Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Haze often originates from regional forest fires, exacerbated during dry spells and carried into Singapore by prevailing winds. 

Businesses may be affected in the following ways:

• Health & Safety Risks: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can affect employee’s visibility and respiratory health 

• Operations Impact: Businesses may face reduced productivity from the increase of haze related illnesses amongst workers

Employers are encouraged to:

• Take essential precautions outlined in the Guidelines for Employers on Protecting Employees from the Effect of Haze

• Ensure Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is in place and employees are familiar with the process and procedures.  

• Businesses especially those with outdoor operations should maintain at least a 1-week supply of N95 masks

For more information:

• Tripartite advisory to employers on haze-related workplace measures

If the 24-hour PSI reaches the unhealthy range (PSI>100), employers are encouraged to 

• Reduce prolonged or strenuous work for healthy employees

• Minimise or avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor work for vulnerable groups such as elderly, pregnant and those with chronic lung or heart disease

• Implement risk mitigating measures such as scheduling indoor rest breaks, ensuring adequate hydration and adopting flexible work arrangements such as leave arrangement and job rotation.

For more information: 

• Air quality data on 24-hour PSI and 1-hour PM2.5 readings via NEA’s Haze Microsite or NEA’s corporate website

• NEA’s How to plan your outdoor activities during haze 

In Singapore, a heatwave occurs when the average highest daily temperature over three consecutive days is at least 35°C, with at least 29°C of average daily mean temperature.

Businesses should be concerned about heatwaves in Singapore as it poses growing risks to employee safety such as increased risk of heat-related illness, operational disruptions, and potential breaches of workplace safety obligations.

As an employer in Singapore, you should proactively prepare for heatwave episodes by assessing heat stress risks in your operations, implementing workplace safeguards, and integrating heat-related disruptions into your business continuity plans. 

In Singapore’s tropical climate, rising temperatures and high humidity levels can significantly affect worker health and productivity, especially in outdoor or non-air-conditioned settings. Key steps include:

• Monitoring heat conditions through Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings and adjusting work schedules to reduce exposure during peak heat hours.

• Providing cooling measures such as shaded rest areas, hydration points, and improved ventilation.

• Embedding heatwave response protocols into your existing BCPs to ensure workforce protection and minimise operational downtime.

For more information:

• Heat stress Level and Advisory

• Heat stress measures for outdoor work

When WBGT readings reach 33°C or higher (i.e. high heat stress), employers are encouraged to:

• Minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activities and provide more frequent breaks away from the sun

• Monitor vulnerable employees more closely, including elderly workers, pregnant staff, and those with chronic health conditions

• Provide workers involved in heavy physical labour with at least 15 minutes of rest hourly

• Acclimatise workers new to Singapore and those returning from prolonged leave through gradual increase in heat exposure across at least 7 days