If you are an employer here in Singapore, you should be familiar with the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH). On January 6, 2014, a change was announced to the public. Under the amended WSH, the employers now need to report to Ministry of Manpower (MOM) if they have injured workers with more than 3 days of medical leave (whether the days are consecutive or not). If you remember, the previous rule states that you only need to report if the injured worker has more than 3 consecutive days of medical leave.
MOM received a report that there are employers who evade WSH reporting requirements. The employers are now are very quick and clever that they break up the medical leave of their injured workers so it will not be reported to MOM. Here are other things that you need to know about the amended WSH:
Background
MOM is very serious when it comes to reporting and recording of WSH accidents. In order to paint the precise picture, MOM’s database should speak the right figure. This is to properly enforce and impose actions. The practice of employers not to report injured workers will make things unclear. Apart from this, MOM only wants to improve the workplace and encourage safety.
Other Changes
Apart from reporting to MOM when an injured worker sustained 3 days of medical leave (irrespective if they are consecutive or not), there is another change that is incorporated in the amendment. Employers with workers involved in traffic accidents (as long as it is work-related) are obliged to report the accident to the Commissioner for WSH. This action will highlight the duty of the employer under WSH act.
Penalties
The practice of employers not to report injured workers should be reprimanded. Their evasion of rules will mean penalties. Any employer who unsuccessfully reports an incident will be fined. If it is your first offence, you will pay up to S$5,000. For the succeeding offences, you will pay up to S$10,000 and/or 6 months in jail. To be safe, you only need to do one thing – practice what MOM is recommending and you will be fine.
As an employer, you are responsible for the welfare of your workers. No amount can compensate when your workers encounter and endure accidents and injuries. The least thing that you can do is protect them when they need it the most. If you have more questions and inquiries, you can send an email at mom_oshd@mom.gov.sg.
