Stricter rules for workplace accident reporting

Employers using loopholes to avoid previous reporting requirements for workplace accidents have been stopped, thanks to new reporting rules which came into play on Monday.

Now, employers must report to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) if their workers cannot work for three days due to injury, even if these three days were not consecutive.

Previously, it was possible for some bosses to bypass the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) requirements by breaking up the medical leave of injured employees so the days were not consecutive.

The new rules stipulate employers must report all accidents to MOM within 10 days from the fourth day of medical leave.

"It is important that MOM's reporting database reflects an accurate picture of the number of WSH incidents, so that we can appropriately calibrate our engagement and enforcement actions," MOM said in a statement.

"The errant practices can obscure the actual severity of the accidents that have occurred, and prevent MOM from getting an accurate picture of the reality on the ground."

The maximum penalty for failing to mane an incident report is a fine of $5,000 for a first-time offence, and a $10,000 fine and a six month jail term for any subsequent offences.