Ensuring Haze Protection Measures for Workers Working Outdoors During Prolonged Haze Conditions

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Acting Minister for Manpower in view of the increased risk of transboundary haze, whether the Ministry will step up targeted inspections of sectors with large numbers of outdoor workers during a prolonged haze episode, to ensure that measures, such as work rotation, indoor rest breaks and appropriate respiratory protection, are duly implemented.

Ms Jasmin Lau: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is monitoring the haze situation closely and is already conducting inspections, including at workplaces with large numbers of outdoor workers, to ensure employers put in place adequate measures to protect their workers. Should the situation worsen, MOM will step up these inspections. Where serious lapses are found, MOM will take enforcement action.

Depending on the air quality, the measures that employers should put in place include rotating or redeploying workers, providing indoor rest breaks and adequate hydration and deferring non-essential work. If the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index exceeds 200 and prolonged or strenuous outdoor work is unavoidable, employers should provide workers with appropriate respirators.