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Written Answer by Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng to PQ on higher incidence of dry eye and other diseases given work-from-home trend

Workplace safety and health

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1088 OF 2022 FOR THE SITTING ON OR AFTER 5 APRIL 2022
QUESTION NO. 2783 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER 
MP: Mr Melvin Yong

To ask the Minister for Manpower in light of findings that have shown a correlation between prolonged telecommuting work arrangements and its impact on workers’ health such as dry eye disease and increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders from poor work environment at home (a) whether the Ministry will study if such health issues are occurring more frequently among our local workforce; and (b) whether the Work Injury Compensation Act should then be amended to include these new health issues as occupational diseases.

Answer: 

Based on claims that have been filed, there is no indication of the effect of prolonged telecommuting work arrangements on work-related musculoskeletal disorders or eye disorders. In fact, the top sectoral contributors for work-related musculoskeletal disorder in 2021 and 2020 were manufacturing, health and social services, accommodation and food services, and construction. Workers in these sectors generally do not telecommute due to the nature of their work. For dry eye disease, it is compensable if it arose out of and in the course of employment. However, we note that dry eye disease has also been linked to several non-work factors such as ageing or vitamin deficiency. We will continue to monitor workplace trends and medical evidence, and review the list of occupational diseases under the Work Injury Compensation Act when necessary.

In addition, with telecommuting becoming more prevalent, the Workplace Safety and Health Council has been conducting outreach to employers and employees on safe and healthy telecommuting practices. The Council has published a bulletin on conducting risk assessment when working from home. These include mitigating ergonomic hazards such as by adjusting monitor height to prevent eye or neck strain, and taking regular screen breaks to rest one’s eyes at least two to three times every hour.