Statute Details
- Title: Workplace Safety and Health (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations
- Full Title: N/A
- Act Code: WSHA2006-RG9
- Type: sl
- Commencement Date: N/A
- Parts: N/A
- Key Sections: Section 6: The Commissioner shall keep an up-to-date register of all persons approved to act as workplace safet; Section 7: The Commissioner may, in granting any person approval to act as a workplace safety and health; Section 8: Every workplace within the prescribed class or description of workplaces specified in the Seco
- Related Legislation: Timeline, Authorising Act
What Is This Legislation About?
The Workplace Safety and Health (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations is a piece of legislation in Singapore that sets out the requirements and duties for workplace safety and health officers. These officers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and health of workers in various workplaces across the country.
The regulations are made under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, which is the primary law governing workplace safety and health in Singapore. The Workplace Safety and Health (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations provide the specific details and procedures for the appointment, approval, and duties of workplace safety and health officers.
The overall purpose of this legislation is to enhance workplace safety and health by requiring certain workplaces to appoint qualified and competent safety and health officers. These officers are responsible for identifying and assessing risks, recommending measures to eliminate or minimize those risks, and assisting in the implementation of safety measures.
What Are the Key Provisions?
The Workplace Safety and Health (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations contain several key provisions that define the requirements and responsibilities of workplace safety and health officers:
Application for Approval as a Workplace Safety and Health Officer: The regulations allow a person to apply to the Commissioner for approval to act as a workplace safety and health officer. The application must be accompanied by the appropriate fee and the person must satisfy the Commissioner that they have the necessary qualifications and practical experience, or other competencies, to perform the role.
Certificate of Approval and Renewal: The Commissioner will issue a certificate of approval to a person, which is valid for 2 years or a shorter period specified by the Commissioner. The certificate is not transferable, and the holder can apply for a replacement if the original is lost, destroyed, or defaced. The approval can be renewed upon application and payment of the appropriate fee.
Register of Workplace Safety and Health Officers: The Commissioner is required to maintain an up-to-date register of all persons approved to act as workplace safety and health officers.
Training Requirements: The Commissioner may impose a condition on the approval of a workplace safety and health officer, requiring them to attend relevant training courses.
Workplaces Requiring Workplace Safety and Health Officers: The regulations specify that every workplace within the prescribed class or description of workplaces listed in the Second Schedule must have a workplace safety and health officer appointed in writing by the occupier of the workplace. Failure to do so can result in a fine or imprisonment.
Duties of Workplace Safety and Health Officers: The regulations outline the key duties of a workplace safety and health officer, which include: assisting the occupier in identifying and assessing risks, recommending measures to eliminate or minimize risks, and helping to implement those measures. Failure to fulfill these duties can also result in a fine or imprisonment.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
The Workplace Safety and Health (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations are structured in the following manner:
- Citation: This section provides the citation for the regulations.
- Application for Approval: This section outlines the process for a person to apply to the Commissioner for approval to act as a workplace safety and health officer.
- Requirements for Approval: This section sets out the qualifications and experience required for a person to be approved as a workplace safety and health officer.
- Certificate of Approval: This section covers the issuance, validity, and replacement of the certificate of approval.
- Renewal of Approval: This section describes the process for renewing the approval to act as a workplace safety and health officer.
- Register of Workplace Safety and Health Officers: This section mandates the Commissioner to maintain a register of approved officers.
- Training Requirements: This section allows the Commissioner to impose training requirements as a condition of approval.
- Workplaces Requiring Workplace Safety and Health Officers: This section specifies the types of workplaces that must appoint a safety and health officer and the penalties for non-compliance.
- Duties of Workplace Safety and Health Officers: This section outlines the key responsibilities of the appointed officers.
The regulations also include two schedules: the First Schedule, which lists the fees, and the Second Schedule, which specifies the workplaces that must appoint a workplace safety and health officer.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
The Workplace Safety and Health (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations apply to several key stakeholders:
Persons Seeking Approval as Workplace Safety and Health Officers: The regulations set out the requirements and process for individuals to obtain approval from the Commissioner to act as workplace safety and health officers.
Occupiers of Workplaces: The regulations require the occupiers of certain workplaces, as specified in the Second Schedule, to appoint a workplace safety and health officer in writing. Failure to do so can result in penalties.
Workplace Safety and Health Officers: The regulations define the duties and responsibilities of the appointed workplace safety and health officers, and impose penalties for non-compliance with these duties.
The Commissioner: The regulations empower the Commissioner to approve persons as workplace safety and health officers, impose training requirements, maintain a register of approved officers, and take enforcement action against non-compliant occupiers and officers.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
The Workplace Safety and Health (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations play a crucial role in enhancing workplace safety and health in Singapore. By requiring the appointment of qualified and competent workplace safety and health officers, the regulations help to ensure that risks in the workplace are properly identified, assessed, and addressed through the implementation of appropriate safety measures.
The regulations are an important part of the broader Workplace Safety and Health Act, which aims to promote and maintain the safety and health of persons at work. By mandating the appointment of safety and health officers in certain workplaces, the regulations help to strengthen the overall framework for workplace safety and health in Singapore.
Failure to comply with the regulations can result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment, underscoring the importance that the Singapore government places on workplace safety and health. The regulations are actively enforced, and non-compliance can have serious consequences for both occupiers and workplace safety and health officers.
Overall, the Workplace Safety and Health (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations are a critical component of Singapore's comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of workers in various industries and sectors.
Related Legislation
- Workplace Safety and Health Act (Chapter 354A)
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the Workplace Safety and Health (Workplace Safety and Health Officers) Regulations for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.