Chapter 4Workplace Safety & Health

(WSH)

Reference: WSH Council www.mom.org.sgPrepared by: Ng Choy Mei

What Workplace Safety & Health covers

The Workplace Safety and Health Act is an essential part of the new framework to cultivate good safety habits in all individuals. It requires stakeholders to take practicable measures to ensure the safety and health of workers and other people that are affected by the work being carried out.

Workplace Safety & Health

The Workplace Safety & Health framework

The three guiding principles are:• Reducing risks at source, requiring all

stakeholders to eliminate or reduce the risks they create;

• Instilling greater ownership of safety and health outcomes by industry; and

• Preventing accidents through higher penalties for poor safety management

The Workplace Safety & Health ActThe Workplace Safety and Health Act has four key

features: • it places the responsibility for workplace safety on all

stakeholders.• it focuses on Workplace Safety & Health systems and

outcomes.• it facilitates effective enforcement through the

issuance of remedial orders.• it imposes higher penalties for non-compliance and

risky behaviour.

What the Act covers:• All workplaces, unless exempted by the WSH Act• Responsibilities of stakeholders• Hazardous substances• Machinery & equipment

All workplaces, unless exempted by the WSH Act

• The Workplace Safety & Health Act covers all factories and workplaces of various risk levels and industries.

• A workplace is any premises where a person carries out work.

• Some of these workplaces are further classified as a factory. A factory is any premises in which any of the following is carried out:

• Examples of factories include a manufacturing plant, a car-servicing workshop, a shipyard and a construction work-site.

Responsibilities of stakeholders• The Workplace Safety & Health Act defines the

responsibilities for the following stakeholder groups:If you are an employerProtect the safety and health of employees or workers

working under your direct control. Duties include:• conduct risk assessments to remove/control risks to workers• maintaining safe work facilities• ensuring safety in machinery/equipment/plant.• develop control measures for dealing with emergencies;• Provide workers with adequate instruction/training/

supervision.

Responsibilities of stakeholders

If you are a principalRequired to ensure that the contractor:• has the competency to carry out the work;• has taken adequate safety and health measures

necessary used by the contractor or the contractor’s employees.

Note: A principal is any person or organization who engages another person or organization to supply labour or perform work under a contract for service.

Responsibilities of stakeholdersIf you are an occupier• You must ensure that the workplace, all

entrances to and exits from the workplace, and all machinery within are safe and without risk to the health of any person within those premises, even if the person is not one of your employees.

• An occupier may also be responsible for the common areas used by your employees and contractors.

Responsibilities of stakeholdersIf you are a manufacturer or supplier• Ensure that any machinery, equipment you

provide is safe for use. You are required to:• Provide proper information on the safe use of

the machinery• Ensure that the machinery or

hazardous substance is safe for use• Ensure that the machinery or hazardous

substance has been tested and examined so that it is safe for use

Responsibilities of stakeholdersIf you are an installer or erector of machinery• Ensure that all machinery and equipment

installed or modified is safe and without health risks when properly used.

If you are self-employed• Required to take measures to ensure the

safety and health of other members of the public.

Responsibilities of stakeholders

If you are an employee• Follow the safe working procedures

introduced at the workplace.• Do not engage in any unsafe act that may

endanger lives. • Use personal protective equipment provided

to secure your safety / health while working. Do not tamper / misuse such items provided.

• Do not engage in any negligent act.

Hazardous substances

The following are classified as hazardous substances under the Workplace Safety and Health Act:

CarcinogensCorrosive substancesExplosivesFlammable substancesGases under pressureIrritantsMutagensOrganic peroxidesOxidising substancesPyrophoric substances

Self-heating substancesSelf-reactive substancesSensitisersSubstances hazardous to aquatic environment.Substances which in contact with water, or emit flammable gasesTeratogensToxic substances

Machinery & equipmentManufacturers and suppliers of following machinery & equipment have the duty to ensure they are safe for use:• Scaffolds and any materials or components used to erect them• Lifting equipment• Forklifts• Power presses• Bar-benders• Equipment or piping intended for operation under pressure• Equipment/piping intended to contain corrosive/toxic/flammable substances• Welding equipment or fitting necessary to enable its use• Materials used for the construction of support structures• Explosive powered tools• Equipment used for abrasive blasting, including any accessory, apparatus or

fitting necessary to enable its use and operation.

