MOM Enforces Hourly Breaks for Outdoor Workers as Heat Intensifies in Singapore

SINGAPORE – As temperatures rise, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has implemented new safety measures requiring employers to provide outdoor workers with hourly breaks, effective immediately. Introduced with input from the Ministry of Health’s Heat Stress Expert Panel, the measures are designed to lower heat stress risks for outdoor workers, who may be more vulnerable due to the nature of their work.

Under the new guidelines, employers must monitor hourly Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings, an international standard that considers humidity, air temperature, wind, and solar radiation to assess heat stress. Depending on WBGT readings and activity levels, breaks range from 5 to 15 minutes each hour. For example, workers performing light tasks should take a 5–10 minute rest when WBGT is between 32–33°C, while those doing heavy labor, like shoveling, require 15 minutes’ rest when WBGT is 33°C or higher.

Employers are encouraged to monitor WBGT using the myENV app, with larger construction sites, shipyards, and process industries required to have on-site WBGT meters starting January 1, 2024.

The new measures also call for gradual outdoor exposure for new workers and hourly hydration of at least 300ml. Additional recommendations include rescheduling outdoor work to cooler times, ventilating workspaces, and setting up a buddy system to detect signs of heat injury early. MOM will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with these safety requirements.