29-Apr-2024

With rising temperatures in recent months, the risk of heat stress looms large for outdoor workers.
In light of these conditions, the Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL) embarked on a mission to uncover and share best practices for heat stress management among its member companies. During recent site visit led by WSH Committee Workplace Safety Workgroup Lead Allan Low (Teambuild Engineering & Construction Pte Ltd) and members Francis Ung (Zheng Keng Engineering & Construction Pte Ltd) and Lee Yan Shyong (Sato Kyogo (S) Pte Ltd), SCAL visited their sites to learn more. 

Teambuild Engineering & Construction Pte Ltd - Project Yishun N4C23
 
Mr Lim Yi Hong, Workplace Safety, and Health Officer (WSHO), emphasised the company's comprehensive approach to heat stress management, which extends beyond mere compliance with regulatory requirements. He outlined their practice of rotating three-quarters of the workforce to work outdoors while the rest retreat to the canteen for a mandatory one-hour lunch break. For those who do not reside nearby, the company allows them to rest in the canteen during breaks. Mr Lim highlighted the provision of shaded areas, ensuring that every worker has a safe space to recharge. 

"In hot weather conditions, our priority is the health and safety of our workers. We conduct daily water parades before work begins and maintain a standby supply of water to ensure hydration throughout the day." Mr Lim added.

Speaking to Mr Allan Low, Deputy Quality Environmental, Health and Safety Director, he underscored the company’s belief in effective communication and education to encourage the adoption of best practices among workers and supervisors alike. Mr Low shared their efforts to alert workers via their WhatsApp group chat on the importance of rest and hydration, while acknowledging the challenges in implementation. Supervisors play a crucial role in reinforcing these messages, stressing the need for their active involvement and workers' compliance.

To address the risk of heat-related illnesses, Teambuild equips its workforce with portable heat-stress emergency kits containing ice packs and beverages. It is also important to train employees to recognise the signs of heat stress, including sudden weakness or pallor.

In fact, an important point raised by Mr Low was that heat stress management should begin way before workers set foot on the site. “With careful planning and strategic foresight guiding our approach, we ensure beforehand that our worksite layout has easy access to water and rest areas, minimising the risk of heat stress." he shared.

He also discussed challenges such as productivity loss and difficulty breaking up casting activities. To circumvent these issues, Teambuild schedules more demanding work during cooler hours and highlights the importance of continuous acclimatisation to cultivate physical resilience among workers, such that they are equipped to perform regardless of weather conditions.

"As SCAL’s workplace safety workgroup lead, our priority has always been ensuring the well-being of workers," Lim emphasied. "Ultimately, we must focus on long-term solutions and consider alternatives like reducing outdoor work through methods like PPVC and DFMA robotics."

Zheng Keng Engineering & Construction Pte Ltd. - LTA MSCP Bus Depot

"One distinguished initiative by Zheng Keng is the introduction of hydration bars for workers," stated Mr Francis Ung, Project Director. " These hydration bars, stocked with chilled beverages, are set up on-site to ensure workers have easy access to refreshing drinks throughout the day. Zheng Keng's commitment to heat stress management is evident in their provision of a substantial quantity of drinks, with strict requirements for workers to consume a specified amount daily.

Moreover, supervisors are assigned to take WetBulb Globe Temperature readings at two different locations every hour, documenting and photographing the results for reporting. This approach not only ensures compliance with regulatory standards but also allows for proactive intervention when necessary.

Zheng Keng goes above and beyond by activating all heat stress management measures even when temperatures are slightly below regulated thresholds. To enforce heat stress management across the entire site, Zheng Kheng ensures their team is out there, talking to workers, showing them the temperature readings in big placards, and making sure everyone knows how to stay safe in the heat. They even have nifty cards in multiple languages that help workers spot the signs of heat stress and how to manage them.

What truly sets Zheng Keng apart is their dedication to ensuring every worker understands the protocols thoroughly and their commitment to continuous improvement. Their management conducts weekly Safety Time-Outs (STOs), "We track specific milestones, such as upon reaching 30% progress in project work, we conduct STOs," stated Mr Ung. "At 60% progress, another STO is held to review inspection findings, improve on previous measures, and introduce better practices."

Zheng Keng’s proactive measures extend to all, particularly the vulnerable to heat stress. Whether it is workers observing fasting during religious periods or those with underlying health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, Zheng Keng leaves no stone unturned in ensuring their well-being. The team provides easy identification methods such as armbands and stickers for fasting workers and allocates light duties for those with health concerns.

"We don’t compromise when it comes to workplace safety. Do not cut corners and always find ways to improve," emphasised Mr Ung. By putting their workers' well-being first and staying on the cutting edge of heat stress management, they have shown that a little extra care goes a long way.

Sato Kogyo (S) Pte Ltd -  810C Project

Sato Kogyo stands out in the construction industry for its innovative spirit and dedicated approach to worker safety. At the heart of their success lies a culture of innovation and ingenuity, where they actively seek out new ideas and solutions.

One striking example of their enterprise comes from their WSHO, Mr Muhammed Ismail Bin Jumadi, who spearheaded the introduction of Sato Kogyo’s own custom-made slushy isotonic machines. "We don’t just rely on off-the-shelf solutions," explained Mr Ismail. "We wanted something tailored to our needs." These machines, designed and developed in-house, provide a more cost-effective solution and allow workers to get a refreshing boost during hot days. What's more, the team did not stop at simply buying the machines; they experimented with different recipes to ensure the drinks were not only hydrating but also enjoyable. "It's all about keeping our workers comfortable and motivated," he added.

During interview with Mr Lee Yan Shyong, Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Manager, several insightful tips emerged on how to combat heat stress effectively. " New workers wear blue vests, and we make sure they have plenty of breaks and access to water." Similar to other companies, this acclimatisation programme for newcomers, allows them to become easily identifiable.

Challenges such as the long distance to break areas prompted innovative solutions. "We are working on making more portable rest shelters and keeping areas cooler," mentioned Mr Lee. "We have explored options like water misting to bring down the temperature." Additionally, hourly water parades, where workers gather for hydration breaks, have become standard practice. "We even have a system where workers send photos to confirm they are taking breaks," he revealed " Accountability is important to ensure everyone stays safe."

But the innovation doesn't stop there. Mr Ismail and his team are also exploring the integration of wearables with existing safety protocols, and bringing in ice machines that are strategically placed across the site. This ensures workers have instant access to cold packs or chilled water.

Chatting with the hardworking crew at Sato Kogyo, the workers themselves shared some handy tips such as bringing big water bottles to keep hydrated under the hot sun, they also work in a buddy system where they look out for each other constantly. “We all memorised Ismail's phone number. He is our go-to safety person”, one of the workers shared. These little tips may seem small, but they make a big difference in keeping everyone safe on the site. 

As Sato Kogyo continues to push the boundaries of innovation in construction safety, the possibilities for improving worker well-being are limitless. Their driving force? As Mr Ismail succinctly puts it, “We have passion.” Knowing that the work they do is important and impacts lives only strengthens their resolve.

With lessons learned from our SCAL members, now is the time for action. Let us follow their examples and combat heat stress effectively. Because in the end, the true measure of success is not counted in profits or accolades, but in the simple yet profound act of getting everyone home safe.