There are four major principles in the Code of Practice on Chief Professionals and Board of Directors’ WSH Responsibilities.
The foremost is to ensure that WSH can be integrated into business decisions and there is clearness in the roles plus responsibilities of CEOs and directors in top workplace safety and health measures.
Secondly, company management should “continuously build a strong WSH culture, set the firmness and demonstrate visible leadership in embodying and communicating impressive WSH standards”, Dr Tan said.
They should also make sure that WSH management techniques are effective and reviewed regularly, as well as encourage workers to be actively engaged in WSH.
“The POLICEMAN aims to distil the management concepts and practices associated with safe companies straight into actionable steps individuals to adopt and adapt to their circumstances, inch Dr Tan said.
He observed that it was drawn up after “extensive consultations” with the Singapore Start of Directors, Singapore Institute of Protection Officers, Association associated with Small and Medium Enterprises, Tripartite Companions and various industry associations.
The code was first introduced in April as well as the ministry has been contacting industry stakeholders on it since then.
It will apply to companies in all industries, even people with no manual work and little risk of physical injury. It also covers the mental well-being of employees.
“We is going to be gazetting the COP as an Approved POLICE OFFICER by October this year, ” said Doctor Tan.
“This means that in the event of the WSH Act offence, the courts can consider compliance to this approved COP within their judgment. Adhering to the particular approved COP’s principles can be a mitigating aspect. ”
Dr Tan added that small- and medium-sized enterprises starting out upon implementing WSH can apply to the Ministry of Manpower’s StartSAFE programme, and the ministry will bear the entire cost of WSH consultancy visits to identify risks and advise on safety measures.
Urging companies to strengthen their particular WSH culture, he or she said: “We recognize that it has been a violent period as we carry on and battle work challenges and uncertainties.
“But we are not able to and we can never let it be an excuse to put WSH on the back again burner. It is extremely important that companies be familiar with need to be safe, and how WSH is aligned to their commercial plus economic interests. ”