Additional Guidance for Employers on Use of 1-Hour PM2.5 Readings to Protect Outdoor Workers During Haze

1            The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has issued new guidance on how employers should adjust outdoor work based on the 1-hour PM2.5 readings. This complements the existing guidance based on the PSI forecast, and helps employers respond within the day as air quality changes.

Planning Outdoor Work Using the PSI Forecast and 1-hour PM 2.5 Readings

2            Employers should refer to the PSI forecast to plan outdoor work for the following day, including identifying activities to reduce or reschedule (see Annex – Table 1). During the day, employers should use the 1-hour PM2.5 readings to adjust outdoor work activities as air quality changes (see Annex – Table 2).

Additional Guidance on 1-hour PM2.5 readings for Outdoor Work

3            Employers should progressively reduce outdoor work as the 1-hour PM2.5 readings rise. For vulnerable employees, including the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic heart or lung diseases, employers should avoid strenuous outdoor work when readings are Elevated (56–150 µg/m³), and avoid outdoor work when readings are High (151-250 µg/m³). When readings are Very High (251 µg/m³ and higher), employers should prohibit outdoor work for vulnerable employees.

4            For healthy employees, employers should reduce strenuous outdoor work when readings are Elevated (56–150 µg/m³) and avoid strenuous outdoor work when readings are High (151–250 µg/m³). When readings are Very High (251 µg/m³ and higher), employers should minimise all outdoor work for their employees. The detailed guidance is at the Annex.

5            Employers should also implement appropriate risk mitigating measures, such as using mechanical aids, implementing job rotation, providing indoor rest breaks and ensuring adequate hydration. Where strenuous outdoor work cannot be avoided when readings are High (151 – 250 µg/m3), N95 or equivalent masks should be provided. When readings are Very High (251 µg/m³ and higher) and outdoor work cannot be avoided, masks or appropriate respirators should be provided, and workers given indoor hourly rest breaks.

Employers Should Take Precautions to Protect Workers from Haze Exposure

6            Employers are reminded to review their haze management plans, including:

(a) identifying workers who are more susceptible to the effects of haze;

(b) determining which outdoor work activities should be reduced or rescheduled;

(c) setting criteria for restricting outdoor work as haze conditions worsen; and

(d) maintaining at least a one-week supply of masks as part of their haze-related Business Continuity Plans, if they have employees who are required to work outdoors.

7            Minister of State for Manpower, Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash said, "The health and safety of our workers must always remain a priority, especially during periods of haze. The additional guidance will help employers respond promptly to changing air quality and make informed decisions on outdoor work arrangements. I strongly urge employers to stay alert to haze conditions, take appropriate precautions, and pay particular attention to workers who are more vulnerable to its effects. With timely adjustments to work arrangements and the right protective measures, we can better safeguard workers while supporting business continuity."

8            More information on MOM's haze guidelines is available at www.mom.gov.sg/haze. Information on the PSI Forecast and 1-hour PM2.5 readings can be found at www.haze.gov.sg.

Annex

Table 1: Use PSI forecast to plan outdoor work arrangements for the following day

Table 2: Use 1-hour PM2.5 readings to make timely adjustments to outdoor work activities

¹ Vulnerable employees include the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic heart or lung diseases

Explanatory notes: REDUCE (do less), MINIMISE (do as little as possible), AVOID (do not do), PROLONGED (continuous exposure for several hours), STRENUOUS (involving a lot of energy or effort), PROHIBIT (must not allow).