WSH Guidelines

The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council has recently issued four sets of Guidelines:

Fatigue Management

Fatigue occurs when a person feels physically or mentally tired. It affects an employee’s concentration at work and can be hazardous. The Guideline on fatigue management helps organisations to identify factors contributing to fatigue, and advises on ways to prevent and control workplace fatigue. A combination of risk control measures and good practices can be effective in fatigue management.

Workplace Traffic Safety Management

Poorly managed workplace traffic can be risky. This Guideline identifies traffic hazards within the workplace and provides information on implementing a Workplace Traffic Management Plan. The Management Plan should be endorsed by top management, and should include information such as workplace traffic planning and safe operation of transport vehicles.

Safe Loading on Vehicles

Dangerous loading can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. This Guideline provides general safety guidance for transport operators, drivers, loading staff and key stakeholders. The Guideline also helps to raise awareness and inculcate basic safety principles for working safely while loading.

Managing Heat Stress at the Workplace

The hot and humid weather can put workers at an increased risk of heat stress and heat stroke, and may lead to serious health consequences. The Guideline highlights the factors which contribute to heat stress and recommends practicable measures for both employers and employees to reduce the risks of developing heat-related illnesses. . The Guideline also includes a checklist to help evaluate the risk of heat stress.

To view these guidelines in full, please visit the Council website HERE.

Audit for Company Emergency Response Teams

The mandatory Company Emergency Response Team (CERT) Scheme for companies which store more than five metric tonnes of petroleum and flammable materials, is an integral part of
their emergency response to an onsite incident. It protects the company employees while minimising business losses.
From April 2009 to February 2010, SCDF audited the CERTs from more than 218 premises for their operational effectiveness. More than 90% passed the CERT audits, validating their immediate response plans. Since October 2009, the respective territorial fire stations have been empowered to conduct such audits. This gives them the important operational overview of the CERT capabilities of the companies within their boundaries.

For training of CERT members, visit www:kavservices.sg

Workshop to Enhance the Safety of Crane Operation (WESCO)

With effect from 1 Apr 2011, all registered Crane Operators will be required to undergo a half-day Workshop to Enhance the Safety of Crane Operations (WESCO) before they can renew their 2-year crane operator licenses.

The objective of this Workshop is to raise the safety competencies of personnel involved in the operation of cranes. Topics covered include safety practices for crane operations, updates on safety laws and regulations, safe lifting practices and lessons learnt from recent crane-related accidents.

All Crane Operators will be required to show proof of attendance at this Workshop before they can renew their crane operator licenses after 1 Apr 2011. This requirement will only apply at the point of expiry of Crane Operator registration.

The Workshop is now available at the two authorised training providers starting from October 2010. To attend the Workshop, crane operators are required to produce their crane operator license at registration.

Name of Training Provider and Training Location

BCA Academy of the Built Environment
200 Braddell Road

NTUC Learning Hub
Block 18, Boon Lay Way,
#04-120, TradeHub 21