Employers and employees have to step up their workplace safety and health efforts because injuries and fatalities can impede business recovery from COVID-19 pandemic, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng on Thursday (29 July).
He emphasised that businesses must still go forward with their workplace safety and health efforts amid the pandemic, in addition to safe management measures to minimise interactions at workplace and prevent the spread of COVID-19 among workers.
“For businesses to remain operational and successful, it is vital that we care for our workers,” he said.
He added, “It is not enough to protect our workers from the virus but yet expose them to workplace accidents.”
He said this while speaking at a virtual awards ceremony organised by the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council.
Dr Tan made this remarks after a spike in fatal workplaces accidents were reported this year. There were a total 23 work-related deaths in the first half of 2021, which is an up from the 16 workplace fatalities over the same period in 2020. In the first six months of 2019, only 17 such deaths were reported.
The Manpower Minister also spoke about MOM’s review of the introduction of safety criteria to qualify for public-sector construction projects.
He explained that the Singapore Contractors Association Limited and the Specialist Trade Alliance of Singapore have expressed their support of the move but requested more time for the sector to prepare for the changes. More details on this will be said at a later date.
Separately, Dr Tan stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses to “sharpen their risk management abilities”, adding that such instincts apply for accident prevention as well.
“We have to mitigate these risks, while constantly monitoring and updating our control measures, based on changing circumstances,” he noted.
If that’s not all, Dr Tan also mentioned in his speech the importance of workers’ mental health.
He revealed that a special workplace mental well-being award will be introduced from next year as part of the WSH Awards. It will recognise companies and individuals who have performed well in encouraging mental resilience at the workplace.
“COVID-19 has heightened the importance of mental well-being, given the blurring of work-life boundaries, social isolation, and uncertainty over jobs and business prospects,” said Dr Tan.
