Safety and Health Management System in Singapore

Certified WSHMS Auditor

As a trustworthy WSHMS audit expert, Quality Safe ensures your workplace is compliant with the Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) regulation in Singapore.

What Does WSHMS Stand for?

WSHMS stands for Workplace Safety and Health Management System. It is a structured framework required by Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) legislation to ensure that organisations proactively manage workplace health and safety. A WSHMS helps companies set safety goals, establish safe processes, conduct regular audits, and manage legal compliance for continuous improvement in their safety performance.

Why You Should Have a WSHMS Audit?

Regulation 9 of Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health Regulations 2009, also known as SHMS, places responsibility on workplaces to ensure compliance. It states that it is the responsibility of the workplace to appoint an accredited safety and health auditor who will conduct audits to assess the relevant management system of that workplace.  

An organisation’s SHMS audits are conducted in compliance with all relevant legislation and guidelines appointed by the WSH for that specific industry. As such, the assessment will use the WSH Act and all other applicable requirements to accurately and fairly evaluate the organisation.

This process is crucial for maintaining healthy and safe workplaces for people throughout Singapore.

Why Choose Quality Safe As A WSHMS Auditor?

At Quality Safe, we are a trusted and reliable provider of WSHMS audits in Singapore.

  • Trusted Auditors: Quality Safe is backed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) approval to conduct WSHMS audits in Singapore.

  • Comprehensive Audit Process: Our audits encompass document reviews, key personnel interviews, and on-site inspections to ensure thorough compliance checks.

  • Strict Compliance: We follow all WSHMS requirements to deliver accurate and fair results.

  • Integrity & Professionalism: Our team upholds the highest standards, ensuring unbiased outcomes and trusted partnerships.

  • Preferred by Businesses: Clients across industries choose us for our credibility and commitment to workplace safety.

Hear from Our Successful Clients

Browse through customer reviews to learn why many companies choose us for WSHMS Audits.

Accreditations and Achievements

Our ISO consultants in Singapore at Quality Safe are accredited to help your organisation adhere to strict WSHMS requirements to produce fair and unbiased results. Here are our accreditations and achievements to date:

  • MOM Approved WSH Auditing Organisation

  • Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) Accredited WSH Auditing Organisation

  • ISO 9001: 2015 certified and Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) accredited

  • bizSAFE Level 3 certified

  • Asia Top Outstanding Enterprise 2015

  • Practising Management Consultant (PMC) by the Singapore Business Advisors and Consultants Council

  • ISO/IEC 17024:2012 certified Personnel

  • MOM Registered Workplace Safety and Health Officers

  • MOM Registered Workplace Safety and Health Auditors

  • MOM Accredited Workplace Safety and Health Trainers

  • SCDF Registered Fire Safety Managers

  • NEA Registered Environmental Control Officers

WSH Audit: Which Workplaces Need Them and How Often?

Under Singapore’s WSH regulations, specific workplaces are legally required to undergo regular SHMS audits. Employers must appoint an SAC-accredited WSH Auditing Organisation or a MOM-approved WSH auditor to conduct the audit.

Worksites with Contract Sum of $30 Million or More

Audit Frequency: At least once every 6 months

Shipyards Employing 200 or More People

Audit Frequency: At least once every 12 months

Factories with 100 or More Employees in Fabricated Metal, Machinery, or Equipment Manufacturing

Audit Frequency: At least once every 24 months

Factories Processing or Manufacturing Petroleum and Petrochemicals

Audit Frequency: At least once every 24 months

Premises Storing 5,000m³ or More of Toxic or Flammable Liquids

Audit Frequency: At least once every 24 months

Factories Manufacturing Hazardous Chemicals (Fluorine, Chlorine, Hydrogen Fluoride, Carbon Monoxide, Synthetic Polymers)

Audit Frequency: At least once every 24 months

Factories Manufacturing Pharmaceutical Products or Intermediates

Audit Frequency: At least once every 24 months

Internal Review: Which Workplace Needs and How Often?

Certain workplaces are required to carry out periodic internal reviews of their SHMS. These reviews help ensure that systems remain effective and compliant with regulations. Like WSH audits, internal reviews should be conducted by an SAC-accredited WSH Auditing Organisation, a MOM-approved WSH auditor, or an appointed staff member who has passed an established audit course.

Worksites with Contract Sum Below $30 Million

Review Frequency: At least once every 6 months

Shipyards Employing Fewer than 200 People

Audit Frequency: At least once every 12 months

Laws and Industry Standards

In Singapore, employers are required to comply with WSH laws and follow industry standards that strengthen workplace safety practices. Below are the key regulations and standards you should be aware of:

WSH (SHMS and Auditing) Regulations

These regulations require workplaces to establish and audit their SHMS regularly to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

WSH (Risk Management) Regulations

Employers must implement risk management measures to identify, assess, and control safety and health risks at the workplace.

SS ISO 45001

An international standard providing requirements and guidance for implementing effective occupational health and safety management systems.

SS 651

A Singapore Standard tailored for the chemical industry, offering requirements and guidance on establishing a robust SHMS.

