WSH obligations finder

Heat stress measures become requirements: For outdoor work, four heat measures become requirements. They are heat stress training; cool drinking water near work areas; cold water, ice packs or water spray on standby; and suitable clothing.

“Employers will have three months to put the necessary measures in place before the enhanced measures take effect on 1 December 2026.” Source: MOM — MOM Enhances Heat Stress Protection for Workers Amid Rising Heat Risks (opens in new tab)

“the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has enhanced the Heat Stress Management Framework to better protect outdoor workers from heat-related risks.” Source: MOM — MOM Enhances Heat Stress Protection for Workers Amid Rising Heat Risks (opens in new tab)

“The enhancements elevate four existing recommended practices to mandatory requirements.” Source: MOM — MOM Enhances Heat Stress Protection for Workers Amid Rising Heat Risks (opens in new tab)

“establish heat stress training programme for workers exposed to heat;” Source: MOM — MOM Enhances Heat Stress Protection for Workers Amid Rising Heat Risks (opens in new tab)

“provide cool drinking water supply near work areas;” Source: MOM — MOM Enhances Heat Stress Protection for Workers Amid Rising Heat Risks (opens in new tab)

“ensure cold water, ice packs or water spray on standby for emergency response; and” Source: MOM — MOM Enhances Heat Stress Protection for Workers Amid Rising Heat Risks (opens in new tab)

“provide suitable clothing that can mitigate or protect workers from excessive heat stress.” Source: MOM — MOM Enhances Heat Stress Protection for Workers Amid Rising Heat Risks (opens in new tab)

Forklift operator refresher training: If anyone operates a forklift, each operator attends refresher training at least once every 3 years, counted from the initial course or the last refresher.

“From 1 January 2027, you must ensure your forklift operators attend refresher training on the operation of forklift once every 3 years.” Source: MOM — How often do I have to send my forklift operators for refresher training? (opens in new tab)

“attend Forklift Operator Refresher Training at least once every three (3) years after completing the initial WSQ Operate Forklift Course; and” Source: MOM — Circular on Mandating Forklift Operator Refresher Training Course (MOM/OSHD/2025-01) (opens in new tab)

“attend Forklift Operator Refresher Training at least once every three (3) years after completing the previous forklift refresher training.” Source: MOM — Circular on Mandating Forklift Operator Refresher Training Course (MOM/OSHD/2025-01) (opens in new tab)

Note: MOM set this by circular MOM/OSHD/2025-01 and “intends to amend” the WSH laws. SAGE's copy of the regulations does not include it yet.

“MOM intends to amend the workplace safety and health laws in due course to make the requirement set out in paragraph 2 mandatory with effect from 1 January 2027.” Source: MOM — Circular on Mandating Forklift Operator Refresher Training Course (MOM/OSHD/2025-01) (opens in new tab)

Timber scaffolds: 3 months at most: A timber scaffold set up from 1 January 2027 may be used for 3 months at most, down from 9. One set up before then keeps the 9 months.

“As announced previously, from 1 January 2027, the permissible duration for the use of timber scaffolds will be reduced from nine months to three months to mitigate fire risks arising from the prolonged presence of combustible timber materials.” Source: MOM — Updated Scaffold Fire Safety Requirements (opens in new tab)

“To strengthen scaffold fire safety, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will introduce new requirements to shorten the permissible duration of timber scaffolds and strengthen the fire-retardant specifications for scaffold netting.” Source: MOM — Updated Scaffold Fire Safety Requirements (opens in new tab)

“Any new timber scaffold that is set up at these sites from 1 January 2027 will be subject to the new permissible duration of 3 months.” Source: MOM — Update on Scaffold Fire Safety Requirements (opens in new tab)

“timber scaffolds set up before 1 January 2027 can still be used for a duration of 9 months.” Source: MOM — Update on Scaffold Fire Safety Requirements (opens in new tab)

Note: The Scaffolds Regulations text SAGE holds says 9 months (reg 41). Scaffolds set up before 1 Jan 2027 keep 9 months.

“It shall be the duty of the occupier of a workplace in which a timber scaffold is erected to ensure that the timber scaffold shall be dismantled within a period of 9 months after its erection.” Source: AGC (statute) — Workplace Safety and Health (Scaffolds) Regulations 2011 (opens in new tab)

“timber scaffolds set up before 1 January 2027 can still be used for a duration of 9 months.” Source: MOM — Update on Scaffold Fire Safety Requirements (opens in new tab)

Fire-retardant scaffold netting: On projects awarded on or after 1 March 2027, netting around scaffolds outside buildings must meet the Commissioner's fire-retardant specifications.

“From 1 March 2027, scaffold netting used to envelop scaffolds erected outside buildings must meet fire-retardant specifications set by the Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health, thereby reducing the risk of flame spread in the event of a fire.” Source: MOM — Updated Scaffold Fire Safety Requirements (opens in new tab)

“The requirement will apply to projects awarded on or after 1 March 2027, regardless of the material used for the scaffold.” Source: MOM — Updated Scaffold Fire Safety Requirements (opens in new tab)

“In this regard, the Ministry of Manpower will require scaffold netting to be made of fire-retardant materials for newly awarded projects from 1 March 2027.” Source: MOM — Opening Address by MOS Dinesh at WSH Awards 2026 (opens in new tab)

Note: MOM announced both netting changes on 24 Sep 2026. A circular will follow, and neither is in SAGE's copy of the Scaffolds Regulations yet.

“From 1 March 2027, scaffold netting used to envelop scaffolds erected outside buildings must meet fire-retardant specifications set by the Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health, thereby reducing the risk of flame spread in the event of a fire.” Source: MOM — Updated Scaffold Fire Safety Requirements (opens in new tab)

“MOM will issue a circular setting out the scope of the new requirements, acceptable fire test standards and compliance measures, including labelling and certification requirements.” Source: MOM — Opening Address by MOS Dinesh at WSH Awards 2026 (opens in new tab)

Certified scaffold netting: Fire-retardant scaffold netting must also be certified by a body accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council.

“From 1 March 2028, fire-retardant scaffold netting must also be certified by certification bodies accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council, in accordance with specifications set by the Commissioner.” Source: MOM — Updated Scaffold Fire Safety Requirements (opens in new tab)