Workplace Safety and Health Act in Singapore: HR Guide
Updated on 13 March 2026 in Business | Suki Bajaj
Is your workplace truly safe? Singapore's recent surge in workplace accidents has highlighted a growing concern. To ensure the well-being of your employees and comply with legal obligations, understanding the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) is crucial.
In this guide, we'll delve into the key provisions of the WSH Act, providing valuable insights into your responsibilities as an employer. Discover how to prevent accidents, minimise risks, and foster a culture of safety within your organisation.
Key Takeaways:
- The Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) is a key legislation established to protect workers from workplace hazards and promote a safe and healthy working environment.
- Recent surges in workplace fatalities have led to stricter enforcement and a shift toward a "shared responsibility" model where safety is managed at all organizational levels.
- Implementing a robust safety culture including regular risk assessments and dedicated safety teams, not only ensures legal compliance but also boosts employee productivity and retention.
- HRMS platforms like QuickHR can streamline the management of safety policies, ensuring that all employees have immediate access to updated safety protocols via mobile devices.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about:
Recent Workplace Accident Cases and the Need for Change
Why Do Workplace Accidents Continue to Occur Despite Safety Measures
How Can We Break the Cycle of Workplace Accidents
What is the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA)
Key Guiding Principles of the WSH Act
What Does the WSHA Cover? Who Does It Protect
MOM Raises Maximum Fine for Workplace Safety Breaches
Why Occupational Safety Needs to Be a Top Priority
How Can We Prevent Workplace Accidents from Recurring
Build a Safer, Healthier Workplace for Your Team
Recent Cases and the Need for Change
In recent years, Singapore has witnessed a concerning rise in workplace fatalities and safety breaches. These incidents not only highlight the urgent need for stricter workplace safety measures but also underscore the devastating impact they can have on individuals, families, and businesses.
According to a recent report from August 2024, a construction worker was hit by the steel structure which fell during a crane lifting operation. The worker was pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic.
Local authorities do not suspect foul play, based on preliminary investigations. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has halted all lifting activities at the worksite while they conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
In 2023, there were 36 workplace fatalities, according to MOM’s annual workplace safety and health report.
Why Do Workplace Accidents Continue to Occur Despite Safety Measures?
The majority of workplace accidents in Singapore occur in high-risk industries like construction, transport and storage, marine, and manufacturing.
These accidents are often caused by preventable safety lapses, such as not following safe work procedures, rather than a lack of experience. Moreover, most of these cases happen in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
How Can We Break the Cycle of Workplace Accidents?
To effectively address them, both employers and employees must prioritise compliance with the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act.
It's a shared responsibility that requires everyone from top management to frontline workers to create a safe work environment, preventing injuries or fatalities.
Let's begin by exploring the Singapore Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) and its vital role in protecting the well-being of your employees.
What is the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA)?
The Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) is a key legislation established to protect workers from workplace hazards and promote a safe and healthy working environment.
It outlines the legal obligations of employers and other stakeholders to implement effective safety measures and cultivate good safety practices among all employees, regardless of their position or role.
Key Guiding Principles of the WSH Act
The WSH Act is built on three fundamental principles:
Responsibility:
It places the responsibility on individuals and organizations who have control over workplace safety to reduce risks.
This means everyone from employers to employees has a role to play in creating a safe environment.
Industry Ownership:
The Act encourages organisations to take responsibility for their safety and health outcomes, rather than solely on individual actions.
This means implementing systems and processes to prevent accidents and injuries.
Effective Enforcement:
To ensure compliance, the WSH Act includes provisions for enforcement, such as issuing remedial orders and imposing higher penalties for non-compliance.
What Does the WSHA Cover? Who Does It Protect?
The WSHA is a comprehensive workplace safety law that assigns responsibilities to stakeholders. It ensures that everyone in the workplace has a role in creating and maintaining a safe environment.
- Employers: Responsible for providing a safe workplace, complying with safety regulations, and taking necessary measures to prevent accidents
- Principals: Those who control or manage a workplace, such as property owners or contractors have obligations when they contract out work to ensure that contractors follow safety standards.
- Occupiers: Owners or managers of workplaces must maintain safe premises for employees and visitors.
- Manufacturers and Suppliers: Responsible for ensuring that machinery and equipment as well as products and materials are safe for use.
- Installers and Erectors: Must ensure that machinery and equipment are installed and maintained safely.
- Employees: Have the responsibility to follow safety procedures, report hazards, and cooperate with safety initiatives.
Take note that there's a specified list of hazardous substances defined in accordance with the Act. - Self-Employed: Have similar responsibilities as employees but may have additional obligations as business owners.
Key 2026 WSHA Policy Updates in Singapore
- Expanded Occupational Disease (OD) Coverage: The list of reportable and compensable diseases has been updated to include all work-related musculoskeletal disorders beyond upper limbs and a broader range of infectious diseases.
- Mandatory Video Surveillance (VSS): Construction worksites with a contract value of $5 million or more must now have video surveillance installed at high-risk locations, such as areas where workers are at risk of falling from more than 2 meters.
- Launch of AfA-SHEL: The "Alliance for Action on Safety and Health for Employment Longevity" (AfA-SHEL) will launch in the second half of 2026 to develop ground-up solutions for common workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
- Enhanced Mental Health & Ergonomics Scrutiny: MOM has intensified inspections and audits focusing on psychosocial risks and ergonomic hazards as part of a holistic approach to worker well-being.
- Stricter bizSAFE Requirements: Achieving at least bizSAFE Level 3 is increasingly becoming a mandatory prerequisite for securing both government and large-scale private sector procurement contracts.
