the wsh advocate programme - Workplace Safety and Health Council

A GUIDE TOTHE WSHADVOCATEPROGRAMME1

CONTENTSINTRODUCTION02WHAT ARE THE ROLES OF WSH ADVOCATES?06HOW DO YOU GET STARTED ONTHE WSH ADVOCATE PROGRAMME?10WSH ADVOCATE GUIDE AT DIFFERENT LEVELS16WHAT OUR ADVOCATES SAYKeppel Shipyard LtdCleaning Express Pte Ltd20FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)28USEFUL REFERENCES32CONTACT US33ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS332

INTRODUCTIONSafer and healthier workplacesthrough employee participationDeveloped by Workplace Safety and Health (WSH)Council, the WSH Advocate Programme is a voluntaryprogramme any company can adopt to generatesupport for WSH across all levels in the company.Companies that adopt the programme identify andempower suitable employees to engage their peersin improving WSH in their workplace. A WSH Advocatecan be any one who devotes his time and attention tokeeping his workplace safe and healthy (i.e., workers,supervisors or managers).A formal or informal WSH Advocate Programme willrecognise the WSH Advocates within your companyand raise WSH awareness amongst your employees.2 A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme3

WHEN YOUR EMPLOYEES ARE INVOLVEDIN WSH, IT HELPS TO:DEVELOP A POSITIVE SAFETY AND HEALTHCULTURE AT YOUR WORKPLACE;IMPROVE INDIVIDUAL OWNERSHIPFOR SAFETY AND HEALTH;ENHANCE MOTIVATION ANDIMPROVE WORK PRODUCTIVITY;REDUCE WORKPLACE INCIDENTS,ACCIDENTS AND/OR ILL-HEALTHAND THEIR ASSOCIATED COSTS; ANDBOOST CONFIDENCE IN BUSINESSDEALINGS.Why should allyour employees beinvolved in workplacesafety and health?Creating and sustaining a safe and healthy workplaceis not possible without engaging all your employees.Every employee is a stakeholder and all of them playa significant role in helping you achieve a safe andhealthy workplace.Every stakeholder should recognise that WSH isa personal responsibility and share the belief thatworkplace accidents are preventable, and thereforeunacceptable. In a successful employee-involvedorganisation, every stakeholder looks out for hisown safety and that of those around him.The active participation of managers, supervisorsand workers in the various WSH initiatives providesall employees the confidence that adequate WSHstandards are in place.To engage employees in the programme, the seniormanagement should involve them when makingdecisions that affect their safety. The managementshould also value the ideas and feedback of theemployees and communicate to them the relevantactions taken.Employees who are involved in improving theworkplace environment are more motivated to work.More importantly, employee involvement will helpnurture a progressive and pervasive WSH culture inyour workplace.4 A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme5

WHAT ARE THEThey are V.O.I.C.E:ROLES OF WSHADVOCATES?VOICEWSH Advocates serve as feedbackand communication channelsbetween management and workers.OBSERVEWSH Advocates look out forunsafe acts and conditions atthe workplace; they are an extrapair of eyes to make sure that theworkplace is safe.INVOLVEWSH Advocates walk the safety talkand are very involved in safety andhealth activities in the workplace.CAREWSH Advocates encourage theirfellow workers to work for thesafety and health of one another.ENCOURAGEWSH Advocates help their fellowworkers reinforce the learningpoints from past accidents.6 A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme7

