By September 2012, some 100,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be able to benefit from a new Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Assist Programme.

The assistance scheme will be run by the WSH Council and S$2.7 million will be provided across 3 years to help SMEs implement safety practices at work. Eligible SMEs will be able to tap on co-funding of up to 80% to engage WSH consultants to conduct visits and reviews to develop WSH action plans.

Larger companies can also benefit by tapping on a WSH Leadership Guide developed WSH Institute.

These measures are aimed at improving work processes to reduce workplace injuries. There were 26 work-related fatalities in the first half of 2012, compared with 30 fatalities in the same period last year.