Do You Need a WSHO or WSHC for Your Project?
In Singapore, appointing the correct safety officer is crucial to compliance and site safety. If you are in charge of construction or industrial projects, you may be wondering if you need a Workplace Safety and Health Officer (WSHO) or a Coordinator (WSHC). It is important to know the distinction between the two to make the right choice.
What do WSHO and WSHC mean??
Both the WSHO and WSHC are appointed safety professionals accountable for overseeing workplace safety and health (WSH) compliance. The difference is the safety professional’s role and competence which depend on the project’s risk profile and sophistication.
Workplace Safety and Health Officer (WSHO)?
-A WSHO is a competent professional who has successfully undergone training in safety management and is able to undertake safety management for medium to high-risk projects.
-A WSHO is responsible for ensuring implementation of safety policies, manage hazards, and minimize safety incidents occur.
Workplace Safety and Health Coordinator (WSHC)
When there is a low-risk project, WSHC is appointed.
-A WSHC’s role is to assist and help facilitate the implementation of safety procedures, to also provide support to safety coordinators, and to help coordinate safety activities.
-The WSHC’s role will overlap with that of a WSHO but the WSHC will have much less responsibility.
When Do I Need a WSHO?
Under Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health Act, a WSHO is required for any project with medium to high-risk activities, for example:
1. Construction projects with a certain contract sum limit.
2. Projects with potential complex/ hazardous worksites.
3. Industrial worksites with high safety risks.
The WSHO is responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of the safety management system in the workplace, which includes regular inspection and for ensuring all regulations are being followed.
When Can I Use a WSHC?
When the project is small or for things that are low-risk, a WSHC is most often adequate for the project.
The WSHC will continue to support the safety framework and plans safely and coordinate safety while creating awareness of safety for the workers, but the WSHC does not carry the full weight to manage the high-risk safety for the project.
This designation is a also a responsibility.
Factors to consider when Shortlisting
Project Risk Level:
Consider your project risk level. Generally, and particularly for higher risks, you will need to appoint a WSHO. For lower risks, you may consider only appointing a WSHC, where it may be applicable.
-Project Size & Duration: For large projects and/or long duration projects, you are more likely to appoint a WSHO to provide the emphasis on safety with the ongoing oversight.
-Regulatory Requirements: Items to consider and review in the specific guidelines found in the Workplace Safety and Health Act and/or rely on other experts to determine the requirement.
-Budget and Resources: Appointing a WSHO could involve a higher cost. However, the WSHO invests into thorough and effective safety management while ultimately minimising potential incidents or penalties for your project.
It is important to get the appointment of the right person to manage safety to protect your workers and project.
How QES Consultancy Can Help?
It's not easy to navigate the safety requirements and ultimately appoint the right safety officer in your safety plan. The QES Consultancy team and competent consultants can communicate professional and competent advice on whether your project should have a WSHO or WSHC.
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