Singapore launches national heat stress advisory as global temperatures rise

The advisory follows three levels of risk of heat stress to help the public make informed decisions on undertaking prolonged outdoor activities.

This article was updated on 27 March 2024 following enhanced measures shared by the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore.

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower has released an update on its enhanced measures to reduce heat stress for outdoor workers, as of 14 March, in light of the ongoing heatwave in the country. 

Per the statement, "rising temperatures in Singapore will place workers, especially outdoor workers, at an increased risk of heat stress."

As such, an enhanced set of measures was introduced to reduce the risks of heat stress for outdoor workers across various industries. These measures focus on the four aspects of acclimatise, drink, rest, and shade.

Acclimatise

• Workers new to Singapore or returning from prolonged leave of more than a week should gradually increase their daily heat exposure over at least seven days.
• Employers should identify workers vulnerable to heat stress and make re-deployment arrangements where required.

Drink

• Workers should rehydrate at least hourly, and drink a recommended intake of 300ml per hour or more depending on the rate of water loss based on work intensity.
• Cool or cold drinking water supply should be provided near work areas.

Rest

• Ensure workers get adequate rest under shade to allow for recovery from heat before restarting work. Rest area to be near work area, where feasible.
• Provide hourly rest breaks of a minimum of 10 minutes for heavy physical work activity when wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) reaches 32°C or higher. It is recommended to provide longer rest periods as the WBGT increases:

Employers should take note of the following:

1. Thresholds are based on outdoor WBGT measurements.
2. Light physical activities include (but not limited to) light to moderate manual hand, arm, trunk or leg work; pushing and pulling light loads; and normal walking.
3. Heavy physical activities include (but not limited to) intense arm and trunk work, carrying, shovelling, manual sawing; pushing and pulling heavy loads; and walking at fast pace.
4. Rest duration to be increased with higher WBGT, heavier physical activity and if shade cannot be provided at work areas.
5. More rest may be required, depending on workers’ personal health condition.

Shade

• Reduce direct sun exposure at rest areas and work areas as far as possible, such as by setting up tentages.

Workplaces are also encouraged to effect a buddy system for early recognition of heat injury symptoms and implement prompt interventions when any worker shows signs of excessive heat exposure. Other measures include:

• Rescheduling work to cooler parts of the day where feasible
• Ventilate the workplace, potentially with fans, air coolers
• Establish an emergency response plan and implement reporting procedures

In light of global temperatures rising, Singapore's Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and National Environment Agency (NEA) launched a heat stress advisory for the public in July 2023.

According to a news release by MSE and NEA, in the last 10 years from 2013 to 2022, Singapore saw its warmest temperatures on record. With the heatwave earlier this year, a 37° Celsius air temperature was recorded at Ang Mo Kio on 13 May 2023, equaling the previous record set on 17 April 1983.

The advisory aims to help the general population make more informed decisions on undertaking prolonged outdoor activities, to minimise the risk of heat stress and heat-related illnesses. It can be accessed via the myENV app and weather information website.

The advisory follows three levels of risk of heat stress – low, moderate, and high – and is based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). It will also provide simple tips for members of the public to adjust their activities, take protective action, and wear appropriate attire depending on the prevailing heat stress levels. MSE and NEA advised the public to check the 'Heat Stress' levels on the relevant platforms prior to undertaking prolonged outdoor activities – the myENV app displays the Heat Stress levels based on the WBGT measurements from the sensor closest to the user’s location. 

According to the Ministry and Agency, in the last 10 years from 2013 to 2022, Singapore saw its warmest temperatures on record. With the heatwave earlier this year, a 37° Celsius air temperature was recorded at Ang Mo Kio on 13 May 2023, equaling the previous record set on 17 April 1983. Thus, the development of the advisory. However, it was highlighted that while the advisory provides general guidance, members of the public should still take into consideration individual circumstances, such as health, age, duration, and intensity of intended outdoor activities.

Additionally, specific segments of the public with specific conditions, or those who are required to be engaged in prolonged outdoor activities should refer to the respective sectoral guidelines. For example, companies and workers should refer to guidelines from the Ministry of Manpower.

Heat advisory - infographic

Lead image / Heat Stress Advisory (MSE & NEA)