Roles and Responsibilities – Workplace Safety and Health Officer (WSHO)

Position: Workplace Safety and Health Officer (WSHO)

Job Purpose

The Workplace Safety and Health Officer (WSHO) is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving the company's Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Management System. The WSHO shall ensure compliance with all applicable Singapore Workplace Safety and Health legislation, subsidiary regulations, Codes of Practice, and client safety requirements to maintain a safe and healthy working environment.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

1. Workplace Safety and Health Compliance

• Ensure compliance with the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act, subsidiary legislation, Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs), and relevant Singapore Standards.

• Advise Management on all matters relating to workplace safety and health.

• Monitor compliance with statutory requirements, client specifications, and company safety procedures.

• Liaise with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC), clients, consultants, and regulatory authorities on WSH matters.

2. Safety Management System

• Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the Workplace Safety and Health Management System (WSHMS).

• Review and update company safety policies, procedures, Safe Work Procedures (SWPs), and Risk Assessments (RAs).

• Conduct periodic audits and management reviews of the WSHMS.

• Recommend improvements to enhance workplace safety performance.

3. Risk Management

• Lead and facilitate risk assessments for all work activities.

• Identify workplace hazards and recommend appropriate control measures based on the hierarchy of controls.

• Ensure risk assessments are communicated effectively to all affected personnel.

• Review risk assessments whenever there are changes in work processes, incidents, or new hazards.

4. Site Safety Inspection

• Conduct regular workplace safety inspections and audits.

• Identify unsafe acts and unsafe conditions and ensure timely corrective actions are implemented.

• Monitor housekeeping standards throughout the workplace.

• Stop unsafe work activities where there is an imminent risk to safety or health and recommend appropriate corrective measures.

5. Incident Investigation

• Investigate workplace accidents, dangerous occurrences, occupational illnesses, near misses, and property damage incidents.

• Determine root causes using recognised investigation methodologies.

• Prepare investigation reports and recommend preventive and corrective actions.

• Monitor the effectiveness of implemented corrective measures.

6. Safety Training and Awareness

• Conduct site safety inductions for new employees, subcontractors, and visitors.

• Organise toolbox meetings, safety briefings, campaigns, and awareness programmes.

• Promote a positive safety culture across all levels of the organisation.

• Identify training needs and maintain competency records.

7. Permit-to-Work (PTW) and High-Risk Activities

• Verify and monitor Permit-to-Work (PTW) systems for high-risk activities.

• Monitor work involving:

  • Work at Height

  • Confined Space Entry

  • Hot Work

  • Lifting Operations

  • Electrical Works

  • Excavation Works

  • Demolition Works

  • Any other hazardous activities

• Ensure all required control measures are implemented before work commences.

8. Emergency Preparedness

• Develop and review emergency response plans.

• Organise emergency drills and evaluate their effectiveness.

• Coordinate emergency response during workplace incidents.

• Ensure emergency equipment is properly maintained and readily available.

9. Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain all statutory WSH records and documentation.

• Prepare monthly safety reports, inspection reports, audit reports, and management reports.

• Maintain records of incidents, inspections, training, corrective actions, and legal compliance.

• Submit reports required by Management or regulatory authorities.

10. Contractor and Subcontractor Management

• Monitor the safety performance of contractors and subcontractors.

• Conduct safety briefings before commencement of work.

• Verify contractors comply with company safety requirements and approved work procedures.

• Participate in coordination meetings to address WSH matters.

11. Continuous Improvement

• Analyse safety performance indicators and recommend improvement initiatives.

• Promote hazard reporting and proactive risk management.

• Support the implementation of workplace safety campaigns and improvement projects.

• Keep abreast of changes in WSH legislation, standards, and industry best practices.

12. Other Duties

• Perform any other Workplace Safety and Health-related duties assigned by Management.

• Assist in internal and external audits relating to safety management systems such as ISO 45001.

• Support business continuity and operational risk management initiatives where applicable.

Job Requirements

• Registered Workplace Safety and Health Officer (WSHO) with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), where required by law.

• Relevant qualification in Workplace Safety and Health, Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Good knowledge of Singapore WSH legislation and regulatory requirements.

• Experience in construction, manufacturing, marine, logistics, or process industries is preferred.

• Strong communication, leadership, investigation, and report-writing skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and safety reporting systems.

• Ability to work independently and effectively with all levels of staff and stakeholders.