MOM urges companies to conduct Safety Time-Out amid rise in workplace fatalities

With a spike in workplace fatalities and rising temperatures, MOM is calling on employers to conduct a voluntary STO from 12 to 26 June 2025 to review safety practices, with added focus on work-at-height, vehicular safety, and heat stress measures.

In May 2025, Singapore recorded five workplace deaths, up from three in the same period last year, prompting the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to call for a voluntary Safety Time-Out (STO) from 12 to 26 June 2025.

The STO aims to provide employers and workers an opportunity to review safety procedures, reinforce existing controls, address any issues, and reaffirm the commitment to protecting lives of employees. There is particular emphasis on work activities involving work-at-height and vehicular safety, which remain high-risk areas.

MOM also reminded industries to prepare for the expected warmer weather in June and July by implementing heat stress measures for outdoor workers. Under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act, employers and occupiers have a duty to ensure workplaces are safe and free from health risks.

Employers must assess whether outdoor work can be carried out safely and implement an effective heat stress management programme. This includes measures based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), focusing on acclimatisation, hydration, rest, and shade.

Workers vulnerable to heat stress include:

• Older workers above 65 years old
• Pregnant workers
• Overweight or obese workers
• Workers newly assigned to outdoor work
• Workers unacclimatised to hot environments, such as new or returning workers from colder climates
• Workers returning from long leave of more than one week
• Workers currently unwell or recovering from illness
• Workers with personal risk factors such as chronic diseases, medication use, or a history of heat injury

In addition to the STO, MOM will increase enforcement inspections by 25%, targeting sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine, transportation, and storage.

Workplaces found breaching safety regulations may face Stop-Work Orders, composition fines, or prosecution under the WSH Act in serious cases.

MOM highlighted available resources and grants to support companies in improving workplace safety, including the Lorry Crane Stability Control System Grant and the Productivity Solutions Grant. These provide funding for safety technologies such as vehicular safety tech, video analytics, and drone for work-at-height solutions.

More information on heat stress measures is available on MOM website.

Lead image / MOM Facebook

Infographic / MOM