze episodes.
The Ministry of Manpower has published guidelines to help employers protect employees from the effects of haze.
Employers must carry out risk assessments and implement appropriate measures, taking into account air quality, the nature and intensity of work, and the health of their workers.
These measures can include rotating or redeploying workers, providing indoor rest breaks, and ensuring adequate hydration.
The measures should be stepped up as air quality worsens. When the 24-hour PSI is 101 to 200 (Unhealthy), employers should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor work, with greater precautions for vulnerable workers (that is, elderly and pregnant employees and those with chronic heart or lung disease).
At 201 to 300 PSI (Very Unhealthy), prolonged or strenuous outdoor work should be avoided. Employers should minimise or avoid outdoor work for vulnerable workers.
When the PSI is above 300 (Hazardous), outdoor work should be minimised and non-essential outdoor work deferred. Employers should ensure that vulnerable workers are not deployed for outdoor work.
Where prolonged or strenuous outdoor work cannot be avoided at higher PSI levels due to extenuating circumstances such as situations involving public safety, employers should provide suitable N95 masks or appropriate respirators.
Workers who need to use masks or respirators should be properly fit-tested and trained on their use.
Employers should prepare these measures early and communicate the arrangements clearly to their workers in a timely manner. Employers should also monitor their workers’ well-being.
Workers should inform their supervisors if they feel unwell and seek medical attention where necessary. Protecting workers during haze episodes is a shared responsibility, and employers should remain vigilant and adjust their workplace measures as air quality conditions change.
Thomas Teo
Director
Occupational Safety and Health Specialist
Occupational Safety and Health Division
Ministry of Manpower