As a WSH Advocate, you should influence thosearound you to have WSH as a top priority. You canstart by raising awareness of WSH issues in theirdaily work.Tips on EffectivePeer EngagementSometimes, the fear of conflict or confrontationhinders timely and crucial safety feedback from beingcommunicated. As a WSH Advocate, you should not beafraid to speak up to protect your peers.Here are some tips on how you can get them to payattention to WSH when they work.You can keep a look out for unsafe work practicesand, if it is within your means, correct them. If mattersare beyond your job scope, report the issue to yoursupervisor immediately.DosApproach your colleagueas a concerned friend.Focus on the unsafecondition or action.Don’tsBe authoritative anddemand action.Target his personor character.You can also share knowledge and lessons learntwith your peers to keep them informed and updatedon WSH concerns.To engage your peers to do more for WSH, you canencourage them to join you as part of the Advocatefamily. Simple quizzes and competitions can also beconducted to test and improve their knowledge onWSH. Alternatively, approach your management orsafety personnel to co-organise events such as anin-house WSH Day or WSH Campaign.Ultimately, all your efforts will contribute towardsinculcating WSH awareness and good WSH practicesas a way of life for all employees in your company.Highlight the importanceand benefits of safety.Provide constructivealternatives to addressthe issue.Allow your colleague toexplain his actions.Thank your colleaguefor participating inthe conversation.Forget to give rationalefor corrective action.Leave your colleague/sto resolve the problemthemselves.Ignore what yourcolleague has to say.Walk off without endingthe conversation properly.You do not have to focus only on unsafe conditions;feedback can be used to reinforce positive practices too.8 A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme9

HOW DO YOUGET STARTEDON THE WSHADVOCATEPROGRAMME?A company can formaliseits channels and platformsfor WSH Advocates tooperate. The way a companyestablishes its WSH AdvocateProgramme depends largelyon the nature of business,organisation structure, thenumber of employees in thecompany, and so on. You mayuse the information below asa guide on how to get startedon the Programme.10 A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme11

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4GET YOUR SENIORMANAGEMENTON BOARD.IDENTIFY THE STRUCTUREOF THE PROGRAMMEMOST SUITABLE FORORGANISATION.IDENTIFY POTENTIALWSH ADVOCATES INTHE COMPANY.IDENTIFY AND PLAN FORSUITABLE TRAINING FOREACH WSH ADVOCATE.• Senior management needsto understand their role inthe Programme, providethe necessary support andempower the WSH Advocatesto promote safety and healthin the organisation.They would first have toendorse the submission form,indicating their intention toimplement the Programme intheir company, before declaringthat workers have been identifiedas WSH Advocates.• This Programme can beimplemented formally or informally,depending on the staff strength,nature of business, and extent ofparticipation and engagement byeach Advocate.For instance, if your companyhas more than 200 employees, aformal structure can be adopted.WSH Advocates can be officiallyappointed in different departmentsor business units. These identifiedemployees will then have specificroles and responsibilities in theirWSH Advocate committee.For a smaller organisationwith less than 200 employees,an informal structure may beadequate. These WSH Advocateswill operate on an ad-hoc basis.• It is recommended that youidentify a WSH Advocate for eachlevel of the organisation as a start(senior management, middlemanagement and workers level).A potential WSH Advocate should:• be passionate aboutpromoting WSH;• show strong interest in WSHtopics and activities;• be a role model in WSHinitiatives and safe behaviours;• have good rapport withfellow colleagues; and• be able to influencecolleagues positively.• There is no compulsory trainingrequired for this Programme.The management should assessthe competencies of their WSHAdvocates and decide what isbest for them.Typical WSH trainings includebut are not limited to: hazardidentification, risk assessment andrisk management, safety coaching,communication, and so on.• If there are existing safetyprofessionals in the company(e.g., WSH Officer), they can takethe lead to share basic WSHknowledge with their non WSHtrainedWSH Advocates.12 A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme13

