13 Stop-Work Orders and 8 Remedial Orders issued on first day of operation

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has commenced enforcement operation starting today on workplaces’ compliance with Government advisories on safe distancing measures to reduce the risk of local transmission of COVID-19.





The inspections target workplaces where groups of 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 8 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.





MOM also observed that some companies that have implemented safe distancing measures have also adopted other precautionary measures to protect workers’ well-being, such as temperature screening.



Reminder to All Employers





All employers should place their employees on work from home arrangements wherever possible, especially for vulnerable employees (e.g. older employees, pregnant employees, and employees with pre-existing medical conditions).





For job roles or functions where it is not feasible for the employee to work from home, employers should:



Provide wider physical spacing (at least 1 metre apart) for workstations and seats in meeting rooms, pantries, rest areas and other congregation points

Reduce duration and proximity of physical interactions;

Stagger working hours;

Defer non-critical work events and scale down critical work events; and

Implement or enhance shift or split team arrangements.



Employers should also clearly communicate and explain the safe distancing measures put in place to employees.





Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health, Mr Silas Sng, 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.”



