Potential conflicts of interest - WSH professionals

WSH Professionals warned to stay clear of activities with potential conflicts of interest

Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Professionals, including WSH Officers and WSH Auditors, are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards in their professional practices and should stay clear of any activities with potential conflicts of interest.   For example, a conflict of interest would arise if a WSH Officer, tasked by the Occupier to review and approve risk assessments submitted by the Occupier’s subcontractors, was also engaged in a commercial arrangement with the same subcontractors under his charge to conduct a risk assessment on their behalf. This situation creates at least two potential conflicts of interest: (i) the WSH Officer will be reviewing and approving his own risk assessment conducted on behalf of the subcontractor; and (ii) he is in a position of authority to influence the subcontractor to engage his consultancy services.   The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) investigated one such case recently and took enforcement actions against the WSH Officers involved. The Ministry takes a serious view on WSH Professionals who do not conduct their work with due regard for the professionalism of their practice. The Ministry will not hesitate to take actions against WSH Professionals who are found guilty of any misconduct. Penalties include revocation, blacklisting, suspension, and/or prosecution of the WSH Professionals.   Other situations with potential conflicts of interest include: • The WSH Professional tasked to oversee/appoint a WSH service provider concurrently has commercial arrangements with the service provider. • The WSH Auditor or his close relation has a management role or holds an equity interest at the company where he is conducting a WSH audit. • The WSH Auditor himself, or the WSH Auditing Organisation from which he is employed, is involved in the establishment/implementation of the safety and health management system of the company where he is conducting a WSH audit. • The WSH Auditor himself, or the WSH Auditing Organisation from which he is employed, provides any WSH Officer or Coordinator to the company where he is conducting a WSH audit.