Opening Remarks at Launch of National WSH Campaign

Minister of State, Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub

Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC, Mr Melvin Yong,
Council Member of the Singapore National Employers Federation, Mr See Yoong Hwee,
Tripartite partners,
Distinguished guests,

1 Very good afternoon to all of you. It is wonderful to see many familiar faces and friends here today. Thank you very much for being here.

2 Today’s launch is really an affirmation of our shared commitment towards safer and healthier workplaces in Singapore.

3 Over the years, Singapore has built a strong foundation in workplace safety and health, or WSH. We have strengthened our regulations and enforcement, and worked closely with industry partners to uplift standards across the various sectors.

4 However, rules and regulations alone cannot sustain a strong safety culture. There are other important elements that we need to continue focusing on over the next few years. In this regard, the launch of this campaign and the refreshed tagline are both very timely.

5 First, let me congratulate everyone on the workplace safety and health outcomes we achieved last year. We must continue working together to ensure that we protect our workers, especially those working in more demanding environments.

6 These achievements happened because safety has been emphasised at every level – employers, workers, unions, the Ministry, and all stakeholders taking personal responsibility for workplace safety. It reflects a mindset that goes beyond simply focusing on the bottom line, and I think this really makes a difference in ensuring that we have a strong safety culture.

7 At the same time, a good safety culture also contributes positively to business outcomes. Operational downtime is reduced, employee retention improves, and morale remains high among workers.

8 This ownership that we see is indeed very important, where every one of us remains vigilant, complies with safety protocols, looks out for one another, and speaks up when things are not going the way they should. This is something we must continue to sustain in the years ahead.

9 I would like to highlight three important elements as we continue building a strong safety culture in our workplaces: first, leadership; second, processes; and third, persistence.

10 Leadership makes a difference. If leaders are serious about building a safety culture, if they walk the ground, identify hazards, listen to feedback, and truly walk the talk, it sets the tone for the entire organisation.

11 I am sure I am preaching to the converted here today, but this message must continue reaching all employers – that demonstrating safety leadership in the way we conduct business makes a tremendous difference to workplace safety culture.

12 Second, it is important for us to ensure that strong safety processes are in place. Today, there are many examples of organisations leveraging technology and AI to strengthen workplace safety and better protect workers.

13 Just a few days ago, I visited a worksite in Pasir Ris where heat mitigation measures had been implemented effectively. These are examples of processes being put in place diligently to better protect workers.

14 But what struck me most during the visit was not just the equipment or technology being used. It was the willingness of leadership and management to listen to suggestions and ideas from workers themselves.

15 Very often, frontline workers best understand what is needed to better protect them and improve workplace safety. This is very important because when workers know their employers are listening to them, it strengthens trust and reinforces a stronger safety culture.

16 Third, persistence. Sometimes I say this colloquially – we must continue doing the right thing, and do it consistently, even when nobody is watching. That is the true mark of a strong workplace safety culture.

17 Leadership and processes are important, but there must also be follow-through. Sometimes, it is the small actions and habits that make the biggest difference over time. When organisations consistently reinforce these small but important practices, they gradually build a stronger and more resilient safety culture across the workplace.

18 One organisation that exemplifies these three elements is SMRT. Over time, SMRT has encouraged workers to remain vigilant, identify hazards early, and continuously improve workplace safety practices. These small and consistent actions have helped build a safer and more resilient workplace.

19 This commitment is reflected on the ground as well. During a routine depot ground check, Senior Supervisor Mr Victor Chin noticed a subcontractor carrying out work at height in an unsafe manner. The worker had climbed onto an exhaust ducting without a safety harness and was not properly protected against a fall.

20 Recognising the danger, Victor immediately instructed the worker to stop work and descend safely. He promptly informed his supervisors and the contractor. Work only resumed after investigations were completed and corrective measures were implemented.

21 What is significant is not just the investigation itself, but the moral courage demonstrated in stopping unsafe work immediately, even though it may have resulted in delays and additional costs.

22 Victor’s timely action potentially prevented a serious incident and reinforced the importance of following safe work procedures and control measures at all times. At that moment, he made a conscious choice. He chose safety.

23 This spirit is exactly what this year’s campaign theme represents: “I Choose Safety. Together We Care.”

24 Choosing safety means taking ownership – identifying risks, speaking up when something is wrong, and acting early to prevent incidents before they happen.

25 It also means leaders setting the tone. Leadership is not just about giving direction, but about setting the example and prioritising safety in decisions and actions.

26 The second part of the tagline, “Together We Care”, is equally important. Workplace safety and health can never be achieved alone. It is a shared responsibility built on trust, teamwork, and a collective commitment to look out for one another.

27 When we care for our colleagues, we create an environment where people feel empowered to speak up, intervene, and take action when unsafe practices are observed, just as Mr Victor Chin did and just as SMRT has demonstrated.

28 Ultimately, building a strong safety culture is not just about rules and regulations. It is about relationships, values, and ownership.

29 As workplaces evolve and new risks emerge, we must continue strengthening our WSH culture and adapting our practices together.

30 Let us reaffirm our commitment today to make a conscious choice to put safety at the centre of how we lead and work, and to ensure that every worker returns home safely to their loved ones. Thank you very much.