WSH Council and Industry Associations Call on Companies to Strengthen Workplace Safety Culture
29 Apr 2025 Press Releases
THE WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL, TOGETHER WITH INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS, CALL ON COMPANIES TO STRENGTHEN WORKPLACE SAFETY CULTURE
The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council has launched the National WSH Campaign on 28 April 2025, to coincide with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Now in its third year, the Campaign continues with the theme “Reporting Saves Lives”, calling on more companies and their workers to deepen a culture of WSH excellence through proactive safety reporting.
2 According to the latest National WSH 2024 Report released by the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore remains among the top performing countries globally in terms of WSH performance, with a five-year average workplace fatality rate at 1.1 per 100,000 workers, reinforcing the importance of sustained WSH efforts. However, while major injury rates fell to its lowest of 15.9 per 100,000 workers, the workplace fatality rate increased to 1.2 per 100,000 workers in 2024. This underscores the need for continued vigilance and commitment to WSH excellence.
3 Therefore, this year’s Campaign emphasises the importance of developing WSH vigilance at all levels, anchored on the 3As of good safety practices:
- Aware – Stay vigilant; be risk-aware
- Assess – Assess whether to pause work
- Act – Act to make it safe
By fostering a workplace culture that encourages reporting unsafe situations to supervisors, and where reports are acted upon, companies can accelerate hazard identification, reduce risks, and ultimately, save lives.
4 The Campaign builds on the positive momentum of past years, and it is further strengthened this year through collaboration with various industry associations, including the Association of Singapore Marine and Offshore Energy Industries (ASMI), The Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL), the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), the Container Depot and Logistics Association (Singapore) (CDAS) and the Singapore Logistics Association (SLA). Together, they demonstrate strong industry ownership and support for the Campaign. Each association has produced a dedicated video to highlight the importance of strong in-house hazard reporting systems, and how integrating the 3As of good safety practices with these systems contribute to safer, more resilient workplaces. These videos would be widely shared with their member companies and networks.
5 Mr Abu Bakar Mohd Nor, Chairman of the WSH Council, said: “A strong safety culture requires everyone – employers, supervisors, and workers – to be constantly alert, responsible, and proactive. Reporting saves lives, and we must continue to empower and encourage everyone on the ground to speak up. Remember the 3As of good safety practices, and let us work together to build safer and healthier workplaces across all sectors.”
6 Echoing this commitment, the respective industry associations have shared their support towards the Campaign. Mr Lennon Tan, President of SMF, said: “In manufacturing, safety is not just a standard – it reflects our discipline and foresight. Timely reporting of risks is a vital act that safeguards lives and ensures resilience in our operations. The National WSH Campaign is a great reminder that all of us play a role in creating a safer workplace. At SMF, we advocate for a culture where speaking up on safety is a hallmark of professionalism. Every report is a step toward smarter, safer, and more sustainable manufacturing.”
7 Mr Ricky Loo, President of CDAS, said: “CDAS is proud to support the National Workplace Safety and Health Campaign and its continued focus on cultivating a strong culture of safety through timely and transparent reporting. We firmly believe that safety and innovation must progress in tandem. By championing the 3As of good safety practices – Aware, Assess, and Act – and leveraging digital initiatives such as our Container Tracking System (CTR) and Cashless e-Payment platform, CDAS has enabled the container logistics industry to improve operational safety, accountability, and efficiency. These solutions empower hauliers and drivers to stay vigilant, assess potential risks, and take timely action – ensuring safer outcomes across all facets of their work.”
8 More details on the Campaign are available at https://taketimetotakecare.sg/.