Introduction to bizSAFE
bizSAFE Singapore is a national workplace safety and health programme created by the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC) and supported by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). It helps companies in all industries build strong risk management and safety practices step by step.
Although many SMEs use bizSAFE, it is open to all Singapore-registered companies, even those with overseas operations. bizSAFE offers a clear, step-by-step way for organisations to spot hazards, manage risks, and make safety a shared responsibility at every level.
For many companies, bizSAFE is not just about compliance, as it also helps them win more business. Many government agencies, main contractors, and multinational companies require vendors to have at least bizSAFE Level 3 before awarding contracts. As rules get stricter and safety becomes more important, bizSAFE helps businesses stay compliant, trusted, and competitive in Singapore.
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Workplace Safety Statistics: Why bizSAFE Matters for SMEs
Workplace safety is still a major concern in Singapore, especially in high-risk sectors like construction, logistics, manufacturing, transport, and facilities management. Many workplace injuries happen in SMEs, often because of poor risk assessments, weak safety controls, or inconsistent practices.
Serious incidents often happen because of falls from height, machinery accidents, manual handling injuries, and vehicle incidents with lorries or heavy vehicles. Besides the human impact, these accidents can cause stop-work orders, fines, damage to reputation, and lost business.
bizSAFE tackles these risks by requiring structured risk management, clear leadership responsibility, and ongoing improvement. For companies with limited safety resources, bizSAFE offers a practical, nationally recognised way to reduce incidents, meet WSH rules, and protect both workers and business operations.
(Source: MOM, Singapore)
What is bizSAFE?
bizSAFE is a five-step programme that ends with bizSAFE STAR. It guides companies in building strong workplace safety and health practices. The programme focuses on leadership commitment, putting risk management into action, and setting up a formal Workplace Safety and Health Management System (WSHMS).
Key features include:
- Progressive certification from bizSAFE Level 1 to bizSAFE STAR
- Strong emphasis on risk assessment, risk control, and implementation
- Alignment with Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health Act and WSH (Risk Management) Regulations
- Integration of SGSecure elements, including preparedness for potential security and terror threats
Most tenders require companies to have bizSAFE Level 3, which shows they have a proper risk management system that has been audited. Higher levels, like Level 4 and STAR, show even stronger safety practices and match international standards such as ISO 45001.
Why bizSAFE Level 3 Is the Most Common Requirement
bizSAFE Level 3 is seen as the basic certification needed to work with government agencies, main contractors, and large companies in Singapore. At this level, companies must show they have a proper risk management system and have passed an independent audit by an approved auditor.
At this level, companies must show they have identified workplace hazards, assessed risks, and put control measures in place. Unlike Levels 1 and 2, which focus on commitment and training, Level 3 gives third-party proof that safety practices are working.
For SMEs, getting bizSAFE Level 3 helps balance compliance, credibility, and cost. It allows them to apply for more tenders and lowers the chances of accidents, enforcement actions, and project delays.
Step-by-Step bizSAFE Certification Process
- Top Management Commitment (Level 1): The company CEO or Board Director attends the Top Executive WSH Programme and develops a WSH policy.
- Risk Management Capability (Level 2): A trained Risk Management (RM) Champion is appointed to facilitate risk assessments and implementation planning.
- Risk Management Implementation (Level 3): Hazards are identified, risks assessed, and control measures implemented across all work activities, including transport and vehicle-related risks.
- RM Implementation Audit: A MOM-registered Auditing Organisation conducts an independent audit based on the bizSAFE Level 3 checklist.
- Certification Issuance: bizSAFE Level 3 certification is issued upon successful audit.
- Higher Levels (4 and STAR): Companies implement a full Workplace Safety and Health Management System and may align with ISO 45001 or SS651.
Documents Required for bizSAFE Application
Commonly required documents include:
- ACRA business profile
- Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) policy statement
- Risk assessments and control measures
- Risk Management Champion training certificates
- RM Implementation Audit report (for Level 3 and above)
- Organisational chart and process descriptions
- Workplace inspection records and incident reports
- Evidence of implemented controls (e.g. speed limiters for lorries, where applicable)
Proper documentation is essential, as incomplete or inconsistent records may result in audit failure or application delays.
Understanding bizSAFE Certification Validity
- bizSAFE Levels 1 and 2: Valid for 6 months and non-renewable
- bizSAFE Level 3 and Level 4: Typically valid for 3 years
- bizSAFE STAR: Validity tied to ISO 45001 or SS651 certification
Companies must submit renewal applications at least two months before their certification expires. If there are major changes to operations, staff, or risk levels, a reassessment may be needed to keep the certification.
Artan Consulting’s Role in Supporting Your bizSAFE Journey
Artan Consulting supports companies throughout the entire bizSAFE lifecycle, from initial assessment to certification and renewal. Our services include:
- bizSAFE gap analysis and readiness assessment
- Risk assessment facilitation and documentation
- Alignment with MOM and WSHC requirements
- Preparation for RM implementation audits
- Coordination with MOM-registered Auditing Organisations
- End-to-end project management
We make sure you get your bizSAFE certification efficiently and with minimal disruption to your operations. We also help you prepare for upcoming regulatory changes, such as speed limiter checks.
Final Words
bizSAFE Singapore helps organisations create safer workplaces, meet regulations, and build a stronger reputation. Besides meeting tender requirements, bizSAFE helps businesses lower incidents, protect staff, and build long-term resilience.
As audit requirements change and enforcement increases, it’s important to prepare early. If you want to get bizSAFE certified, renew your status, or move up a level, Artan Consulting can guide you through the process.