bizSAFE Workplace Safety and Health Act 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What powers does a MOM Inspector have under the WSH Act when entering a workplace?
- The inspector may enter, inspect, examine records, take samples, and issue improvement or prohibition notices (Correct answer)
- The inspector may only conduct visual inspections without touching equipment or records
- The inspector must provide 48 hours' notice before entering a workplace
- The inspector can only enter with the consent of the employer
Correct answer: The inspector may enter, inspect, examine records, take samples, and issue improvement or prohibition notices
MOM Inspectors have broad statutory powers under the WSH Act, including the right to enter workplaces without prior notice, inspect conditions, examine records and documents, take samples, and issue legal notices to address safety deficiencies.
Question 2: What is a 'Prohibition Notice' under the WSH Act?
- A notice requiring the immediate stoppage of an activity that poses imminent danger to life (Correct answer)
- A notice banning a specific employee from entering the workplace
- A notice requiring an employer to submit a safety plan within 30 days
- A notice prohibiting a contractor from being awarded future contracts
Correct answer: A notice requiring the immediate stoppage of an activity that poses imminent danger to life
A Prohibition Notice under the WSH Act is issued by a MOM Inspector when there is an imminent risk of serious injury or death. It requires the immediate cessation of the dangerous activity until the hazard is rectified.
Question 3: Which of the following industries is NOT covered under Singapore's Workplace Safety and Health Act?
- Domestic workers employed in private residences (Correct answer)
- Marine industries
- Construction sites
- Healthcare facilities
Correct answer: Domestic workers employed in private residences
Domestic workers in private residences are not covered under the WSH Act. They are covered under separate legislation such as the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. All other listed industries fall within the WSH Act's scope.
Question 4: An employer fails to comply with an Improvement Notice issued under the WSH Act. What is the consequence?
- The employer commits a criminal offence and may be fined or imprisoned (Correct answer)
- The employer is given an additional 30 days to comply without penalty
- MOM will assign a safety officer to manage the workplace at the employer's expense
- The employer loses their BizSAFE certification automatically
Correct answer: The employer commits a criminal offence and may be fined or imprisoned
Failure to comply with an Improvement Notice under the WSH Act is a criminal offence. The employer can face significant fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment under the Act.
Question 5: Under the WSH Act, what is the definition of a 'dangerous occurrence' that must be reported to MOM?
- A specified event such as a scaffolding collapse or explosion that could have caused injury even if it did not (Correct answer)
- Any event that results in at least one day of medical leave for an employee
- An event that causes property damage exceeding a specified dollar threshold
- Any near-miss incident reported by an employee
Correct answer: A specified event such as a scaffolding collapse or explosion that could have caused injury even if it did not
A 'dangerous occurrence' under the WSH Act refers to a specified list of serious incidents such as scaffold collapses, explosions, or chemical releases that must be reported to MOM regardless of whether anyone was actually injured.
Question 6: What is the time limit for reporting a workplace fatality to MOM under the WSH Act?
- Within 10 days of the incident
- Immediately, as soon as reasonably practicable (Correct answer)
- Within 24 hours of the incident
- Within 3 working days of the incident
Correct answer: Immediately, as soon as reasonably practicable
Workplace fatalities must be reported to MOM as soon as reasonably practicable after the incident. While 10 days is the outer limit for certain reports, fatalities require the most urgent notification to allow MOM to investigate promptly.
bizSAFE Workplace Safety and Health Act 2
What powers does a MOM Inspector have under the WSH Act when entering a workplace?