Workplace Safety and Health 2018

Achieving sustained improvements in WSH performance

A national, strategic and long-term approach is vital for Singapore to achieve sustained and continuous improvement in WSH standards. To achieve this objective, the WSH 2018 was co-drafted by the WSHC and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). WSH 2018 spells out our national vision, the strategic outcomes and the strategies required to achieve the 2018 vision. It aims to synergise the efforts and resources of all stakeholders to achieve:

The vision of "A safe and healthy workplace for everyone”;“A country renowned for the best practices in workplace

safety and health" andOne of the best safety records in the world by bringing down

the national fatality rate to less than 1.8 per 100,000 workers by 2018.

Strategic Outcomes:

a) The reduction in WSH incident rates;b) Workplace safety and health as an integral part of business;c) Singapore as a renowned Centre of Excellence for WSH; andd) A progressive and pervasive WSH Culture.In order to achieve the desired outcomes, the four identified strategies below will help to guide the efforts of everyone, namely the government, industry stakeholders, employers, unions, workers, WSH professionals, professional and education institutions as well as service providers, in strengthening WSH improvements and paving the way towards safer and healthier workplaces.

Strategy 1 - Build strong capabilities to better manage WSHStakeholders to raise WSH performance. Build strong capabilities including quality-training.Monitor development of WSH competencies. Improve risk management WSH capabilities,

competency development and delivery, providing practical assistance to stakeholders, as well as building a world-class WSH institute.

Strategy 2 - Implement an effective regulatory framework

Target interventions and strong enforcement action to develop based on trends and developments in the industry.

Create industry ownership for WSH outcomes. Undertake strategic intervention, resolve systemic

lapses, extend enforcement reach and legislative reviews.

Strategy 3 – Promote benefits of WSH and recognise best practices

Encourage employers to better understand the benefits

of good WSH performance.Recognise employers and workers who demonstrate

good WSH practices and encourages them to share their

experiences. This promotes cross-industry learning and

facilitates continuous improvement.Outreach in WSH, recognition of WSH best practices,

driving WSH improvements through large organisations,

as well as creating a business case for the management

of WSH.

Strategy 4 - Develop strong partnerships locally and internationally

works on inter-agency and inter-industry collaboration.

Engage renowned experts to critique on the development of WSH strategies and standards in Singapore, as well as international collaboration.

What is Safety Culture?Values (Beliefs)

AttitudesBehaviours

CompetenciesFour key componentsWSH culture is about people, and their acceptance of WSH

as part of life. An organisation which strives to excel in WSH must take active steps to create a workforce that believes in its declared WSH Values, have the right attitudes for the job, competent in what they are doing, and exhibit the right set of behaviours.

Do you have these beliefs?

accidents can’t be avoided We have done our best Accidents will not occurred again We must be productive at any cost Work can compromise safety up to a extent

Do your line staff has these beliefs? safety is not my responsibility Some body else have to take care of that I am doing it this way for so many years Go ask the safety department people It can’t happen to me!

Development of safety culture Dependent State

Engineering measures taken to control hazards• Physical measures (eg barricades, valves, PPEs,

Arrestors, Insulators, LVSPs, Ventilation)• Sound engineering standards as mandatory

practice• High level of supervision• OSH Regime based on Inspections, Checklists• Clear Rewards and Punishments

Development of safety cultureIndependent State

Implement WSH Management System (WSHMS). • Risk Assessment• Safe work procedures and method statements• Training• Emergency preparedness• Incident investigation• Certification under OHSAS 18000, SS 506,ISRS….

Development of safety cultureInterdependent State

Building trust between workers and management, having a common set of beliefs, and embracing a common culture of WSH•Ingredients of WSH Culture•Management providing leadership in WSH•WSH Centric Business Policies•WSH as part of core business objectives•Accountability to WSH at all levels•Teamwork to achieve WSH results

Climbing the WSH Culture Ladder

Common hazards at workplaceOverviewWork-related injuries and diseases occur as a result

of unsafe acts and unsafe conditions. Unsafe acts usually occur when employees are unaware of hazards or the proper work practices (not adopting the proper methods when lifting heavy objects or not using gloves when handling hazardous chemicals).

Unsafe conditions refer to hazardous physical conditions of the work environment and equipment. (a slippery floor or a poorly ventilated office).

Work-related accidents and illness can be prevented by recognising the hazards associated with the task to be undertaken and taking the necessary prevention measures.

Common Terminology-WSH Act 2006“Hazard” is anything with the potential to cause bodily injury (include physical, chemical, biological, mechanical, electrical or ergonomic hazard).

“Risk” is the likelihood that a hazard will cause a specific bodily injury to any person.

