World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023: Resources and reading materials

In June 2022, the International Labour Conference (ILC) decided to include "a safe and healthy working environment" in the International Labour Organization's (ILO) framework of fundamental principles and rights at work. 

As such, 28 April 2023 has been marked out by the ILO as World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023 - a day to bring together experts and constituents to discuss the implications it has for the world of work, as well as how to practically implement this. It also serves to present the findings of research on the implementation status of various provisions of the fundamental Conventions No. 155 and No. 187.

In a presentation, the ILO noted: "All ILO Member States have now an obligation arising from the very fact of membership in the Organisation to respect, to promote and to realise, in good faith and in accordance with the Constitution, the fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment, whether or not they have ratified the relevant Conventions."

To support our readers in building commitment to workplace safety & health (WSH), we have pooled together some of the most important data and developments in the region, below.

All you need to know about Hong Kong's pilot rehabilitation programme for construction employees injured at work: The programme aims to provide prompt private out-patient rehabilitation treatment services to participating injured construction employees, with a view to facilitating their early recovery and return to work. Read more

How companies in Singapore can conduct a Safety Time-Out (STO): An STO is a planned event whereby companies take time off from their daily work routine to take stock of and review WSH systems and work processes, and thereafter implement measures to control risk. It can be coordinated nationwide or sector-specific in response to an emerging trend or a spate of accidents. Read more

Amendments to occupational safety and health laws come into effect in Hong Kong: Upon the amendment, the maximum fines and imprisonment terms for extremely serious occupational safety and health (OSH) offences have been raised to HK$10mn and two years respectively. The amended Ordinance is published in the Gazette and comes into effect on 28 April 2023 (Friday). Read more

Singapore's new rules for transporting workers in lorries effective 1 Jan 2023: Newly-registered lorries are required to be fitted with rain covers on all non-enclosed sides of the canopy, with at least one side being transparent. The requirement for rain covers will apply to in-use light lorries from 1 July 2023, and to in-use heavy lorries from 1 January 2024. Read more

What employers should take note of after rainstorm warnings in Hong Kong: The Labour Department reminded employers to make flexible work arrangements for staff post rainstorm situations. To ensure the safety of employees while balancing the operational needs of organisations, employers should consider road and traffic conditions and other factors, and make practical work arrangements for staff. Read more

Malaysia commended for its People Positive Palm Project (P3 Project): Malaysia’s palm oil sector has been under scrutiny in recent years — particularly in connection with its human rights practices. This has prompted many industry players to adopt innovative and responsible business practices. Read more

All migrant worker dorms in Singapore to fall under a single regulatory and enforcement framework from 1 Apr 2023: The expansion of FEDA brings MW dormitories under a single regulatory and enforcement framework, giving MOM regulatory levers to raise their operating standards as well as impose requirements to manage disease outbreaks. Read more

FAQs on Malaysia's Employment Act: The main objective of the amendment of the 1955 Employment Act is to: increase and improve the protection and welfare of workers; ensure that the provisions of labour laws in this country are in line with international standards; and make it easier for Malaysia to negotiate trade agreements. Read more

Singapore's MOM launches workplace safety and health Code of Practice: Singapore's Minister for Manpower (MOM) Dr Tan See Leng has officially launched a code of practice (COP) to help management teams shape the WSH culture in their companies. Further, he has shared: "The economy has been re-opening well; but conversely, our WSH performance has gotten off to a rocky start." Read more

Employers in Malaysia to comply with existing foreign workers' accommodation laws: Malaysia's Ministry of Human Resources (MoHR) has reminded employers to ensure that the accommodation of foreign workers is always comfortable. HR Minister, V. Sivakumar has highlighted the conditions of foreign workers' accommodation which are not in compliance with the stipulated conditions. Read more

Singapore's MOM sets up Platform Workers Work Injury Compensation Network: This network aims to develop key operational policies and implementation details for the work injury compensation regime for platform workers. It follows the acceptance of all 12 recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Platform Workers, including ensuring adequate financial protection in case of work injury. Read more

New cost of living adjustment and minimum pension rate under Socso's schemes and benefits in Malaysia: Effective 1 January 2023, the adjustments made to the periodic benefits and pensions are to help the beneficiaries cope with the rising cost of goods and services in the country. These two initiatives fall under the Workers' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4). Read more

8 key recommendations to strengthen workplace safety and health in Singapore accepted by MOM: The recommendations aim to reduce workplace incidents, mitigate the WSH risks arising from climate change and green technology, and guide MOM and its stakeholders towards achieving Singapore's 'WSH 2028' goal. Read more

We wish you and your colleagues a safe and healthy time at the workplace!

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