STEP 5 STEP 6 STEP 7WSH ADVOCATES CANPLAN AND IMPLEMENTINITIATIVES.• Explore the type of WSH activitiessuitable for your organisation. Hereare some ideas the WSH Advocatescan consider:• circulate WSH-relatedinformation;• organise competitions such asdesign of WSH logo, postersfor specific WSH topic;• organise lunchtime talks orsafety briefing events;• encourage your colleagues toparticipate in WSH-relatedevents or seminars organisedby WSH Council; or• assist in enhancing existingWSH systems (e.g., WSH issuereporting, WSH training).REVIEW THEIMPLEMENTATION PLANAND PROPOSE NEWINITIATIVES ON AREGULAR BASIS.• Review the effectiveness ofthe implemented activities bycomparing the company’sWSH performance toyour colleagues’ feedback.• Continue to improvise theimplemented programmes; and• Rotate the duties among theWSH Advocates and get morenon-Advocate colleagues toparticipate in them.RECOGNITION/ INCENTIVE/REWARD SCHEMEFOR WSH ADVOCATESAND THEIR WSH EFFORTS.• Incentives/ rewards such asvouchers or gifts may be given tooutstanding WSH performance bystaff and/or WSH Advocates.• Collar pin, badges, armbands,and so on may be issued to WSHAdvocates as recognition and alsoto improve their visibility.14 A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme15

WSHADVOCATEGUIDE ATDIFFERENTLEVELSWhat should I doas a WSH Advocate?Everyone can be a WSH Advocate. Here are somepointers to get you started.What should I do as a start?• Be alert towards WSH issues.• Be open towards your co-worker’s WSH views.• Take safety and health beyond the workplace.What should I do to influence those around me?• Set a good example by adopting safe work practices;• Share WSH initiatives and information;• Compliment employees on good WSH practices; and• Gather peers to solve WSH issues together.How can I participate at the organisational level?• Join and contribute in safety committees; and• Be involved and cooperate during accident andincident investigations.There are also specific roles that you as part of the seniormanagement team, a supervisor or worker can look into.16 A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme 17

How do I start?• Conduct safety walkabouts regularly;• Engage the workforce to solicit WSH feedback; and• Practice WSH as a priority.How can I influence those around me?• Communicate the benefits of good WSH management.What can I do at the organisational level?• Adopt greater emphasis on WSH during decisionmaking,for example, when making policies, strategies,or organisational changes;• Adopt knowledge management (KM) on WSH; and• Be visible and lead WSH initiatives personally.How do I start?SENIOR MANAGEMENTSUPERVISORS• Understand WSH policies and guide workersto comply;• Allocate time during meetings to address WSH issues;• Raise WSH concerns, report WSH mistakes, and sharelessons learnt and improvements achieved; and• Ensure that information (e.g., instructions)communicated is clear and concise.How can I influence those around me?• Cultivate WSH interest in workers; and• Encourage participation in WSH activities(e.g., talks, campaigns).What can I do at the organisational level?Facilitate communication of WSH matters (e.g., feedback,responses) between management and workers.How do I start?WORKERS• Practice WSH as a way of life;• Constantly upgrade knowledge and skills in WSH;• Note and raise WSH concerns arising fromoperations; and• Provide feedback on WSH measures for improvements.How can I influence those around me?• Help peers understand and value WSH; and• Constantly remind peers to work safely.What can I do at the organisational level?• Join and contribute in Safety Innovation/ ImprovementTeam(s); and• Gather workers' views on WSH issues and representthem in WSH committee meetings.18 A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme19

WHAT OURKeppel Shipyard LimitedADVOCATESSAYKeppel Shipyard Limited has a formal structurefor employee participation programme which is known as theWorkforce Safety Council (WSC). It is a bottom-up initiativemade up of only employees at the workers’ level. Workersfrom various trades or sections are nominated by their fellowworkers to be their representatives in WSC for a two-year term.The Chairman and Secretary of the WSC are subsequentlyelected from the representatives by the workers through avoting system.The motto of WSC is “For the workers, by the workers”and their vision is “Create a safe and healthy workplace foreveryone”. Its main objective is to create a safe and healthyworkplace for all personnel in the shipyard by providinga platform for workers’ feedback, dissemination ofmanagement safety expectations, and encouragementof positive and safe work behavioursbetween workers.A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme21

