The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore has introduced new Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) policies in 2022 to ensure the safety and health of employees.
The Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) has been developed to guide company directors and CEO’s in their statutory duties towards workplace safety. The ACOP sets out four key principles for companies to follow in order to create a safe and healthy workplace. These principles include integrating WSH into business decisions, building a strong WSH culture, implementing effective WSH management systems, and empowering workers to engage in WSH.
This code of practice aims to provide guidance for company directors and CEOs on their statutory duties towards workplace safety and health.
The ACOP sets out four key principles for companies to follow in order to create a safe and healthy workplace. These principles include:
Integrating WSH into Business Decisions: CEO’s and Board of Directors are responsible for leading WSH efforts, including documenting WSH roles, establishing WSH policies, and setting strategic goals.
Building a Strong WSH Culture: Companies should demonstrate visible leadership in WSH, publish their commitment to WSH, and allocate resources to training and WSH issues.
Effective WSH Management Systems: Companies should regularly review their systems for effectiveness and take immediate actions for non-compliance with safe work procedures.
Empowering Workers to Engage in WSH: Workers should be informed about WSH risks and provided with training and resources. Companies should encourage workers to report WSH issues and involve them in the development of WSH strategies.
Download the Code of Practice on Chief Executives’ and Board of Directors’ WSH Duties and its FAQs.
The ACOP provides a clear set of guidelines for company directors to follow, making it practical and easy to implement. The guidelines cover important aspects of workplace safety, such as risk assessments, provision of personal protective equipment, and emergency preparedness. The ACOP also highlights the key responsibilities of directors in ensuring that their employees are safe while they are at work. Non-compliance with the ACOP and WSH policies can lead to serious consequences, including criminal charges, jail time, reputation damage, and hefty fines.
To help companies comply with the new ACOPs and WSH policies, CSG Software offers Novade, a comprehensive solution that includes WSH performance measurements, collection of safety observations, digital site safety inspections and ensuring compliance with safety measures. Customize safety forms & checklists in minutes or use existing templates to get started right away.
Novade, allows companies to effectively and regularly review their systems for effectiveness and take immediate actions for non-compliance with safe work procedures.
It is crucial for companies to take these codes of practice seriously and follow the guidelines set forth by the MOM to avoid potential consequences. By investing in workplace safety and following the new ACOPs with the help of Novade, companies can ensure a safe and healthy workplace for their employees and protect their reputation and freedom.