Occupational Health and Safety: Singapore's Health Issues Report

This report provides an overview of occupational health and safety in Singapore, focusing on the identification and prevention of workplace hazards. It explores the importance of occupational health in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment, emphasizing the physical and mental well-being of workers. The report highlights Singapore's efforts to reduce workplace injuries, accidents, and illnesses, particularly addressing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) and noise-induced deafness (NID). It discusses the legal framework, including the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) regulations, and the roles of various stakeholders in ensuring a safe working environment. The report analyzes the theoretical approaches to managing occupational health, the causes, symptoms, and intervention programs for WRMDs and NIDs, including statistical data and case studies. It also covers preventive measures, such as proper ergonomic practices and noise reduction strategies, to improve overall employee health and safety. This detailed report is contributed by a student and is available on Desklib, a platform offering AI-based study tools and resources for students.

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Occupational health and safety
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Introduction
Occupational health is the identification and prevention of hazards resulting from
physical, chemical and other workplace risks setting up and maintaining a safe and
healthy working environment.
Occupational Health focuses on the physical and mental wellbeing of workers in
the workplace (Davoodi et al., 2017, p.136) to. It aims at preventing illnesses and
injuries resulting from work environment through promoting safe working practices,
monitoring of the workforce, finding ways of how to improve working strategies, and
encouraging continuous workplaces free from illnesses. It enhances the safety of
employees at the work area and proper health and wellness through legislation,
supporting policies, potential building and engagement programs (Zhang et al., 2018,
p.784-788). In order to achieve these objectives, various stakeholders, employers and
employees join hands in identifying any health risks arising at the working environment,
assessing and managing safety to eliminate death, ill health, and injury.
Singapore is a developing country in Southeast Asia with three million
populations and 1.75 million workforces. Many of the workers are employed in
manufacturing, services and commerce sector (Uijtdewilligen, Yin, van der Ploeg &
Müller-Riemenschneider, 2017, p.169). It is small and has limited natural resources thus
manpower being their main resource, there is a need to sustain and develop human
capital in ensuring a better economy with adequate skills and knowledge. Singapore is
in the front line in reducing workplace injuries, accidents, illnesses and deaths and
preventing the possible health risks. Due to advancement in economic activities in
Singapore from traditional heavy manufacturing to higher value-added manufacturing
research and services, health conditions resulting from work environments are coming

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up. Such conditions involve work-related musculoskeletal disorders and noise-induced
deafness (Surasak Buranatrevedh, 2015, p. S64-S69). Singapore has addressed these
health issues in order to prevent chronic illnesses and improve general wellbeing of
employees by promoting health. Identifying methods for ensuring overall safety, health
and well-being of employees decreases the associated risks of poor health, injuries and
deaths thus increasing the efficiency.
Reporting of workplace accidents, injuries and diseases is a legal requirement in
Singapore under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) regulations. These
regulations ensure that all work environments are covered and employers should report
all death, injuries, hazardous happenings and Occupational Diseases related to
workplace environment to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). WSH has a big role in
determining new and emerging happenings and risks through intelligently detecting any
cases and facilitating data analysis (Hernandez & Saquido, 2018, p.282). It also
collaborates with other stakeholders in finding a possible solution to mitigate
occupational health-related risks. Efforts in ensuring a safe working environment to all
employees by WSH has experienced challenges from political support, inadequate
private and public resources that are required in trying to prevent all work-related
injuries and ill-health. (Marhavilas, Koulouriotis, Nikolaou & Tsotoulidou 2018, p.3663).
The aim of reporting is to allow a proper investigation to determine risk factors and
develop preventive measures and trends in monitoring and allow early detection of
emerging concerns.WSH is also essential since early reporting allows the affected
parties to claim for appropriate compensation and ensure easy processing of claims as
required.

