As climate change continues to impact Singapore’s weather patterns, businesses must step up efforts to safeguard workers against increasingly unpredictable and extreme conditions.
From intense rainfall to prolonged heatwaves, adverse weather is no longer a rare inconvenience but a growing threat to operations, equipment, and most importantly – lives.
The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Guidelines on Preparation of Workplaces for Adverse Weather, launched by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on 4 April 2025, serves as a timely response to these emerging challenges.
The guidelines offer a structured approach to help companies mitigate risks and ensure business continuity.
“Climate change has resulted in prolonged periods of high heat and intense rainfall. This has increased the risk of workers suffering from heat-relatedinjuries,” said NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Melvin Yong.
“I urge employers adopt the guidelines, and more importantly, to send their employees for the appropriate training. Workers and supervisors need to know what to look out for and what to do in adverse weather conditions.”
He added that this will mitigate emerging climate change risks on work activities, leading to smoother operations and minimised downtime.
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Melvin Yong and Manpower Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad visit a worksite managed by VICO Construction.
Here are three key WSH guideline pointers all employers should pay close attention to:
Every worksite is different, but each must have a clear and tailored adverse weather response plan.
This should assess site-specific risks such as structural vulnerabilities, low-lying work zones, and equipment exposure.
Companies must also plan resources and assign roles ahead of time. For example, those operating cranes or mobile platforms must act swiftly to lower and secure equipment when wind speeds rise.
An effective plan also includes emergency communication channels like walkie-talkies or loudhailers, as mobile networks may fail in extreme conditions.
Temporary structures such as scaffolds, formwork, and Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP) are often the first casualties in a storm.
According to the guidelines, all such equipment must be operated within manufacturer-specified wind-speed limits.
Work must stop when these thresholds are exceeded. Employers should also establish collapse zones, reinforce tie-backs, and ensure proper storage of unsecured materials.
These are simple measures that can save lives and prevent costly damage.
Workers need to be familiar with the risks and trained to respond.
This includes recognising heat stress symptoms, knowing where to shelter during lightning storms, and understanding when to halt work.
Drills should be conducted regularly, and response kits – including first-aid supplies, communication tools, and sustenance – must be well-stocked and easily accessible.
Mr Yong shared that NTUC and its unions are committed to helping businesses adapt, and they will continue to work with MOM and the WSH Council to regularly review and update workplace safety practices.
As the climate evolves, so must safety practices. By embracing the WSH Guidelines today, employers are not only fulfilling a regulatory duty—they are making a strategic investment in resilience, worker welfare, and operational success.
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