MOM has checked more than 500 workplaces for haze safety since September, and four heat stress measures become mandatory on 1 December 2026
Haze and heat are both risks for outdoor work. Employers need to be ready for both.
1. What Happened
- In parliamentary replies on 3–4 Nov, MOM said following its haze guidelines is mandatory
- Since September, MOM has carried out more than 500 worksite inspections, including construction sites
- Most sites had protection in place; the most common lapse was a missing or incomplete haze risk assessment
- Employers with lapses received Notices of Non-Compliance and must fix them or face composition fines
- The Government encourages service buyers to build flexibility into contracts so contractors can adjust work during haze
2. Key Dates and Penalties
- From 1 Dec 2026, four heat stress measures become mandatory: heat stress training, cool drinking water near work areas, cold water, ice packs or water spray for emergencies, and suitable clothing
- Existing rules stay: hourly WBGT monitoring (on-site WBGT meters for construction sites with contract sums of S$5 million or more), at least 7 days of acclimatisation for new workers, and a 10-minute hourly rest for heavy work at WBGT 32°C and above
- Breaches can lead to stop-work orders and composition fines
3. What Employers Should Do
- Complete and keep a haze risk assessment
- Plan the next day's outdoor work using the PSI forecast, and adjust using 1-hour PM2.5 readings
- Stock N95 masks and brief workers on haze risks
- By 30 Nov, train workers and set up cool water, ice packs and suitable clothing
- For short haze stoppages, the tripartite advisory says employers should bear the cost, with no pay or leave deductions
- Workers can report unsafe practices via SnapSAFE; retaliation is an offence
4. How Build360 Helps
- Find suppliers of masks, water equipment and workwear on Build360
- Follow Build360 News for compliance updates in English and Chinese
Source: MOM · 8world · CNA
