23 March 2020, Ref: 1920113

Ministry of Manpower launches new enforcement operation on safe distancing measures at workplaces

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has commenced enforcement operations on 23 March 2020 to ensure workplaces comply with Government advisories on safe distancing measures to reduce the risk of local transmission of COVID-19. The inspections were carried out at workplaces where workers congregate; such as factories, construction sites, shipyards as well as offices including collaborative workspaces.  

On the first day of the enforcement operation, MOM issued 13 stop-work orders (SWOs) and eight remedial orders (ROs) to workplaces which disregarded the need for safe distancing. The SWOs and ROs will be in force until rectifications have been made.

Mr Silas Sng, Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health, said, “Employers must do their part to safeguard employees’ well-being by adopting safe distancing measures at workplaces during this critical period. Such measures may require businesses to adjust work processes but are necessary to suppress the spread of COVID-19 and protect our community. We also urge employees to practise social responsibility and stay safe by maintaining good personal hygiene and safe distancing.”

Figures 1 & 2: Workplaces that failed to implement
safe distancing measures

All workplaces are reminded to adhere to MOM’s advisories on the management of COVID-19 at the workplace, in particular the latest advisory on safe distancing measures. These measures should include (non-exhaustive):

• Work from home arrangements;
• Wider physical spacing between employees in the workplace (at least 1 metre apart);
• Reduced duration and proximity of physical interactions;
• Staggered working hours;
• Deferred non-critical work events and scaled down critical work events; and
• Shift or split team arrangements.

Figures 3 & 4: Good workplace practices observed
to limit spread of COVID-19.

Read MOM’s Press Release here.
 

Read MOM’s Advisory on Safe Distancing Measures at the Workplace here.
 

Visit MOM‘s website on advisories related to COVID-19 here.

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