Tip-off hotline, more CCTVs to prevent workplace harassment
Better lighting and more CCTV coverage in the workplace could help prevent workplace harassment.
Other measures include an external hotline which employees could use to report harassment anonymously and a buddy system for employees in situations where personal safety could be compromised.
These were recommended in an advisory on preventing and managing workplace harassment issued by tripartite manpower partners yesterday.
The Manpower Ministry, National Trades Union Congress and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) developed the advisory following the passing of the Protection from Harassment Act in March last year.
It was drafted by a group comprising government stakeholders, unions, employers, human resource professionals and subject matter experts. The group also sought the views of organisations such as the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware), Singapore Council of Women's Organisations and Migrant Workers' Centre.
The advisory also stresses the need for a culture of zero tolerance towards harassment at all levels of the organisation, and the training of employees, especially HR personnel, line managers and supervisors, to deal with harassment cases.
SNEF has also developed a course for employers on "prevention and addressing workplace bullying and harassment".
Aware executive director Corinna Lim said: "Workplace harassment is against the law. This advisory confirms that employers must play a proactive role in preventing and addressing it."
As of yesterday, Aware's Sexual Assault Care Centre had received 62 complaints about workplace sexual harassment this year. The figure for last year was 61. - The Straits Times
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