Overworking is a serious issue. It is, after all, linked to numerous negative repercussions, and could even, in the worst case scenario, lead to death.
As such, like everything else, one should work in “moderation.” Or at least, as far as your health would permit.
2 Private Security Firms Charged for Making Officers Work Up to 20 Hours a Day
Lest you’re unaware, the security industry here is a rigorous one. There are, after all, only that many security personnel available for those long and arduous hours.
Even so, however, there are certain laws that should not be touched. In the case of the security industry, security officers cannot, unless applicable, work more than 12 hours in a day.
But of course, there will always be those who try to test the system.
From April to August 2021, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) checked on nearly 200 private security agencies, in an attempt to verify their compliance with the Employment Act.
Working hours and overtime limits were, in particular, two of the most concentrated aspects of the checks.
Alas, the enforcement operation did not go as smoothly as expected. Of all the private security agencies that were checked, around 36 per cent had committed some form of breach.
While most were minor breaches, 15 private security agencies were deemed to have committed serious enough breaches to warrant action from the MOM.
Indeed, two out of the 15, Erawan Security Services and Volantra Security, had made their officers work well beyond the allowed limits.
Between February and March 2021, the affiliated security officers had worked back-to-back shifts, constituting around 17 to 20 hours in a single day, on numerous occasions.
Offence
For violating Employment Act provisions that cater to rest days, work limits as well as other conditions of service, guilty employers could face a fine of up to S$5,000 for each offence.
For a second and subsequent offence, they could face a fine of up to S$10,000, an imprisonment term of up to 12 months, or both.
The Ministry of Manpower has also since reiterated its cause.
“The Ministry of Manpower is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all workers,” they said.
“As we continue to educate employees on their rights, we will also carry out regular site inspections and take stern action against errant employers found to be flouting the law.”
“Security agencies should refer to the Tripartite Advisory on Ensuring Sustainability of Security Sector in View of COVID-19 to plan ahead, and leverage technology-enabled solutions to optimise manpower.”
Meanwhile, if you have any relevant information on possible Employment Act infringements, you can report the matter here.
To know more about your working hours (and also what your boss can’t do to you), watch this video to the end:
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