Managing outdoor work during haze: MOM releases additional guidelines for employers

The additional guidance sets out when employers should reduce strenuous work, restrict outdoor duties and provide protective equipment based on 1-hour PM2.5 readings.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has issued additional guidance for employers in Singapore on adjusting outdoor work activities based on 1-hour PM2.5 readings during haze conditions.

The guidance complements existing recommendations based on the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) forecast, helping employers make timely adjustments to outdoor work as air quality changes throughout the day.

Planning outdoor work using the PSI forecast and 1-hour PM2.5 readings

Employers should refer to the PSI forecast to plan outdoor work arrangements for the following day, including identifying activities that may need to be reduced or rescheduled.

During the day, they should use 1-hour PM2.5 readings to adjust outdoor work activities as air quality changes.

Additional guidance on 1-hour PM2.5 readings for outdoor work

MOM advised employers to progressively reduce outdoor work as 1-hour PM2.5 readings rise, with different precautions for vulnerable and healthy employees.

For vulnerable employees, including the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic heart or lung diseases, employers should avoid strenuous outdoor work when readings are elevated (56–150 µg/m³).

When readings reach high levels (151–250 µg/m³), employers should avoid outdoor work for these employees. At very high levels (251 µg/m³ and above), outdoor work should be prohibited for vulnerable employees.

For healthy employees, employers should reduce strenuous outdoor work when readings are elevated and avoid strenuous outdoor work when readings reach high levels. When readings are very high, employers should minimise all outdoor work.

Employers should also put in place risk-mitigating measures, including the use of mechanical aids, job rotation, indoor rest breaks and adequate hydration.

Where strenuous outdoor work cannot be avoided at high readings, N95 masks or equivalent protection should be provided. At very high readings, if outdoor work cannot be avoided, employers should provide masks or appropriate respirators and ensure workers receive hourly indoor rest breaks.

Employers urged to review haze management plans

MOM reminded employers to review their haze management plans, including:

• Identifying workers who are more susceptible to the effects of haze.
• Determining which outdoor work activities should be reduced or rescheduled.
• Setting criteria for restricting outdoor work as haze conditions worsen.
• Maintaining at least a one-week supply of masks as part of haze-related Business Continuity Plans, if employees are required to work outdoors.

Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Manpower said: “The health and safety of our workers must always remain a priority, especially during periods of haze.”

He added that the additional guidance would help employers respond promptly to changing air quality and make informed decisions on outdoor work arrangements. He also urged employers to stay alert to haze conditions, take appropriate precautions and pay particular attention to workers who are more vulnerable to its effects.

With outdoor work arrangements adjusted to reflect changing air quality, employers can take steps to protect workers while supporting business continuity.

Using 1-hour PM2.5 readings to adjust outdoor work

Employers may refer to MOM’s haze guidelines for more information. The PSI forecast and 1-hour PM2.5 readings are available here.

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Infographics / Ministry of Manpower's Telegram