Demerit Point System (DPS)
Demerit Point System (DPS)
What is the Demerit Point System (DPS) in Singapore’s workplace safety context?
The Demerit Point System (DPS) is a regulatory framework introduced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Singapore to enhance Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) standards. It is used to track and penalize companies in high-risk sectors, like construction and manufacturing, when they commit serious safety violations.
When a company is found guilty of serious Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) offences, like, unsafe machine guarding, unsafe scaffolding, failure to provide fall protection and the like; it gets demerit points.
Each offence carries a specific number of points, and repeated offences or multiple violations can lead to higher total points. Accumulating too many points within a specified period can lead to enforcement actions such as being barred from hiring new foreign workers.
The aim of Demerit Point System (DPS) is to encourage companies take greater responsibility for creating safer workplaces.
What happens if a company accumulates too many demerit points?
If a company accumulates a threshold number (minimum 25) of demerit points within 18 months, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) may take enforcement action, such as:
● Suspending or revoking licenses or permits.
● Debarring the company from hiring new foreign workers.
● Requiring mandatory safety audits or reviews.
These consequences are meant to push companies to prioritize safety proactively.
Is the Demerit Point System (DPS) different for the construction and manufacturing sectors?
Although the core concept of the Demerit Point System (DPS) is similar across sectors, each sector has its own list of targeted WSH offences. For example, in construction, common offences include unsafe work at height, poor scaffolding, or lack of fall protection. While, in manufacturing, violations often relate to unsafe use of machinery, hazardous chemicals, or confined spaces. The type and severity of demerit points depend on risk profiles that are specific to different sectors.
How can AI Video Analytics help companies reduce demerit points under Singapore’s Demerit Point System (DPS) framework?
AI Video Analytics can play a crucial role in helping companies proactively monitor and detect unsafe acts or conditions in real-time, such as workers not wearing (proper) PPE, unsafe machine operations, or unauthorized access to restricted areas. By identifying risks early, companies can take corrective action before accidents or violations occur.
This proactive approach helps prevent safety lapses that might otherwise result in serious WSH offences, thereby reducing the likelihood of demerit points being issued under Demerit Point System (DPS) by MOM. In essence, AI Video Analytics acts as a digital safety net, supporting compliance and enhancing workplace safety culture.
How is the Demerit Point System (DPS) different from other WSH enforcement measures?
While general WSH enforcement may involve fines or stop-work orders, the Demerit Point System (DPS) is a cumulative penalty system. It tracks repeated or multiple safety breaches over time and imposes labour-related consequences, such as barring companies from hiring foreign workers, which can significantly impact operations.
Article by
Barnali Sharma
Content Writer
Barnali Sharma is a dedicated content contributor for viAct. A university gold medalist with an MBA in Marketing, she crafts compelling narratives, enhances brand engagement, and develops data-driven marketing campaigns. When she’s not busy working her content alchemy, Barnali can be found commanding stages with her public speaking or turning data into stories that actually make sense -because who said analytics can’t have a little creativity?