Employers urged to strengthen haze protection plans as air quality deteriorates

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has urged employers across the region to bolster their contingency plans for protecting workers should haze conditions worsen in the coming months.

The advisory comes as workplace inspections reveal that approximately 75 per cent of companies surveyed have already implemented some form of haze mitigation measures. These include providing respiratory protective equipment, improving ventilation systems, and adjusting work schedules to avoid peak pollution hours.

However, MOM's guidance suggests that current measures may prove insufficient if transboundary haze episodes intensify. Employers are being advised to develop comprehensive protocols that address employee health monitoring, supply chain management for protective equipment, and clear communication strategies during air quality emergencies.

The ministry has indicated that businesses failing to adequately protect workers from hazardous air quality may face regulatory scrutiny. Companies are encouraged to consult MOM's workplace safety guidelines and conduct risk assessments specific to their operations and workforce demographics.

Regional haze typically peaks during the dry season, affecting air quality across South and Southeast Asia. Employers are reminded that proactive planning and investment in worker protection measures represent both a legal obligation and a business imperative.