capability, compliance assistance rather than enforcement
became a more effective approach. However, it called for a
more calibrated approach in the interventions.
Programme-based engagement (ProBE)
The Programme-Based Engagement (ProBE) Initiative
was conceptualized to meet the challenges. In its
simplest form, ProBE is an engagement-centric
programme developed to raise standards in priority
areas identified as high risk. Launched in 2006, ProBE
features a combination of approaches, from enforcement
to awareness and competency building in order to help
stakeholders understand what is expected of them.
The key thrust of ProBE
Three primary thrusts form the foundation of ProBE, as
shown in the diagram below. Each thrust is designed to
initiate a conceptual shift in the way the Government
approaches and tackles occupational deaths and serious
injuries in the workplace.
F i g u r e 8 . T h r e e p r ima r y t h r u s t s o f t h e
foundation of ProBE
The ProBE phases
Introductory phase: In this phase, the main causes
of fatal and serious accidents are identified through
careful analysis of accident statistics and data trends.
The analysis forms the basis for the ProBE priority
programmes. The priority programmes may target
accident types, agents of accidents, injury types or a
particular industry.
Industry preparatory phase: The preparation is a
key period of the ProBE initiative. This phase entails
raising awareness of workplace hazards and building
up capabilities to better manage the hazards. A major
launch event takes place to mark the commencement
of the year’s programmes and is typically graced by a
senior political office bearer, such as the Minister of
State. This gives further emphasis to the importance of
the ProBE initiatives. Also, the media is used extensively
to heighten public awareness to ensure that the ProBE
messages reach a wider audience.
Thereafter, a series of engagement activities is initiated
to communicate the underlying reasons for the poor
performance for each individual programme. This is
done through a combination of seminars, media events
and information toolkits. The engagement efforts
provide enterprises with opportunities to improve their
OSH management systems and work processes.
Operations phase: During this phase, the Ministry
of Manpower inspectors launch a series of workplace
inspections to identify non-compliance and assess
inadequacies at the systemic level as well as work with
the respective duty-holders to augment the industry’s
drive to improve standards. The enforcement approach
is calibrated to match the performance level of targeted
workplaces.
Monitoring phase: With the completion of the
engagement and operations phases, the Ministry of
Manpower continues to monitor the targeted sectors to
evaluate the effectiveness of the ProBE programme. An
improvement in the OSH performance of a targeted sector
is indicative of overall effectiveness of the programme.
Closure and communications phase: This marks the
completion of the ProBE cycle, and the Ministry of
Manpower publishes its findings and shares the results
and key lessons learned with enterprises