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Theoretical approaches to management of occupational health and
wellbeing
Various theories were adopted in the study in relation to the structure, culture
and managing self’ in ensuring wellbeing of employees (Win, Balalla Lwi & Lai 2015, p.
134-138). Organizational change theory is employed in this study as it focuses on
change processes essential for development and success of initiatives in promotion of
health. It helps come up with strategies to promote wellbeing in workplaces and reduce
health hazards of concern that could deteriorate health of the workers.
Management theory and practice is also used in this study as it addresses emergency
issues like illness in workplaces (Hämäläinen, Takala & Kiat 2017, p. 3-4).
. It ensures proper planning and provides guidelines on proper operation
activities with understanding of health hazards that may easily occur.
The top two occupational health issues of concern within Singapore industry
identified are:
a) Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMDs)
b) Noise induced deafness (NID)
The top most reported occupational diseases in Singapore according to Workplace
Safety and Health Report 2018 is work WMSDs that have 326 cases including back
injury cases attributable to risks resulting from poor designing of the workplace. Noise-
Induced Deafness (NID) is ranged the second occupational disorder with 163 cases.

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Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMDs)
It is the leading OD in Singapore according to the national statistics by the
ministry of manpower. WSH 2018 indicates that work-related musculoskeletal disorders
cases reduced from 337 cases in 2017 to 326 cases in 2018 (Sharan, Rajkumar &
Balakrishnan 2018, p.644). They are muscle, tendon, and nerve disorders that involve
aches and pains characterized by discomfort, disability, impairment or increased
continuous pains in joints, muscles, tendons or other soft tissues of the musculoskeletal
system. Those at risk are older people, untrained and new employees on the job
environment. Majority of these cases are self-reported work-related illnesses
experienced at the work environment. Increased incidence rates of these diseases are
reported from many employees in various industries including manufacturing office work
and in the agricultural sector (Ashok, Mohan & Sankaran 2018, p.49-56).
Musculoskeletal diseases were reported to have a high prevalence in the female with
78.8% as compared to male with 63.9% according to Ministry of Manpower 2018
statistics. The cases of WMSDs reduced from 337 cases in 2017 to 326 cases in 2018
as shown in figure 1 below.

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Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Number
of(WMSD) cases
237 315 301 316 337 326
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400 Numbers of WMSD cases
Series 1
Figure 1: Work-Related Musculoskeletal disorder cases in Singapore (year 2013-
2018)
Source: WSH National Statistics report 2018
Causes of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSDs)
This illness mainly results from exposure to occupational ergonomic hazards,
frequent exertion, twisting, continuous bending, movement, and continuous standing
(Hwang & Chia 2016, p.183) This WMSDs are also caused by poor workplace
designing, structure and sedentary work. In an office environment, work postures like
inappropriate bending highly result to WMSDs. Poor structure design and layout of
work stations can result in poor postures and positioning that increases the risks for
musculoskeletal disorders. Physical and physiological factors and mental stress may
also contribute to WMSDs. Some of the improper postures may lead to aches and

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pains include shoulder elevations at a poor posture, inappropriate bending, and trunk
flexion. Poor designing of work stations is the major problem resulting in abnormal pains
and permanent disabilities resulting in musculoskeletal disorders. Sitting for a long time
might cause tension in posture and muscles aches that might lead to the development
of pains when standing or trying to stretch. Some work practices involving the use of
heavy machines in operation and in proper movement can also cause a work-related
musculoskeletal disorder. In a proper installation of personal computers might cause
pains, aches, stress, and visual comfort, reduce motivation and decrease productivity.
This excessive straining may lead to the development of WMSDs.
Symptoms of WMSDs
This disorder prevents aches and pains in the neck, shoulder, joints, legs, and
hands. In case of compression in the nerves, numbness, and weakness occurs in the
affected regions. Weakness and clumsiness of the hands, pain, and weakness in
greeping are also experienced.
Diagnosis of WMSDs
Change in work processes or an increase of workload may be used to help the
presentation of clear symptoms. Durational employment should also be observed in
order to observe any change in the wellbeing of the worker from the start to the time of
assessment. Pins and aches should also be assessed in regard to work periods to
identify any resulting abnormality in the way of action. Comparison of the exposure
history when workers are on job for a long period of time and when they are on leave
should be done in order to detect any changes in the workload and work process and
how it may relate to acquiring musculoskeletal disorders (Koh & Jeyaratnam, 2018,
p.295-301). Details of work done should be obtained from the company in order to

