Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ on some of MTI’s topics.

Last updated 8 September 2026

Crisis Advisories

Haze Advisory for Businesses

Why should businesses be concerned about haze in Singapore?

Haze is caused by forest and peatland fires in the region, which arise when the weather is hot and dry, or when open burning is carried out to clear land for agricultural uses.

Businesses may be affected in the following ways:

Health & Safety Risks: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can affect employees' respiratory health, while haze conditions may also reduce visibility and increase workplace safety risks
Operations Impact: Businesses may experience workforce disruptions due to haze-related health impacts on employees.

What are my responsibilities as an employer to prepare for haze episodes?

Employers are encouraged to:

Take essential precautions outlined in the Guidelines for Employers on Protecting Employees from the Effect of Haze (opens in new tab)
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 (opens in new tab)

How should businesses respond in the event of Haze?

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 (opens in new tab) or NEA’s corporate website (opens in new tab)
NEA’s How to plan your outdoor activities during haze (opens in new tab)

Heat Stress Advisory for Businesses

What constitutes a heatwave, and why should businesses be concerned?

In Singapore, a heatwave is declared when the daily maximum temperature averaged across all weather stations is at least 35°C for three consecutive days, and the average daily mean temperature throughout the period is at least 29°C.

Rising temperatures can increase the risk of heat stress and heat-related illnesses, particularly for outdoor workers. Employers should implement appropriate heat stress measures to protect workers' safety and health.

What can businesses do to prepare for heatwave episodes?

Businesses, especially those with outdoor operations, should assess heat stress risks and implement an appropriate heat stress management programme.

Effective from 1 Dec 2026, employers conducting outdoor work must implement MOM’s enhanced requirements, which include:

Monitor Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) hourly during work hours, especially during hotter periods, and adjust work arrangements according to the applicable WBGT level.
Provide cool drinking water near work areas, encourage workers to rehydrate regularly, and ensure adequate rest under shade.
Establish an emergency response plan and ensure that appropriate cooling supplies, such as cold water, ice packs or water spray, are readily available.
Provide heat stress training and suitable clothing for workers exposed to excessive heat.

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:

How should businesses respond during high heat stress levels?

Employers should monitor WBGT hourly and implement the measures corresponding to the prevailing WBGT level. When WBGT reaches 33°C or higher, employers are encouraged to:

provide at least 15 minutes of rest every hour under shade. Longer rest periods are recommended as WBGT increases.
Reschedule outdoor physical work to cooler parts of the day where feasible.

Redeploy workers vulnerable to heat stress to non-outdoor work.
Provide cool drinking water near work areas, encourage workers to rehydrate regularly, and ensure adequate rest under shade. Where feasible, shaded rest areas should be located near work areas and be well ventilated and well insulated or cooled