Singapore warns employers to curb outdoor work as haze hits 229 PSI

Singapore told employers to prepare flexible work arrangements and stricter protections for staff as haze conditions worsened, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index reaching 229 in the central region on Oct. 16. Acting Manpower Minister Jasmin Lau said companies should assess risks, follow Ministry of Manpower guidelines and provide N95 masks to employees working outdoors for extended periods. If PSI forecasts rise above 200, prolonged or strenuous outdoor work should be avoided, especially for older workers, pregnant women and those with heart or lung conditions. Since September, the ministry has carried out more than 400 worksite inspections and directed about a quarter of employers to fix shortcomings. The ministry also plans further guidance using one-hour PM2.5 readings to help decide when work should be paused.