Top Executive Workplace Safety and Health Programme (TEWP) Singapore: What You Need to Know

What Is the Top Executive Workplace Safety and Health Programme (TEWP)?

The Top Executive Workplace Safety and Health Programme, commonly known as TEWP, is a mandatory half-day course designed for company directors, CEOs, managing directors, and other top executives in Singapore. The programme was developed by the Workplace Safety and Health Council to ensure that senior leaders understand their legal responsibilities and play an active role in creating a safe workplace.

TEWP is the foundational step in the bizSAFE programme. Specifically, completing TEWP is the requirement for achieving bizSAFE Level 1 certification. Without a top executive completing this programme, your company cannot progress through the remaining bizSAFE levels.

The programme is not a technical safety course. It is a strategic overview designed to help executives appreciate why workplace safety and health matters, what the law requires of them, and how to champion a safety culture within their organisation. This is especially important in high-risk sectors like construction, where a thorough construction safety audit checklist is essential.

Who Needs to Attend the TEWP Course?

The TEWP course is specifically designed for the most senior person in the company who has the authority to make decisions about workplace safety and health. This typically includes:

• Company directors and managing directors — the person whose name appears on the ACRA business registration
• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) — the top decision-maker in the organisation
• General managers — in cases where they have been delegated full authority over WSH matters
• Business owners — for sole proprietorships and partnerships

It is important to note that the attendee must be the actual top executive, not a safety officer or middle manager sent as a proxy. The Workplace Safety and Health Council requires that the person who attends TEWP has genuine decision-making authority over the company’s safety policies and budget.

Do All Companies Need TEWP?

TEWP is mandatory for any company that wants to enter the bizSAFE programme. In practical terms, this includes most companies that:

• Bid for government contracts or work with government agencies
• Work as subcontractors for main contractors who require bizSAFE certification
• Operate in higher-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, marine, and logistics
• Want to demonstrate a commitment to workplace safety to clients and partners

Even if your company is not legally required to obtain bizSAFE certification, TEWP is highly recommended for any business owner who employs workers in Singapore. The knowledge gained is practical and immediately applicable.

What Does the TEWP Course Cover?

The TEWP course is structured as a half-day programme (approximately 3 to 4 hours) and covers the following key topics:

1. Legal Framework for Workplace Safety in Singapore

Participants learn about the Workplace Safety and Health Act and its subsidiary legislation. The course explains the legal duties of employers, principals, and occupiers, and the penalties for non-compliance. This includes understanding how the Ministry of Manpower enforces workplace safety regulations and the consequences of workplace accidents.

2. The Role of Top Management in WSH

The course emphasises that workplace safety is not just the responsibility of safety officers. Top executives set the tone for safety culture through their decisions, resource allocation, and visible commitment. Participants learn how to demonstrate leadership in safety and why top-down commitment is essential for an effective WSH management system.

3. Understanding the bizSAFE Framework

TEWP provides an overview of the entire bizSAFE programme, from Level 1 through to bizSAFE Star. Participants understand what each level requires, the timeline for progression, and the benefits of achieving higher levels. This helps executives plan their company’s bizSAFE journey strategically.

4. Risk Management Fundamentals

While TEWP is not a technical risk assessment course, it introduces the concept of risk management at a strategic level. Executives learn why risk assessments are important, how to allocate resources for risk management, and how to evaluate whether their company’s risk controls are adequate.

5. Case Studies and Real-World Examples

The course includes case studies of workplace incidents in Singapore, illustrating the consequences of poor safety management and the benefits of strong safety leadership. These real-world examples help executives connect the theoretical concepts to practical business outcomes.

6. Developing a WSH Policy

Participants are guided through the process of developing a company WSH policy statement. This policy is a required deliverable for bizSAFE Level 1 and must be signed by the top executive, demonstrating their personal commitment to workplace safety.

