NTUC urges employers to safeguard workers' health as haze persists

SINGAPORE - The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is once again calling for all employers to take immediate and proactive measures to ensure that the health and safety of their workers are safeguarded all times, as the haze situation in Singapore persists.

"Their health and safety are of utmost priority and management must look after their interests over business always," the union urged.

While no stop-work order has been issued by the relevant authorities at this point, NTUC said that employers should exercise discretion and flexibility where due and make necessary adjustments to their operations, especially where it involves minimising the risks posed by haze exposure to workers.

NTUC said that appropriate protective masks must be issued to workers for outdoor work and if they are unwell, they must have the right to stop work and rest indoors.

"Workers should not be penalised for absence from work if it is due to the hazardous haze, which is beyond any of our control. Where appropriate, employers may also consider allowing workers to telecommute," it said in a statement.

NTUC stressed that employers should continue to be alert and adhere to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) as they await further advisories from the authorities.