The WSHO is responsible for implementing, managing, and maintaining workplace safety and health standards across assigned government school facilities. This role ensures compliance with Singapore's Workplace Safety and Health Act and government safety requirements while fostering a culture of safety among staff, contractors, and building occupants.
Key Responsibilities
Safety Management & Compliance
Implement and maintain the Workplace Safety and Health Management System (WSHMS) across all assigned school facilities. Ensure full compliance with WSH Act, entity safety standards, and relevant codes of practice. Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments of facilities, equipment, and work activities. Maintain all safety documentation, permits-to-work, risk assessments, and incident records. Prepare and submit safety reports, statistics, and compliance documentation to entity and management.
Environmental Management
Oversee environmental control and compliance across school facilities. Monitor environmental aspects including waste management, water conservation, and pollution control. Ensure compliance with NEA regulations and environmental legislation. Coordinate environmental incident response and reporting.
Incident Management & Investigation
Investigate all workplace accidents, near-misses, and dangerous occurrences. Prepare incident investigation reports with root cause analysis and corrective action recommendations. Liaise with MOM, insurers, and relevant authorities on reportable incidents. Track and monitor implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
Training & Awareness
Conduct safety induction and toolbox talks for IFM staff, contractors, and vendors. Organize and coordinate safety training programs and refresher courses. Promote safety awareness campaigns and initiatives within school facilities. Develop safety bulletins, posters, and communication materials.
Contractor & Vendor Management
Review and approve contractors risk assessments and method statements. Monitor contractor compliance with safety requirements during facility works. Conduct safety briefings for contractors before commencement of works. Coordinate and supervise high-risk activities including work-at-height, confined space entry, and hot works.
Emergency Preparedness
Develop and maintain emergency response procedures for schools. Conduct emergency drills and evacuation exercises. Ensure fire safety systems, emergency equipment, and evacuation routes are maintained. Liaise with school management on emergency preparedness matters.
Stakeholder Management
Serve as primary safety contact for the entity, school principals, and facility users. Attend safety committee meetings and provide technical advice. Coordinate with relevant authorities (SCDF, MOM, NEA) on safety and environmental matters. Support entity audits and inspections related to safety and environmental compliance.
Qualifications & Requirements
Essential:
- Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Occupational Safety & Health, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
- WSQ Advanced Certificate in Workplace Safety and Health or equivalent recognized certification.
- Registered WSHO with MOM (Ministry of Manpower).
- Minimum 5 years of experience in facility management or building services safety role.
- Strong knowledge of WSH Act, subsidiary regulations, and approved codes of practice.
- Experience with educational facilities, large portfolio management and IFM experience preferred.
Preferred Certifications:
- Facility Safety Manager (FSM) certification.
- Environmental Control Coordinator (ECC) certification.
- Possession of both FSM and ECC certifications will be a distinct advantage.
Technical Skills:
- Proficient in conducting risk assessments and safety audits.
- Knowledge of building systems, M&E services, and facility operations.
- Familiar with permit-to-work systems and safe work procedures.
- Understanding of environmental management systems and NEA requirements.
- Competent in Microsoft Office Suite for reporting and documentation.
- Understanding of ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and bizSAFE framework.
Personal Attributes:
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple school sites.
- Proactive problem-solving approach with attention to detail.
- Ability to influence and drive safety culture change.
- Comfortable working in school environment with sensitivity to student safety.
Working Conditions
- Regular site visits to multiple school locations.
- Occasional evening or weekend work for emergency response or scheduled activities.
- On-call availability for safety incidents or emergencies.
- Office-based work for documentation, reporting, and meetings.