“Risk assessment” means the process of evaluating the probability and consequences of injury or illness arising from exposure to an identified hazard, and determining the appropriate measures for risk control.

“Accident” is any unintended event which causes bodily injury to a person, but does not include any bodily injury sustained by a person

Common workplace safety and health hazards

•Falls from height•Noise hazard•Electrical hazard•Fire hazard•Chemical hazard•Fatigue

•Manual handling hazard•Confined space hazard•Slips and trips on same level•Struck by or against objects•Indoor air quality issue

Slips, Trips and Falls

Potential slip and trips Sources

Recommended preventive measures

Poor floor conditions (e.g. Wet floor, uneven surfaces)

Obstruction or protruding objects in walkways

Keep floors/ stair dry and clean

Repair broken and cracked floors immediately

Good housekeeping Sufficient lighting Appropriate type of

footwear

Common hazards at workplace

An unattended open drawer can become a trip and fall hazard

Proper Warning Signs to warn against liquid spills

Falls from Height Any work activity that involves access to positions that cannot be reached when standing on the ground should be regarded as "work at height". Falls from height Sources Safe Use of LaddersPoor ladder conditions (e.g. shaky ladder, bent ladder) Carrying load while climbing up or down a ladder (no three-point contact)

Check ladders if in good condition before and after use.Use ladders on hard, even-leveled, non-slippery surfaces.Face ladder when standing or climbing it.Always maintain three-point contact with the ladder

Falls from Height

• Check ladders if in good condition before and after use.

• Use ladders on hard, even-leveled, non-slippery surfaces.

• Face ladder when standing or climbing it.• Always maintain three-point contact with

the ladder

Falls from Height

Struck by ObjectA “struck by” injury refers to an injury as a result of being hit by falling or flying objects.

Potential sources: struck by object

Recommended preventive measures

Overstacked/overloaded shelves.Storing heavy or frequently used objects above shoulder height.Reaching for objects stored on shelves where objects cannot be clearly seen.Standing or working underneath works being carried out at height

Do not overload shelves and cabinets Stack materials in stable way Store heavy or frequently used objects at lower shelves Use step ladders to reach high shelves Barricades and signs to warn of overhead work

Struck by Object

Falling Shelves Poor housekeeping

Struck by Object

Potential sources: Bump into doors /glass

panels Bump into person/object

(open drawers or cabinet)

Recommended preventive measures Mark glass doors with coloured/translucent tape Ensure sufficient space to move around in work area

Manual HandlingManual handling is any activity which• Lifting heavy objects • Jerk to lift an object off the floor • Running with heavy object • Carrying objects by the straps or tapes

Place one foot at the side of the load and one foot behind the load.

Distribute your body weight equally to both feet.

Ensure a good grip on object before moving off.

Manual HandlingManual handling puts employees at the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) with sprains and strains on the back being one of the most common.•Symptoms of MSD include:•Numbness;•Pain;•Swelling;•Tingling sensation;•Weakness in affected body part; and/or•Stiffness of joints.

PosturesStatic posture Stand or sit for long hours

Control MeasuresEncourage employees to stretch and move about at work stations Anti-fatigue mats or chairs

Repetitive movements Using same joints and muscle groups over extended period (e.g. packing bread, intensive data entry)

Control MeasuresShort regular breaksStaff rotation

Manual Handling

• Use of anti-fatigue mat helps to relieve strains on back for employees

• who need to stand for prolonged periods

Postures

Postures

Office Ergonomics• Upright or slightly reclined sitting posture • Top of monitor screen at eye level • Shoulders are relaxed • Frequently used objects within reach

Electrical HazardsPotential sources: Recommended preventive

measures

•Defective equipment •Damaged electrical cords •Exposed wires •Overloaded circuits, plugs or extension cords •Wet/damp conditions

•No overloading •Remove defective appliances •Inspect and maintain electrical appliances and power cords •Keep power cords away from heat, water and oil •Use approved electrical appliances or plugs

Electrical Hazards

Fire HazardsPotential sources: Recommended preventive

measures•Overloading of power circuits •Misuse of electrical appliances •Poor housekeeping

•Ensure no overloading at electrical points •Follow electrical appliances’ recommendations and instructions •Establish emergency evacuation route of escape or emergency plan

Mechanical HazardsAll mechanical action or motion is hazardous,

but in varying degrees.Potential sources: Recommended preventive

measures

•Rotating, Reciprocating and transverse motions•In-running nip-points•Cutting actions•Punching, shearing and bending actions

•Enclosure guards•Interlocking guards•Automatic guards•Remote control, placement, feeding and ejecting.