SS 679:2021

A code of practice designed explicitly for construction worksites to ensure WSHMS are effectively applied.

SHMS Audit Criteria

SHMS audits in Singapore must adhere to specific criteria, depending on the industry in which they are conducted. Below is a breakdown of the requirements and accepted standards.

Shipyard

For shipyards, the WSH requirements for marine industries form the basis of the SHMS audit criteria. Certification based on ISO 45001 is accepted.

Construction Worksite

For construction worksites, the SHMS audit is based on the 2020 version of the Construction Safety Audit Scoring System (ConSASS).

Metalworking Industry

For the metalworking industry, SHMS audits follow the requirements of the Safety Management System (2021 version), also known as the industry guidelines. Certification based on ISO 45001 is accepted as meeting these audit criteria.

Oil Refineries, Petrochemical Plants, Semiconductor Wafer Plants, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Bulk Storage Terminals

For oil refineries, petrochemical plants, semiconductor wafer fabrication plants, chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and bulk storage terminals, SHMS audits are based on the SS651 standard.

Related Audits You Should Conduct

As with every finely tuned process you have achieved, regular audits are essential to ensure everything is up to date and conforms to the latest guidelines. Our team of auditors is here to guide you through various audit processes on top of WSHMS, including Risk Management and ConSASS audits. Please check out our auditing page for more information.

conSASS Audit

Our consultants assist construction companies with ConSASS audits, ensuring their safety and health management systems meet MOM’s regulatory requirements.

Overtime Exemption Audit

Our team supports businesses in conducting overtime exemption audits, helping them comply with MOM guidelines for extended working hours.

bizSAFE Renewal Audit

We provide guidance for bizSAFE renewal audits, ensuring your risk management systems remain effective and certification is maintained.

BUS Programme Audit

Quality Safe conducts Business Under Surveillance (BUS) programme audits, helping contractors and service providers meet the required safety and health standards.

Contact Us For WSHMS Audit

Ensure your workplace meets Singapore’s strict safety and health requirements with a professional WSHMS audit. At Quality Safe, our MOM-approved auditors provide thorough, unbiased assessments to keep your business compliant and prepared for certification. Contact us today to schedule your audit and learn more about our consultancy services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our ISO Consultancy in Singapore

What sets Quality Safe consultants apart in conducting WSHMS audits in Singapore?

Our consultants are committed to delivering fair, accurate, and unbiased audits. Our team consists of MOM-approved auditors who adhere to a standardised system, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and safety guidelines. We pride ourselves on our exceptional quality of work and attention to detail, which helps organisations in Singapore maintain a healthy and safe workplace.

Can Quality Safe consultants tailor WSHMS solutions to diverse industries in Singapore?

Yes, Quality Safe consultants can tailor WSHMS solutions to meet the specific needs of various industries. In fact, if you need help with other safety audit requirements, you can work with our ISO 45001 consultants and bizSAFE Level 3 consultants for the integration and strengthening of your WSH capabilities. We understand that different sectors have unique safety and health requirements, and our experienced auditors are well-versed in industry-specific regulations and standards. This allows us to provide customised assessments and recommendations that address the particular challenges and risks associated with each industry.

How do Quality Safe consultants ensure efficient WSHMS audits with minimal disruption to businesses?

Quality Safe consultants ensure efficient WSHMS audits with minimal disruption by following a systematic and well-planned approach. We work closely with our clients to schedule audits at convenient times and provide clear communication throughout the process. This helps to minimise any potential impact on regular business operations while ensuring a thorough and effective audit.

Does Quality Safe consultants offer post-audit support for implementing WSHMS improvements?

Yes, Quality Safe consultants offer post-audit support to help businesses implement recommended WSHMS improvements. After the audit, we provide detailed reports that offer actionable insights and recommendations. Our team is available to assist with the development and implementation of corrective action plans, ensuring that organisations can effectively address any identified issues.

How do Quality Safe consultants stay abreast of changing WSHMS regulations and best practices in Singapore?

Quality Safe consultants stay abreast of changing regulations and best practices in safety and health management systems by continuously monitoring legislative updates and industry standards. Our team of experts in Singapore regularly engages in professional development and training to remain informed about the latest advancements in workplace safety and health. This dedication to staying current enables us to offer our clients the most up-to-date and effective auditing services.

What is the HSE management system standard?

A Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) management system is a structured framework organisations use to identify, assess, and control risks related to workplace health, safety, and environmental impacts. This standard aims to prevent accidents, comply with regulations, and promote a culture of continuous safety improvement.

What are the 4 pillars of a safety management system?

The 4 pillars of a safety management system are:

  • Safety Policy and Objectives: This pillar establishes management’s commitment to safety, clearly defining responsibilities across the organisation.
  • Safety Risk Management (SRM): SRM focuses on identifying hazards in all operations, assessing associated risks, and implementing mitigation measures.
  • Safety Assurance: Safety assurance monitors and measures the organisation’s safety performance. 

Safety Promotion: This pillar emphasises training, education, and effective communication.