Let’s be real. Workplace safety can sometimes feel like just another rule to follow. But if you’ve ever dealt with a serious accident, you know it matters a lot more than that.
Safety helps build trust, keeps your team productive, and makes your business stronger in the long run.
In Singapore, the bizSAFE programme is a popular and practical way to build a safer workplace.
It gives you a clear, step-by-step process to improve safety, protect your team, and strengthen your company’s reputation. This applies whether you’re running a small business or managing several worksites.
In this guide, you’ll learn what bizSAFE is, how it works, who it’s for, and why so many companies in Singapore are using it to grow safely and sustainably.
What is bizSAFE?
bizSAFE is a five-step capability-building programme launched by the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC) and supported by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Its goal is to help companies systematically build up their WSH capabilities through training, assessments, and implementation of robust risk management systems.
Beyond safety and health, bizSAFE also includes SGSecure elements to help businesses prepare for and manage potential terror threats. These elements are essential in today’s complex risk environment and are supported by resources such as:
SGSecure bizSAFE training notes
SGSecure Guide for Workplaces
Protective Security Advisory for Premises
Contingency Planning Advisory for Premises
Whether you’re just starting out or already managing an integrated safety system, bizSAFE allows businesses to enter the programme at any level if they meet the specific criteria.
Boost Your bizSAFE Readiness
Digitise your WSH processes to stay compliant and audit-ready.Why bizSAFE Matters
Here’s why bizSAFE is more than just another certification:
Enhanced Credibility: Being bizSAFE-certified signals your commitment to workplace safety, making your company more attractive to clients, especially those in high-risk sectors.
Legal Compliance: bizSAFE helps ensure your company complies with Singapore’s WSH regulations.
Tender Eligibility: Many government and private contracts now require vendors to have a minimum bizSAFE Level 3 certification.
Risk Preparedness: Incorporating SGSecure strengthens your readiness for emergency situations, including terror-related threats.
Government Support: SMEs can tap into funding and grants like StartSAFE, a free, first-come-first-served consultancy programme to kickstart their WSH journey.
Who Can Apply?
You’re eligible to apply if your company is:
A registered business in Singapore
An overseas-registered company working on a project in Singapore (must use a MOM-approved Auditing Organisation)
There are no application fees for bizSAFE itself. However, you may need to invest in WSH training or audits, depending on the level you’re applying for.
Overview of the 5 Levels
bizSAFE Level 1: WSH Policy Awareness
What It Means:
Your top management is aware of WSH legal obligations and has established a safety policy.
How to Qualify:
The CEO or a Board Director must attend the Top Executive WSH Programme (TEWP), a 3-hour workshop (available online or in-person). This is a legal requirement for high-risk industries.
Certificate Validity:
Valid for 6 months, non-renewable. Companies are encouraged to progress to Level 3 for sustainable safety practices.
bizSAFE Level 2: Risk Management Planning
What It Means:
Your company has an appointed Risk Management (RM) Champion trained to develop and implement a risk management plan.
How to Qualify:
Nominate a supervisor or above to attend either of these WSQ-accredited courses:
“Develop Risk Management Implementation Plan”
“Workplace Safety and Health Control Measures”
Duration:
2 days
Certificate Validity:
Valid for 6 months. Like Level 1, this level is also non-renewable. Progressing to Level 3 ensures long-term risk mitigation.
bizSAFE Level 3: Risk Management Audit
What It Means:
Your company has conducted risk assessments for all work processes, in compliance with the WSH (Risk Management) Regulations.
How to Qualify:
Engage a MOM-approved Auditing Organisation to conduct a Risk Management Implementation Audit. The audit must be independent of your consultancy service provider.
Exemptions:
Companies with any of the following do not need an additional audit:
SCAL’s SLOTS certificate + SgMA
JCI accreditation (for healthcare)
Responsible Care Award (from SCIC)
Certificate Validity:
3 years (for audit-based applications)
Varies for certificate-based exemptions
bizSAFE Level 4: WSH Management System Implementation
What It Means:
Your business has a WSHMS Champion trained to develop and execute a full Workplace Safety and Health Management System (WSHMS).
How to Qualify:
On top of Level 3, your company needs a participant to complete either of these 4-day WSQ courses:
“Develop a Workplace Safety and Health Management System Implementation Plan”
“Workplace Safety and Health System Management”
Eligible Participants:
Supervisors or above
Certificate Validity:
3 years (audit-based)
Based on expiry of SLOTS, JCI, or Responsible Care certifications
Note:
If the WSHMS Champion leaves the company, a new one must attend the course promptly to maintain bizSAFE status.
bizSAFE STAR: Highest Recognition
What It Means:
Your company has a comprehensive WSHMS aligned with international safety standards such as ISO 45001 or SS651:2019.
How to Qualify:
Submit one of the following, along with a Risk Management Audit Report:
ISO 45001:2018 (by SAC-accredited or MRA-recognised cert body)
SS651:2019 Certificate
Certificate Validity:
Tied to the validity of your ISO/SS651 certification. Renew your bizSAFE STAR status two months before expiration.
Boost Your bizSAFE Readiness
Digitise your WSH processes to stay compliant and audit-ready.Key Benefits of bizSAFE Certification
1. Improved Safety Culture
bizSAFE promotes active involvement from top management down to operational staff, fostering a proactive safety culture.
2. Cost SavingsEffective risk management reduces accidents, which in turn lowers insurance premiums, medical costs, and downtime.
3. Market CompetitivenessIn many sectors (construction, marine, logistics, manufacturing), bizSAFE is a prerequisite to tender for high-value projects.
4. Brand ReputationPublicly listed companies, multinational corporations, and government agencies often prefer working with bizSAFE-certified partners.
5. Preparedness for CrisesWith integrated SGSecure elements, your business is more resilient in the face of emergencies and security threats.
How to Apply for bizSAFE
The application process is straightforward:
Attend the required training course for your desired level.
Obtain the necessary certificate (TEWP, WSQ, ISO, etc.).
Complete the online application form at the bizSAFE portal.
Receive your e-Certificate and gain visibility on the bizSAFE Marketplace.
For each level, companies are advised to plan well ahead of certificate expiry dates, especially if audits or course scheduling is involved.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re managing a small team or operating across multiple sites, bizSAFE gives your business the tools and recognition to operate safely, responsibly, and competitively. With clear pathways, structured training, and support from the Ministry of Manpower, bizSAFE isn’t just about compliance — it’s about creating a stronger, safer, and more trusted business.
Ready to build a safer workplace and take your business to the next level?
Start your bizSAFE journey today.
