Nearly all business leaders agree (57% strongly agree, 40% somewhat agree) that it is necessary to implement Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) measures, with 7 in 10 (69%) revealing that their organisation currently has WSH measures in place.
Among those who do not, only 28% plan to implement WSH measures in the foreseeable future, while 4% do not intend to do so at all.
Difficulty in ensuring compliance with WSH regulations (49%) and enforcing WSH measures (37%), having a limited budget to procure WSH technologies and a lack of expertise in WSH (35%) are some of the top challenges that business leaders face.
Moreover, there is a misconception that WSH is only necessary for traditionally higher-risk industries such as Construction, Manufacturing, Marine, Transportation and Storage, as indicated by nearly half of business leaders (49%).
Despite this, business leaders intend to invest in WSH technologies like data analytics systems (29%), machines to undertake repetitive or dangerous work (29%), and reporting/incident management applications (29%) since the majority of them perceive it as important (38% very important, 54% important) to adopt WSH technologies.
These are some of the key findings from NTUC LearningHub’s Industry Insights Report 2023 on Workplace Safety and Health, which explores the current sentiment on WSH in Singapore, hiring trends and training opportunities.
Based on a survey of 200 business leaders and interviews with industry practitioners, the report also uncovers organisations’ approach in leveraging technology to create safer workplaces and addressing the role of sustainability in WSH.
As organisations embrace emerging economies to further WSH outcomes, 9 in 10 business leaders (91%) are willing to send their employees for training in programmes on WSH technology and sustainability. Concurrently, business leaders express intentions to hire new talent to fill WSH job roles, including occupational health (30%), risk assessment (27%), WSH enforcement (26%) in addition to environmental sustainability management (26%).
Business leaders also voice that on top of technical skills, problem-solving skills (40%), adaptability (38%), and creative thinking (32%) are among the top critical core skills that are valuable to WSH professionals to excel in their field.
Commenting on the report findings, Tay Ee Learn, NTUC LearningHub’s Chief Sector Skills Officer, says, “No sector is immune to workplace accidents, underscoring the need for organisations to acknowledge the significance of investing in and creating a robust WSH culture in the workplace. This will promote the safety and wellness of the company’s most vital asset – its employees.
“While organisations embrace the emerging digital and green economies, the scope of WSH-related roles and responsibilities will expand, necessitating WSH professionals to be armed with a diverse set of skills to fulfil their roles safely and sustainably. Employers must support the continual learning and development of their in-house talent to meet the demands of the future WSH landscape through skills training. A nimble, competent, and future-ready workforce will ensure that business can thrive in a greener and more digitalised workplace.”
