Cool drinking water, ice packs, suitable clothing: MOM to enhance heat protection for workers from Dec 1

Employers will have three months to implement measures to combat heat stress before they become mandatory from December, Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash announced on Friday (Aug 28).

MOS Dinesh, who is also Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, emphasised the significance of heat stress when considering workplace safety and health, especially for outdoor workers.

To do so, the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) Heat Stress Management Framework will be enhanced from Dec 1, to protect outdoor workers, adding on measures implemented in 2024.

This brings the total number of mandatory heat stress measures up to 11 from the current seven.

Employers will be required to:

• Establish a heat stress training programme for workers exposed to heat
• Provide cool drinking water supply near work areas
• Ensure cold water, ice packs or water spray on standby for emergency response
• Provide suitable clothing that can mitigate or protect workers from excessive heat

These enhancements were developed after consulting tripartite partners, industry stakeholders and relevant Government agencies, and complement existing requirements under the framework, MOM stated.

Should companies fail to adhere to these regulations, they may receive penalties such as stop-work orders.

"We hope for these measures to be in place before the next round of hot environments and seasons, which are expected to start in about May 2027," MOS Dinesh said.

These proactive measures allow employers to be productive, as workers will be ready and fit for work with less downtime due to health concerns.

"MOM is taking proactive steps to look out for the interests and the health and safety of our workers," he stated.

 "I hope all will join us in this journey."

Support for workers

Speaking with the media at SoilBuild's PSA Supply Chain Hub construction site in Tuas, MOS Dinesh highlighted the group's measures in supporting their workers combat heat stress.

He provided the examples of SoilBuild's well-ventilated rest areas within work sites, provision of ice for consumption and emergency use, training for supervisors and workers and accessible isotonic drinks.

Other notable measures include spot checks on water bottles, first aid rooms kitted with air-conditioning and the trial use of cooling garments which have reportedly contributed to a 3.9 deg C decrease in skin temperature among participants.

These cooling garments include a fan-based vest, an inner shirt lined with hydrogels and a freezetech inner shirt that utilises cooling technology from Japan.

About 1,600 workers at SoilBuild's Tuas site are currently benefiting from their enhanced measures, a spokesperson said on Friday.

"They have gone above and beyond what the requirements are," MOS Dinesh added. 

"But I think this is how every responsible operator should behave and act in today's conditions."

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khooyihang@asiaone.com