Mechanical Hazards

• Examples of mechanical hazards.

Chemical Hazards

Depending on the nature of job, employees may be required to handle industrial chemicals that are toxic, flammable or corrosive. Chemicals, upon entering human body, can lead to a variety of adverse health effects, including immediate effects or long-term effects.

Chemical HazardsOccupational diseases caused by chemicals are:

•Dermatitis•Lung disease

•Poisoning.•Cancer.

Dermatitis Occupational lung disease

Chemical HazardsChemical hazards Potential sources:

Recommended preventive measures

• breathing in, • skin or eye

absorption,• Ingestion• injection.

•Store products in their original containers.•Use chemicals according to manufacturer’s instruction and intention.•Avoid mixing cleaning products.•wear protective equipment, PPE.

Chemical HazardsReading the safety data sheet

Biological Hazards

•Biological hazards refer to organic matters produced that are harmful to human health.

•These include parasites, viruses, bacteria, fungi and protein.

•The harmful effects are mainly of three types - infections, allergy and poisoning.

Biological HazardsPotential sources: Recommended preventive

measures by elimination

• breathing in, • skin or eye absorption,• Ingestion• injection.

•Use Respiratory protection - masks.•Wear Protective clothing.•Wear Goggles/Face shields•Use Gloves•Use Shoe covers•Sterilize regularly•Remember Personal hygiene

Biological HazardsEliminating biological hazards

Environmental HazardsEnvironment is the things around. Environmental hazard is the risk of damage to

the environment eg air pollution, water pollution, toxins, radioactivity

Environmental Hazards

Occupational disease: Recommended preventive measures by elimination

•Noise induced deafness.

•Environmental monitoring.•Medical surveillance.•Wear ear plug (noise levels exceeding 85 dBA).

Construction Hazards

• The construction industry is one of the most hazardous industries.

• The top four causes of construction fatalities are: Falls, Struck-By, Caught-In/Between and Electrocutions.

Construction Hazards

Prevent Falls• Wear and use personal fall arrest equipment. • Install and maintain perimeter protection. • Cover and secure floor openings and label

floor opening covers. • Use ladders and scaffolds safely.

Construction Hazards

Prevent Struck-By• Never position yourself between moving and

fixed objects. • Wear high-visibility clothes near

equipment/vehicles.

Construction HazardsPrevent Caught-In/Between• Never enter an unprotected trench or

excavation without an adequate protective system in place.

• Make sure the trench or excavation is protected either by sloping, shoring, benching or trench shield systems.

Construction Hazards

Prevent Electrocutions• Locate and identify utilities before starting work. • Look for overhead power lines when operating any

equipment. • Maintain a safe distance away from power lines;. • Do not operate portable electric tools unless they are

grounded or double insulated. • Use ground-fault circuit interrupters for protection. • Be alert to electrical hazards when working with

ladders, scaffolds or other platforms.

Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment is the process of1. Identifying and analyzing safety and health

hazards associated with work. (Find it) 2. Assessing the to control the hazards and

reduce level of risks involved. (assess it)3. Prioritizing measures to control the hazards

and reduce the risks. (Fix it)

Risk AssessmentSteps to Risk Assessment

Health Identification

Risk Evaluation

Risk Control

Risk AssessmentImportance of risk Assessment• A legal requirement under the Workplace

Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations.

• A key instrument to reduce risk at the workplace.

• Makes stakeholders accountable for managing the risk they create.

Risk Assessment

Recognise risk at workplace.• The hazards associated with the activity of

each process.• The type of potential accident and incident.• The persons exposed to the hazards.

Risk Assessment

Risk MatrixThe risk matrix idea is used to be decisive, non-

argumentative and action oriented.

Risk AssessmentAcceptability of Risk

Risk AssessmentTypes of Risk ControlThe control of hazards and reduction of risks can be

accomplished by following the WSH Hierarchy of Control

Risk AssessmentTypes of Risk ControlEliminationElimination of risk refers to the total removal of the worker’s exposure to the hazards.SubstitutionThis involves substituting a process or a product with a less hazardousEngineering ControlsEngineering controls are physical means that include changes to the work environment or work processes

Risk AssessmentTypes of Risk ControlAdministrative ControlsThese reduce exposure to a hazard by adherence to procedures or instructions. Documentation should emphasize all the steps to be taken and the controls to be used in carrying out the activity safely. Personal Protective EquipmentUsed only as a last resort, the success of this control depends critically on the protective equipment being chosen correctly and worn at all times.

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