WSH Guidelines on Statutory Medical Examinations

This training course is designed to equip doctors with the knowledge and skills to ensure workers are medically fit to handle specific workplace health hazards and to detect overexposure early, preventing the onset of occupational diseases. Through pre-placement and periodic medical examinations, doctors can identify occupational diseases in their early stages, minimizing the risk of long-term disabilities and protecting other workers from similar risks through early intervention and preventive measures.

Statutory medical examinations for workers exposed to health hazards were introduced in 1985 under the Factories (Medical Examinations) Regulations and have since expanded to all workplaces in Singapore under the Workplace Safety and Health (Medical Examinations) Regulations. These examinations must be conducted by Designated Workplace Doctors (DWDs), previously known as Designated Factory Doctors (DFDs), who are registered with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Doctors holding relevant qualifications, such as the Graduate Diploma in Occupational Medicine or a Masters in Public Health, can apply to become DWDs.

The course covers the updated 2012 edition of the statutory medical examination guidelines, which reflect a more comprehensive approach to managing workers’ health. Key updates include new chapters on work-health relationships, statutory responsibilities, risk management, and workplace inspection. Additionally, the course incorporates new tests for benzene and revised Biological Threshold Limit Values (BTLV) for cadmium, with a focus on "Action levels" set at 80% of BTLV to trigger early preventive action.

By the end of this course, doctors will understand their role in conducting medical examinations, identifying occupational hazards, and working collaboratively with employers and workers to reduce health risks. The course is a vital resource for doctors managing workers' health and is supported by MOM and the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council.