Protections for Outdoor Workers When Air Quality Reaches Unhealthy Levels

Mr Jackson Lam asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) what protections employers are required to provide to outdoor workers when air quality reaches unhealthy levels; and (b) whether clearer thresholds should be introduced for reducing or suspending strenuous outdoor work.

Ms Jasmin Lau: Under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, employers must assess haze-related risks and take appropriate measures to protect outdoor workers. The Ministry of Manpower's (MOM's) haze guidelines set out clear precautionary measures based on the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI).

When the 24-hour PSI is within the unhealthy range of 101 to 200, employers should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor work. When it is within the very unhealthy range of 201 to 300, such work should be avoided. If it cannot be avoided, employers should provide employees with respirators, such as N95 masks. When the 24-hour PSI exceeds 300 and enters the hazardous range, employers should minimise all outdoor work. For employees who must continue working outdoors, N95 masks should be worn, and full face respirators should be worn when the PSI exceeds 400. Risk assessments for high-risk activities, such as lifting operations, should also take into account the effects of haze on visibility. More stringent precautions apply to susceptible workers, including older and pregnant workers, and those with chronic lung or heart disease.

Employers should also reduce workers' exposure by adjusting work assignments or rotating jobs, providing sufficient indoor rest breaks, adequate hydration and deferring non-essential work.