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determine if they work exposures may result in work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Assessment of other workers in the same workplace with similar complains in relation to
musculoskeletal disorders should be done and any new cases of WMSDs have to be
reported to the MOM musculoskeletal disorders
Intervention program in reducing Work-related Musculoskeletal
Disorders
The aim of managing this disorder is reducing pain and inflammation, reestablish
patient ability to move and improvement of workplace environment or work practices in
order to prevent further cases of the conditions (Ciccone 2015, p.10). Employees should
acquire appropriate working postures when dealing with heavy loads by avoiding
twisting, bending knees, carrying loads close to the body and awkward movements.
Workers have to be advised to seek assistance in lifting or caring heavy loads to avoid
developing MSDs and should be given appropriate break to rest from work. Regular
checkups should be attended by the workers in order to detect, investigate and
establish any work-related in musculoskeletal disorder.
Companies should apply the Singapore standard Code of Practice for office
ergonomics initiated by the Ministry of Manpower to provide workers, employers and
manufacturers with appropriate specifications and procurement of office equipment in
order to promote occupational health. Companies have to restructure the workplace
environment and work processes with the aim of reducing the weight of the load and
excessive lifting. Workers should also be trained in new handling techniques, adoption
of self-handling techniques manually and transferring of workers in areas with little or no
exposure to the risk factor. Employees, occupational health specialist, doctors, and

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physiotherapist have to advise workers to regularly practice stretching exercises to
promote flexibility of the body thus reducing musculoskeletal disorders.
Noise-Induced Deafness (NIDs)
It is the second ranged occupational disease in Singapore. NIDs are a common
illness in Singapore with more than 360 thousand people who are affected and the
prevalence increases with population increase. This condition is as a result of
continuous exposure to excessive noise generated from industrial plants, machines,
vehicles in industrial processes and work activities for a long period of time (Kujawa &
Liberman 2015, p.191-199). It is permanent loss of hearing leading to difficulties in
communication, poor quality of life and social isolation. Excessive noise is an
occupational hazard with many adverse effects such as reduced performance, increase
pressure, stress, sleep and difficulties and hearing loss. Excessive noise results from
manufacturing and agricultural industries, urban traffic and exploitation of natural
resources. This becomes a big issue of concern since Singapore is still a developing
industry that involves much construction, manufacturing and processing activities. The
cases of NIDs reduced from 329 cases in 2017 to 163 cases in 2018 as shown in figure
2 below.

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Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Number of
NIDs cases
380 364 741 869 564 594 498 322 329 163
2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
Number of NID cases
years
number of NID cases
Figure 1: Noise Induced Deafness cases in Singapore (year 2013-2018)
Source: WSH National Statistics report 2018
Causes of noise-induced deafness
They are due to damage to hair cells of the organ Corti on exposures to
excessive noise. This noise results from manufacturing industries produced by loud
machines, compressed air and loud sound that contribute to the loss in hearing ability
(Usher & Connolly 2018, p.2010105818820346). Construction industries also generate
these noises from machines used in the construction of buildings. Transport vehicles,

