Singapore strengthens safeguards against heat stress and UV exposure for outdoor workers

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding outdoor workers from environmental hazards, outlining a series of measures to mitigate exposure to heat stress and solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

In an official statement issued on Monday, the ministry acknowledged the importance of protecting employees performing outdoor tasks, in response to public feedback highlighting UV exposure as a significant workplace risk. MOM emphasized that employers play a critical role in ensuring worker safety under Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act.

“Employers are required to conduct risk assessments and implement reasonably practicable measures to ensure the safety and health of their workers,” the ministry stated. These obligations include evaluating environmental risks such as extreme heat and UV radiation and introducing effective safeguards.

Central to Singapore’s workplace safety strategy is MOM’s heat stress framework for outdoor work. Under this framework, employers must provide shaded rest areas for employees exposed to high temperatures and solar radiation. 

The WSH Guidelines on Managing Heat Stress in the Workplace also recommend additional preventive measures, including:

• Rescheduling physically demanding tasks to cooler or less sunny periods of the day.

• Providing suitable protective clothing, such as long-sleeved garments made from breathable fabrics.

• Encouraging practical adaptations already adopted by many outdoor workers to minimize direct sun exposure.

These measures aim to address both immediate health risks and long-term concerns, including skin damage and heat-related illnesses.

To ensure adherence, MOM has stepped up inspections across outdoor work sites. Since introducing the heat stress framework, authorities have taken enforcement action against 213 employers found to be non-compliant with workplace safety requirements.

The ministry noted that these checks are part of broader efforts to foster a strong culture of occupational safety and health across industries.

Looking ahead, MOM pledged to stay aligned with emerging scientific research and evolving climate conditions. The ministry will continue working closely with industry stakeholders and tripartite partners to refine safety guidelines and strengthen worker protections.

“MOM will continue to monitor scientific developments and update requirements… to ensure that workers are adequately protected from both immediate and long-term environmental risks at workplaces,” said Jaime Lim, Director of the Major Hazards and Occupational Safety and Health Specialist Department.

As climate challenges intensify globally, Singapore’s proactive approach underscores the growing importance of climate-resilient workplace policies, particularly for sectors reliant on outdoor labour.