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11 companies were issued fines for failing to ensure that employees who could work from home (WFH) did so as their default arrangement, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said on May 24.
This was the result of MOM's inspection of over 530 workplaces over the last few weeks, from May 8 to 21.
From May 16, WFH has been the default mode for those who can do so, following tightened measures as part of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert).
Prior to May 16, WFH as the default arrangement was replaced by a hybrid working arrangement in which more could return to the workplace, from Apr. 5, 2021.
However, the number of employees who were allowed to return to the workplace was limited to 75 per cent of the employees who are able to work from home.
Who can work on-site in Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)?
MOM said that working on-site is only for "employees who are unable to work from home due to the nature of the work", such as those who require access to equipment that is only accessible at the workplace.
All other workers, whose roles can be performed from home, must WFH during this period, said MOM, adding that employers "must provide the necessary facilities" for WFH, and direct employees to WFH "wherever possible".
This is according to MOM's latest advisory for Safe Management Measures (SMMs) at the workplace, which were issued on May 14, 2021.
Employers must declare manpower details
All employers who carry out operations on-site are also required to declare their manpower details via the GoBusiness website (https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg), by May 28, 2021.
Information that is declared must be updated "whenever there are significant changes," said MOM, adding that employers must continue to ensure that all employees WFH if they can, regardless of the number of declared workers.
"Enforcement actions will still be taken against the employer, if workers who are able to WFH are found to be working onsite, even if the total number of workers onsite are at or below the declared number of workers," said MOM.
Other SMMs for workplaces
Besides requiring WFH as the default, the latest SMMs also include the following:
- Staggering start times and allowing flexible workplace hours
- No cross-deployment across workplaces or worksites
- No social gatherings at the workplace
- Meal breaks must be taken individually and at staggered times
- Masks must be worn at the workplace at all times
MOM said that workplace inspections will be increased, to ensure that the guidelines are properly implemented.
It also urged employers and employees to adhere to the guidelines to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
Whistle-blowers can report breaches at workplace
MOM also said that whistle-blowers can report breaches of workplace SMMs via its SnapSAFE app.
"The identity of whistle-blowers will be kept strictly confidential," said MOM.
Top image by Andrew Koay