Effective 1 December 2025, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has expanded and harmonised the list of reportable and compensable Occupational Diseases (ODs) under the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) and Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA).
These significant updates aim to improve clarity, strengthen workplace safety accountability, and ensure timely reporting and fair compensation for affected workers.
| Harmonised List 38 recognised occupational diseases now standardised across both WSHA and WICA frameworks | Musculoskeletal Coverage Wider coverage for work-related musculoskeletal injuries and ergonomic conditions |
| Infectious Diseases Expanded list covering labs, logistics, healthcare, and other high-risk roles | Clearer Guidelines Standardised disease names for more consistent medical and assessment procedures |
Why it matters
Employers must ensure internal safety protocols, HR reporting workflows, and incident escalation processes are fully aligned with these new requirements to maintain compliance and protect their workforce.
Attention for Employers:
The updated OD framework requires immediate action across multiple operational areas. HR leaders, safety officers, and operations managers must work together to ensure full compliance and workforce protection. Here’s what needs your attention:
1. Reporting Processes
Ensure safety officers and HR teams have clear knowledge of which conditions are now reportable under the expanded framework
- Update incident-tracking systems and medical reporting workflows
- Review and confirm timelines for notifying MOM and insurers
- Train designated personnel on proper escalation procedures
2. Risk Assessments & Safety Measures
Update workplace risk assessments to reflect newly included occupational diseases and emerging risk factors
- Strengthen controls for ergonomic hazards and infectious disease risks
- Enhance oversight for high-risk environments, including labs, logistics operations, and manufacturing facilities
- Conduct targeted audits of current safety measures
3. Workforce Education
Communication and training are essential to successful implementation across all levels of your organisation
- Communicate regulatory changes to supervisors and frontline workers
- Reinforce the importance of early reporting and proper documentation practices
- Ensure medical panels and healthcare providers understand new assessment requirements
Contact Kanry Now
Kanry partners with organisations across Singapore to ensure their workforce strategies and HR processes stay aligned with the nation’s evolving Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) landscape.
We understand that compliance isn’t just about policy; it’s about having the right people, processes, and partnerships in place.
Strategic Advisory: Expert guidance on OD-related hiring needs, particularly for roles requiring specialised safety knowledge and technical expertise in newly covered disease categories
Workforce Planning: Comprehensive planning support for high-risk sectors including construction, manufacturing, laboratory environments, and logistics operations
Safety-Critical Recruitment: Targeted recruitment services for WSH officers, safety managers, safety coordinators, laboratory technicians, and other compliance-essential roles
HR Support Services: Shared services model with compliance-aligned documentation, policy templates, and administrative support to streamline your safety management systems
EOR Solutions: Employer of Record solutions enabling flexible staffing arrangements in high-control environments while maintaining full regulatory compliance
"Navigating regulatory changes doesn't have to slow your business down. With the right workforce partner, compliance becomes a competitive advantage."