WORKFORCE SAFETY COUNCIL (WSC) ORGANISATION CHARTADVISORCHAIRMANThe WSH Council speaks tomembers of the WSC to findout more about the initiative.VICE-CHAIRMANSECRETARYWhat does it mean for you to be a WSH Advocate?We feel a great sense of responsibility towards ourfellow workers because we are their spokespersons.We help to pass on their WSH concerns and feedbackon safety matters to the management.What do you do daily?We rotate our WSC members to conduct “TrafficMarshal and Site Safety-Walkabout” duties in themorning to keep a lookout for safety at the workplace.WORKERS’ REPRESENTATIVESFROM THE FOLLOWING TRADES OR SECTIONSWhat other duties do you perform?We participate in safety induction briefings as boothambassadors to explain the hazards, risk and safetymeasures to new staff and visitors at our Keppel SafetyTraining Centre. We also attend meetings on behalf of myfellow workers in my section to share information anddiscuss WSH issues.MACHINERY HULL MAINTENANCE ELECTRICAL SHIPWRIGHT PIPINGFigure 1 Organisation chart of Keppel Shipyard’s Workforce Safety Council. All members,including appointment holders, are workers’ representatives nominated by fellow workers.What are some of the challenges WSC faced andhow did you overcome them?All the claims and feedback from workers on poorsafety performance must be investigated to preventbias or abuse of WSC’s powers. But these investigationstend to take time away from normal operation duties. Soto prevent disruption of normal operations, supervisorsare informed in advance on the scheduled meetingsand duties of WSC for redeployment of manpowerand planning of work tasks.22 A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme23

Cleaning Express Pte LtdFigure 2. WSC member conducting safety induction briefing asbooth ambassador.With numerous groups of employees deployed at variedlocations, Cleaning Express established an informal WSHAdvocate programme with WSH Ambassadors (also knownas WSH Advocates) at various worksites to increase the reachand communication of WSH matters at the job sites.What are some future plans WSC has forthe organisation?We are considering making the WSC stint a mandatorytour of duty for trainee supervisors in the future. Thiswill ensure that future supervisors have the knowledge,experience, and heart to safeguard the safety ofour workforce.On top of the in-house training that all staff receives, the WSHAmbassadors are also sent for external trainings or seminarsto improve their knowledge in WSH. The WSH Ambassador’srole is to share the knowledge acquired during training withtheir peers at work. The steering committee for the WSHAmbassadors Programme is renewed annually to increasestaff exposure and maintain a supply of fresh ideas.What are your motivations?Being able to motivate and see improvements inthe working conditions for fellow workers.Are there any rewarding moments for yourefforts so far?Generally, we are able to address WSH mattersconcerning the well-being of workers more efficientlyas the WSC convenes more frequently compared tounion meetings.24 A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme25

The WSH Council Office speaksto the WSH Ambassadors (alsoknown as WSH Advocates) to findout more about what they do.What are some of the challenges WSH Ambassadorsfaced and how did you overcome them?Given the diverse backgrounds and age groups of thework team, some colleagues may have less awarenessor buy-in to safety practices. These colleagues requiremore coaching and monitoring to make them understandthe importance of good safety behaviour.What are your motivations?To create a safer work environment, not only forourselves, but also for the clients we serve.Figure 3 WSH Ambassadors (also known as WSH Advocates) atan in-house briefing and training.What does it mean for you to be a WSH Ambassador?It is part and parcel of our daily work. We are generallymore aware of the safety aspects of our work andthe safety of our colleagues based on our trainingsand experiences.What do you do daily as an Ambassador?We provide safety highlights and reminders during dailybriefing, and observe and coach fellow colleagues inperforming tasks safely.Figure 4Recognition badge awarded byCleaning Express to their WSHAmbassadors (also known asWSH Advocates)Are there any rewarding moments for your effortsso far?We have observed that workers are able to retain safetyknowledge better, and work more safely. Also, workerswho have been less receptive towards safety practicesbefore now seemed to have a change in mindset. Theyare more driven to practice safety at work. Sometimes,we receive compliments from our clients in appreciationof our good work.26 A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme27

FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS(FAQS)Can the WSH officers (or any WSH Professionals) inmy company be appointed as WSH Advocates?Yes. However, we do not encourage WSH Professionalsto be the only group of WSH Advocates in the company.WSH Professionals could help the other WSH Advocatesby providing basic WSH knowledge through briefing ortraining which will help them spread the right message totheir follow colleagues.What are the benefits of being a WSH Advocate?WSH Advocates will be empowered in WSH-relatedmatters, bringing with it the respect and recognitionfor making the company a safer and healthierworkplace for everyone.WSH Advocates will have better opportunities to attendWSH training and they would experience firsthand what itis like to build WSH competency; these would allow themto better handle safety and health matters when they areon or off the job.What can I do if my colleagues refuse to listento my advice as a WSH Advocate?As a WSH Advocate, you can try your best to convinceyour colleagues by putting yourself in their shoes. Theymight have a different view on the way to get work done,but try to provide them the rationale of why you areadvising them otherwise.You should not create any conflict with your colleaguesdue to differing viewpoints. The bottom-line is to makethem realise that you care for them and hope to achieve asafer and healthier workplace for everyone. Nevertheless,if there is any unresolved situation, please consult yoursupervisor or management for advice.A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme29

Do I need to fulfill any requirements ormandatory training as a WSH Advocate?No. Your company has the discretion to decidewhat kind of training should be provided for theirWSH Advocates. There are some recommendedtraining courses listed on www.wshc.sg However,you can explore any training beyond the list whichcould help you perform your role as a WSH Advocate.How can I gather my colleagues to join theWSH Advocate family?The recommendation is through word of mouth.You may start by sharing the satisfaction you enjoyedfrom being a WSH Advocate. You may also organise arecruitment drive or propose some recognition for allWSH Advocates.If I am unable to perform my duties as aWSH Advocate, what should I do?If you are facing some difficulties in managingyour duties as a WSH Advocate, you may let yourmanagement know. You may also wish to sign upfor WSH training or discuss suitable duties withother WSH Advocates.What should I do if there is a lack of interestin WSH from my co-workers?You can engage them to understand why they arenot interested in WSH. Use a different approach to helpthem recognise the importance of WSH in their dailywork and how their involvement can help to contributeto a safer workplace.Alternatively, you may also seek management’s supportto encourage the employees to participate actively inWSH-related events at the company level.If I join another company, what should I do?You should discuss with your management on thetransfer of your WSH Advocate duties to anothercolleague. You are also encouraged to bring your WSHAdvocate spirit and experience to your new workplace.Most importantly, you should encourage your newcompany to join the WSH Advocate community atwww.wshc.sg30 A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme31

USEFULREFERENCESThe Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council hasmany resources to help you make your workplace saferand healthier. Visit www.wshc.sg forPUBLICATIONS AND GUIDELINESWSH BULLETIN:Free e-newsletter featuring incident alerts, casestudies, articles and announcements.SHINE NEWSLETTER:Quarterly publication featuring human intereststories, business-driven articles and case studieson best practices.iWSH NEWSLETTER:This is Singapore’s first workers’ newsletter andis available in English, Chinese, Tamil and Bengali.CONTACT USFor enquiries, email WSH Council at contact@wshc.sgFor more information or to participate in the WSHAdvocate Programme, visit www.wshc.sg/wps/portal/wshAdvocateProgrammeACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe Workplace Safety and Health Council wishes toacknowledge Keppel Shipyard Limited and CleaningExpress Pte Ltd for their contribution to the contentof this guidebook.You can also go to www.mom.gov.sg/workplacesafety-healthfor information on WSH-relatedlegislation and guidelines, employer’s obligationsand WSH training opportunities.32 A Guide to the WSH Advocate Programme33