Hansard Explorer

Mr David Hoe asked the Acting Minister for Manpower with respect to outdoor work during haze episodes (a) how will the Ministry ensure that employers consider one-hour PM2.5 spikes alongside the 24-hour PSI; (b) how workers can confidentially report inadequate protection or unsafe work without retaliation; and (c) how will the Ministry ensure wages are not deducted when employers suspend work for safety reasons.

The Minister of State for Manpower (Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash) (for the Acting Minister for Manpower): Mr Speaker, employers should use the daily Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) forecast to plan out their work arrangements for the following day and the one-hour PM2.5 readings to adjust outdoor work during the day as air quality changes.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will continue to check employers' haze protective measures during our worksite inspections, including whether they have taken into account the changing air quality.

Workers may report unsafe work practices to MOM via the SnapSAFE platform. MOM will look into reports without disclosing the reporting worker's identity to the company or employer involved.

Retaliation against workers who report unsafe practices is an offence under the Workplace Safety and Health Act. MOM will take appropriate enforcement action against employers who do so.

On the deduction of wages when work is suspended for safety reasons, the Tripartite Advisory on Haze-related Workplace Measures advises employers to bear the cost of any short-term and ad hoc suspension of operations due to haze, and to not deduct from the pay or leave entitlements of affected workers. If the suspension of business operations is for longer periods, employers should discuss with union and employees on appropriate flexible work, leave and salary arrangements to be put in place. Where there are disputes, employees are encouraged to first raise the matter with the employer and may contact MOM for further assistance if needed.

Mr Speaker: Mr Hoe.

Mr David Hoe (Jurong East-Bukit Batok): Thank you, Speaker, and I thank the Minister of State for his response. I have two specific broad supplementary questions. First, on Work Permit holders that are not covered by the primary care plan, such as our cleaners in the coffee shop and also hawker centre, I would like to understand: number one, what are the medical coverage and assistance available to them for haze-related illness; second, could the Ministry clarify what are the employers' obligation to such workers; and finally, how does MOM ensure that employers comply with their obligations.

Second, given that workers may be reluctant to report employers for the fear of repercussion, can MOM confirm that they will proactively inspect workplaces during haze episodes to ensure that employers fulfil their obligations to their workers?

Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash: Thank you, Mr Speaker. On the first supplementary question, employers are responsible for the medical treatment and costs of Work Permit holders, including outpatient costs. I do share the same view that the Member has had in that we have to take care of our workers, particularly those who are in the hawker centres, so that they are protected during this time as well.

On the second supplementary question, inspections currently focus on the haze protection measures because that is most critical at this point in time, but it does not prevent workers from having to report any breaches to MOM. These reports will be taken in confidence and we will do the necessary investigations and take actions if they are needed on those people who are errant.