- Adverse Weather Guidelines: New non-mandatory but highly scrutinized guidelines require employers to develop comprehensive response plans for extreme weather risks like heat stress, floods, and haze.
MOM Raises Maximum Fine for Workplace Safety Breaches
Singapore has significantly increased the maximum fines for workplace safety breaches under the Workplace Safety and Health Act Subsidiary Legislation. This move aims to hold business leaders more accountable for ensuring safe working conditions.
As of June 1, 2024, companies could face penalties of up to $50,000 for serious offenses that result in death or serious injury. These include:
- Failure to implement adequate safety measures and risk assessments
- Appointing unqualified personnel for critical roles
- Inadequate employee training or provision of protective equipment
- Neglecting equipment maintenance and inspections
- Failing to warn workers of potential hazards
While the maximum fine for the most serious offenses has been doubled, less serious offenses could still result in fines of up to $20,000 or $10,000.
In addition to the increased fines, the Singapore government is mandating the installation of video surveillance systems at construction worksites. This measure is expected to enhance workplace safety monitoring and accountability.
Why Occupational Safety Needs to Be a Top Priority?
Every employee deserves a workplace where they feel safe and valued. Creating a secure and safe environment is not merely a legal requirement; it's a foundational investment that protects employees’ well-being and yields significant returns for employers.
A Safer Workplace, A More Productive Workforce
Employees who work in a safe and comfortable environment are more likely to be engaged, productive, and satisfied.
When workers feel secure, they can focus on their tasks and perform at their best without the constant worry of injury or any other distractions.
This translates to reduced absenteeism, higher morale, and ultimately, improved bottom-line results.
Protecting Your Business, Protecting Your Reputation
Accidents and injuries can have devastating consequences for both employees and businesses. Beyond the human cost, these incidents can lead to costly legal battles, damaged equipment, and lost productivity.
A strong safety culture not only protects your employees but also safeguards your business's reputation and financial stability.
A Competitive Advantage
In today's competitive landscape, companies that prioritize safety stand out. Customers, investors, and talent are increasingly drawn to businesses with a proven commitment to employee well-being.
A positive safety record can enhance your brand image, attract top talent, and even lead to new business opportunities.
How Can We Prevent Workplace Accidents from Recurring?
A slip, a fall, a malfunctioning machine - these events can disrupt operations, damage property, and most importantly, cause harm to your workers, both physically and emotionally.
These workplace accidents aren't just unfortunate occurrences; they're often preventable. Preventing such incidents is a crucial responsibility for both employers and employees. To create a safer work environment, employers should consider the following strategies:
Building a Strong Safety Foundation
- Safety Team and Leadership: Establish a dedicated team to oversee workplace safety initiatives and provide a platform for employees to contribute ideas.
Appoint a safety officer responsible for implementing safety policies, conducting inspections, and coordinating emergency response. - Hazard Assessment: Regularly assess evaluate hazards in your workplace, such as slippery surfaces, electrical hazards, or chemical exposure.
- Risk Control: Implement effective control measures to eliminate or minimize risks, such as providing personal protective equipment, improving lighting, or redesigning workspaces.
- Preventative Maintenance: Conduct routine inspections of equipment, facilities, and work areas to identify and address safety issues promptly.
Aside from keeping a clean and organized workplace, ensure that machinery and equipment are properly maintained to prevent breakdowns and accidents.
Safety Procedures and Training
- Clear Guidelines: Develop concise and easy-to-understand safety policies and procedures that cover topics like handling hazardous materials, operating machinery safely, and responding to emergencies. Ensure they are easily accessible to all employees.
- Emergency Preparedness: Create emergency response plans, including evacuation procedures and assembly points and contact information for emergency services. Conduct regular drills to familiarize employees with the plan.
- Safety Training: Provide ongoing safety training to all employees, tailored to their specific roles and responsibilities. Allocate sufficient resources for the training covering topics such as first aid, fire safety, and other job hazards.
Continuous Improvement and Employee Involvement
- Accident Investigation: Thoroughly investigate accidents and incidents to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences. Learn from past mistakes and implement corrective actions.
- Policy Review: Regularly review and update safety policies and procedures to reflect changes in regulations, industry best practices, and workplace conditions.
- Employee Engagement: Create a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting hazards and incidents without fear of reprisal.
Encourage them to raise concerns and provide feedback on safety measures. Recognize and reward your team as they participate in safety initiatives. - Health Programs: Support employees' physical and mental well-being through programs such as on-site health screenings, fitness classes, and stress management workshops.
Always remember, safety is a continuous process that requires constant attention and ongoing commitment and participation from everyone.
Build a Safer, Healthier Workplace for Your Team
Is your workplace a safe zone? Does your company have a clear plan in place to keep everyone healthy and happy?
Having organised, comprehensive, and compliant polices can help everyone understand what's expected of them and how to stay safe on the job.
It's not just a piece of paper—it's a promise to your team that they'll come home safe every day. Let's make sure your company's workplace safety and health policies are up to par.
Here's how QuickHR can help:
- Streamlined Policy Creation and Management: Our pre-built templates make it simple to create and customise WSH policies that align with the latest regulations.
- Digital Onboarding for a Safer Start: New hires can quickly review and acknowledge company policies, ensuring a smooth onboarding process and immediate understanding of safety protocols.
- Easy Access for Employees: Employees can access WSH policies anytime, anywhere via QuickHR Mobile App, making it easy to stay informed and compliant.
To learn more about QuickHR, you may contact us or request a free demo, so we can all work together to create a safer, healthier workplace for your team.
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