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 11
equipment, and vehicles used in agriculture and airplanes take off produce loud and
irritating noises that may result in noise-induced deafness.
Symptoms of noise-induced deafness
Acute hearing loss may result in bleeding, pain, giddiness leading to damage of
the eardrum in case the cochlea is affected. Some patients may experience loss of
clarity in a delivered speech leading to problems in understanding what other people are
trying to say. Some may have challenges with the ability to hear high pitched sounds
such as an electronic sound of the headphone. In later stages of NIDs loss of hearings
worsens leading to problems in hearing normal conversation. Some workers may also
be unable to get their own voices clearly and appropriately to shouting and speaking
loudly without knowing.
Diagnosis of NIDs
Proper occupational history of exposures should be established and documented
results are used in the monitoring of workplace exposures. Audiometric tests are also
done to the workers by exposing them to loud noises for at least 16 hours earlier before
the taste is done to avoid the temporary shift in threshold (Ang et al., 2017, p. e000213).
The classical NIDs hearing sequence of deafness indicates a dip in the 4 or 6 KHz
frequencies. Any cases are identified to identify the affected workers and MOM is
notified about the new cases.
Intervention programme in reduction and management of NIDs
This aims in preventing further hearing loss by the workers and limiting exposure
to noise by the workers. Implementing a Hearing Conservation Programmes (HCP) is
part of the company’s general safety and health programme for employees that help

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reduce NIDs (Salve & De 2018, p. 65-70). The employee should be advised to use
hearing protectors when working in the environment with excessive noise and be
advised to go for regular audiometric examinations to enhance monitoring progression
of loss in hearing at least once in every year. Employers should review workplace risk
assessment and put control measures in place in order to reduce exposure to noise by
use of strategies like minimizing noise from machines by applying engineering control
measures and properly locating machines away from workers.
The company employers should provide year protectors to workers who are at
risk of excessive noise and setting up measures to ensure that they use appropriately
(Ang et al., 2017, p. 502-510). They should also facilitate audiometric examinations to
the exposed employees and implement hearing conservation programmes. Various
methods should be applied to prevent NIDs such as replacement of noise sources with
much favorable quite environment, installation of equipment free from noise and
isolating noise from the workers. Other prevention programmes such as noise
assessment, noise control education to the workers, record keeping of any cases and
evaluation of the mitigation programme are required in reducing the burden of
occupational noise induce of deafness in Singapore. Commitment and resources are
needed to facilitate hearing loss prevention programmes thus full support is required to
make them effective.
Prevention measures of occupational diseases
Occupational safety and health framework in Singapore addresses various
control measure and mitigating occupational diseases. They have come up with ways to
protect workers in the workplace from hazards, avoid injuries and illnesses, and

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reducing safety and health risks in ensuring that employees are provided with healthy
working environmental conditions. In addition, employers have to involve their workers
in reducing health hazards at the workplace through the provision of health promotion to
identify the importance of having a safe working environment free from health
associated risks (Ashok, Mohan & Nitish 2018 p. 131-138). Existing controls have to be
evaluated to determine their effectiveness in whether they may still be used in providing
protection against hazards or whether there is need to find another set of controls
involving new technologies for increased protection, reliability and less costly that is
more effective. Moreover, the development of a hazard control plan is required to help
in identification and implementations of controls in regard to the plan for easy monitoring
and efficiency of the mitigation measures. Comparison and investigation of control
measure used in other workplaces should be analyzed to determine whether they would
be more effective at a different workplace.
Conclusion
Singapore has a stable and complete Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
framework with strong policies, legislation, structure, and systems. There should be an
improved reported framework comprising of accurate statistics to help deal with and
improve occupational safety and health issues and enhance the effectiveness in
Singapore. Doctors, occupational health specialists and other health care professionals
in the field of occupational health have a crucial role in ensuring that all occupational
disease cases are notified to the Ministry of Manpower to allow investigations to
continuous and preventing measures to be put in place in accordance to Workplace
Safety and Health guidelines. Companies and organizations are supposed to conduct A

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risk assessment as a requirement by the WHS regulations in order to identify, evaluate
and mitigates safety and health risks to the workers in the workplace. This helps in
reducing hazards, promoting the safety and wellbeing of the employees. Appropriate
support regulation has to be improved to help the affected workers in claiming for their
due compensations without discriminations.

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