Workplace Safety Training Requirements: What Every Business Needs to Know

Is your business meeting Singapore’s workplace safety training requirements? Understanding and following proper safety procedures is not just about ticking boxes—it’s about keeping your employees safe and your business legally compliant.

In Singapore, workplace safety training is a key part of ensuring a safe environment for all. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has set clear training requirements for businesses, depending on the type of work involved. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential training every employer should know about, so you can stay compliant and audit-ready.

Why Workplace Safety Matters

A safe and healthy workplace benefits everyone. It reduces the risk of accidents, improves employee morale, and keeps operations running smoothly. In Singapore, workplace safety is not just best practice—it is a legal requirement under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act.

An Overview of the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act

The WSH Act is the main law in Singapore that governs safety at work. It applies to all workplaces and aims to reduce risks and promote a culture of safety.

Here are three key principles of the Act:

1. Reduce risks at the source by identifying and managing hazards early.

2. Encourage shared responsibility between employers, employees, and other stakeholders.

3. Prevent accidents through strong enforcement and penalties for poor safety management.

   
   

More information can be found on the MOM website.

Mandatory Safety Training Courses

Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure workers are properly trained before beginning any job—especially when safety is involved. The MOM mandates specific training depending on the nature of the work, with particular emphasis on first aid and emergency response preparedness.

Some high-impact and accredited training options include:

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) courses for healthcare professionals, available in both full and refresher formats, combining online and classroom training.

• Child First Aid Courses approved by ECDA, designed for childcare and preschool educators, offered in both English and Mandarin.

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) + AED and CPR + AED courses, ideal for healthcare personnel and general workplace safety, with short online and in-person sessions.

• Occupational First Aid and CERT First Aid courses, accredited by MOM and SCDF, tailored for workplaces with specific safety and emergency response requirements.

• Standard First Aid Courses, recognised by NROC, NREP, and SportSG, are ideal for those in fitness or sports-related industries.

• Most courses come in blended formats (online + classroom) with two-year certifications and subsidies available. By equipping your team with these essential skills, you not only meet regulatory standards—you foster a safer, more prepared workplace.

You can find the full list of accredited courses here.

Use Only MOM-Approved Training Providers

To ensure high training standards, all safety courses should be conducted by training providers certified under ISO 29993:2017, an international standard for learning services.

You can search for certified training providers on the MOM course directory.

Risk Management and Safety Systems

Besides training, MOM also requires businesses to carry out Risk Assessments (RA) to identify dangers and prevent accidents. A proper Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) should also be in place for certain high-risk industries. This system ensures that safety goals, planning, and monitoring are done consistently.

More guidance is available on Risk Management and SHMS Requirements.

Responsibilities of Employers and Employees

Both employers and employees have roles to play under the WSH Act.

Employer’s Duties:

• Provide a safe work environment.

• Ensure workers receive proper workplace safety training.

• Identify and manage risks in the workplace.

  
  

Employee’s Duties:

• Follow safety rules and use safety equipment properly.

• Attend all required training sessions.

• Report unsafe conditions immediately.

A full list of duties can be found on MOM’s page about stakeholder responsibilities.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failure to meet safety training and legal requirements can result in serious consequences:

• Fines and penalties from MOM.

• Stop-work orders, which can halt business operations.

• Injury or fatal accidents, leading to long-term damage to company reputation and finances.

How to Stay Audit-Ready

Being audit-ready means keeping your safety practices up to date and well-documented.

Here are some quick tips:

• Ensure all employees’ workplace safety training certifications are current.

• Keep clear records of all training, risk assessments, and safety drills.

• Regularly review and improve your workplace safety processes.

  
  

Workplace Safety Training Support by Singapore First Aid Training Centre

At Singapore First Aid Training Centre, we know that workplace safety training is a crucial part of protecting your business and your people. We provide MOM-accredited safety training courses across a range of industries—from construction and marine to logistics and manufacturing.

Our experienced trainers focus on making safety practical and easy to understand, so your team not only meets legal standards but is also well-prepared to handle workplace risks confidently.

Whether you need training for new hires or refresher courses to stay compliant, Singapore First Aid Training Centre is here to support your workplace safety journey. Let us help you build a safer, stronger business—one course at a time.