WSH Guidelines on Healthcare

The global healthcare landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by factors such as longer life expectancy, an aging population, the rise of chronic diseases, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. These shifts have led to increased healthcare demands and challenges, prompting fundamental changes in the healthcare ecosystem.

In Singapore, the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020 tested the resilience of the healthcare system. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital health technologies, including telehealth solutions, while underscoring the ongoing importance of managing chronic conditions, providing care to critically ill patients, and promoting preventive health strategies. The success of these healthcare transformations depends heavily on sustainable human capital—the healthcare workforce.

Healthcare professionals, as front-liners, face numerous workplace hazards, including long hours, shift work, workplace aggression, and exposure to infectious diseases. These risks can significantly impact their health, safety, and overall well-being. A safe and healthy work environment is crucial to boosting morale, enhancing productivity, and ensuring the long-term well-being of healthcare workers. Poor Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) practices can lead to illness, absenteeism, productivity loss, disability, or even death.

To address these concerns, the WSH Act applies to all workplaces, including healthcare facilities, requiring all stakeholders to take practicable measures to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of employees. This set of guidelines was developed to promote good industry practices across various healthcare settings in Singapore. It provides valuable information on common WSH hazards faced by healthcare workers and offers practical measures to mitigate these risks.

The guidelines also emphasize the importance of a robust healthcare management system, which has become even more critical in light of Covid-19 and future pandemics. Reading these guidelines in full is highly recommended for all healthcare professionals and stakeholders.