bizSAFE WSH Act and Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'Stop Work Order' issued by MOM under the Singapore WSHA?
- A suggestion to slow down work
- A legally binding order requiring all or part of the work to cease due to imminent danger or serious safety breaches (Correct answer)
- A voluntary safety pause
- A scheduling directive
Correct answer: A legally binding order requiring all or part of the work to cease due to imminent danger or serious safety breaches
A Stop Work Order is a serious enforcement action that compels the employer to immediately cease specified work activities due to imminent danger or serious non-compliance with safety requirements.
Question 2: What type of workplace incidents must be reported to MOM under Singapore's WSH (Incident Reporting) Regulations?
- Only fatal accidents
- Fatal accidents, non-fatal injuries requiring hospitalisation for 24+ hours, dangerous occurrences, and occupational diseases (Correct answer)
- Only injuries requiring more than 30 days of medical leave
- Only incidents involving machinery
Correct answer: Fatal accidents, non-fatal injuries requiring hospitalisation for 24+ hours, dangerous occurrences, and occupational diseases
The Incident Reporting Regulations require reporting of fatal accidents, injuries requiring 24+ hours hospitalisation, specified dangerous occurrences, and diagnosed occupational diseases.
Question 3: What is the role of a Workplace Safety and Health Officer (WSHO) in Singapore?
- To manage company finances
- To advise the employer on safety matters, inspect the workplace, and investigate accidents as required by law (Correct answer)
- To sell insurance to workers
- To represent workers in salary negotiations
Correct answer: To advise the employer on safety matters, inspect the workplace, and investigate accidents as required by law
A WSHO is a registered professional who advises employers on WSH matters, conducts workplace inspections, investigates incidents, and ensures compliance with the WSHA and its regulations.
Question 4: Under the WSHA, which workplaces are required to appoint a Workplace Safety and Health Committee?
- All workplaces regardless of size
- Workplaces in prescribed industries (e.g., construction, manufacturing) with 50 or more employees (Correct answer)
- Only government offices
- Only workplaces that have had accidents
Correct answer: Workplaces in prescribed industries (e.g., construction, manufacturing) with 50 or more employees
The WSH (WSH Committees) Regulations require workplaces in prescribed industries with 50 or more employees to establish a WSH Committee comprising employer and employee representatives.
Question 5: What is the 'reasonably practicable' standard under the Singapore WSHA?
- Employers must eliminate all risks completely
- Employers must do everything that is reasonable, considering the severity of hazard, state of knowledge, availability of controls, and cost (Correct answer)
- Employers only need to follow minimum requirements
- No standard is defined
Correct answer: Employers must do everything that is reasonable, considering the severity of hazard, state of knowledge, availability of controls, and cost
The 'reasonably practicable' standard requires employers to weigh the severity of potential harm against the cost, effort, and availability of risk controls, taking all reasonable steps to ensure safety.
Question 6: What is the penalty for an employee who wilfully removes safety equipment in a Singapore workplace?
- No penalty for employees
- A fine of up to SGD 20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 2 years (Correct answer)
- A verbal warning only
- Automatic termination of employment
Correct answer: A fine of up to SGD 20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 2 years
Under the WSHA, employees who wilfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse safety equipment can face fines up to SGD 20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 2 years.
bizSAFE WSH Act and Regulations 2
What is a 'Stop Work Order' issued by MOM under the Singapore WSHA?