How TEWP Connects to bizSAFE Level 1

Completing the TEWP course is the sole requirement for achieving bizSAFE Level 1. Here is how the process works:

1. Register for TEWP: The top executive registers for a TEWP session conducted by an approved training provider.
2. Attend the course: The executive completes the half-day programme in person or online (depending on the provider).
3. Sign the WSH Policy: After completing TEWP, the executive signs the company’s WSH policy statement.
4. Register on bizSAFE portal: The company registers on the Workplace Safety and Health Council’s bizSAFE portal and submits the signed WSH policy.
5. Receive bizSAFE Level 1: Once the submission is approved, the company is certified at bizSAFE Level 1.

bizSAFE Level 1 is valid for three years. After that, the top executive must attend a TEWP refresher to maintain the certification.

Where to Register for TEWP in Singapore

TEWP courses are conducted by training providers approved by the Workplace Safety and Health Council. Sessions are available throughout the year, both in-person and online. The course fee typically ranges from SGD 60 to SGD 120, depending on the provider.

You can find a list of approved TEWP providers on the Workplace Safety and Health Council website. When selecting a provider, consider:

• Schedule flexibility: Choose a session that fits the top executive’s calendar. Most sessions are conducted on weekday mornings.
• Format: Some providers offer online TEWP sessions, which can be more convenient for busy executives.
• Language: Sessions are typically conducted in English. Some providers may offer sessions in Mandarin or other languages.

Frequently Asked Questions About TEWP

Can I send someone else to attend TEWP on my behalf?

No. The Workplace Safety and Health Council requires that the actual top executive attends TEWP. Sending a proxy will not fulfil the bizSAFE Level 1 requirement. The person who attends must have genuine decision-making authority over the company’s safety policies.

How long is the TEWP certificate valid?

The TEWP certificate is valid for three years. After that, the top executive must attend a TEWP refresher course to renew the company’s bizSAFE Level 1 status.

Is TEWP available online?

Yes. Since 2020, several approved training providers have offered online TEWP sessions via video conferencing platforms. Check with individual providers for availability.

What happens after I complete TEWP?

After completing TEWP, your company can register for bizSAFE Level 1. From there, you can progress to bizSAFE Level 2 (which requires a Risk Management Champion to attend the bizSAFE Level 2 course) and subsequently to bizSAFE Level 3, Level 4, and ultimately bizSAFE Star.

Do I need a consultant to help with TEWP?

The TEWP course itself does not require a consultant. However, many companies engage a safety consultant to help with the broader bizSAFE journey — particularly for bizSAFE Level 3, which requires a formal risk assessment and risk management implementation plan.

Beyond TEWP: Planning Your bizSAFE Journey

TEWP is just the starting point. Here is a quick overview of what comes next in the bizSAFE programme:

• bizSAFE Level 2: Appoint a Risk Management Champion who attends the bizSAFE Level 2 course (2-day workshop on risk management).
• bizSAFE Level 3: Implement a Risk Management plan with proper risk assessments, validated by an approved WSH auditor.
• bizSAFE Level 4: Develop and implement a WSH Management System aligned with SS 506.
• bizSAFE Star: Achieve independent certification of your WSH Management System by an SAC-accredited auditing body.

The entire journey from TEWP to bizSAFE Star typically takes 12 to 24 months, depending on the size and complexity of your organisation.

How Sage Shield Supports Your bizSAFE Journey

At Sage Shield Safety Consultants, we help Singapore companies navigate the entire bizSAFE process efficiently. While TEWP is straightforward, the subsequent levels require careful planning and expert guidance. Our services include:

• Advising on the optimal TEWP provider and registration process
• Developing your company WSH policy statement
• Conducting risk assessments for bizSAFE Level 3
• Building your WSH Management System for Level 4 and Star
• Preparing you for external audits

We work with companies of all sizes, from SMEs with 5 employees to large enterprises with hundreds of workers across multiple sites.

Get Started with TEWP and bizSAFE Today

Taking the first step towards bizSAFE certification starts with TEWP. If you have questions about the programme, need guidance on choosing a provider, or want to plan your entire bizSAFE journey from Level 1 to Star, we are here to help.

Contact Sage Shield Safety Consultants:

• Phone: +65 8332 8220
• WhatsApp: https://wa.me/6593859592?text=Hi%20Sage%20Shield%2C%20I%20need%20help%20with%20certification.
• Email: info@sageshield.com

Let Sage Shield guide you through every step of your workplace safety certification journey.

Related: bizSAFE Level 1 Certification Singapore: Complete Guide (2026)