Written by
Bryan Sim, Business Development at AnjouHealth
An OHS programme developer at AnjouHealth focused on designing workplace health and safety initiatives that help organisations create safer, healthier, and more engaged environments. He works on translating ergonomic assessments and workplace risk insights into practical initiatives such as safety campaigns, wellbeing programmes, and workplace interventions that are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with operational needs.
Overview
Every bizSAFE journey begins at the top. Before your company can appoint a Risk Management Champion, develop a Risk Management Plan, or qualify for government tenders, your CEO or top management must first attend a structured half-day workshop and demonstrate a genuine commitment to workplace safety and health.
This is BizSAFE Level 1, and it is both the simplest and most important step in the entire programme. Simple because it requires just one person to attend a 3-hour workshop. Important because without it, none of the other levels are possible.
This guide by AnjouHealth explains exactly what the Level 1 workshop involves, who needs to attend, what it costs, and what your company should do immediately after completing it.
In This Guide
- What is BizSAFE Level 1, and what does it recognise
- Who must attend, and who cannot send a delegate
- What the Top Executive WSH Programme covers
- Online versus classroom, what are your options
- How to apply for BizSAFE Level 1 recognition
- How long does it take and how much does it cost
- What happens after Level 1, next steps
- Important things to know about validity and top management changes
- Frequently asked questions
What is BizSAFE Level 1 and What Does It Recognise?
bizSAFE Level 1 is the entry point of Singapore’s national workplace safety and health certification programme, managed by the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC) under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). It recognises that a company’s top management has taken a formal first step in understanding their legal obligations under the Workplace Safety and Health Act and has committed to building a safer workplace.
At this level, the focus is entirely on leadership. The WSHC’s position is clear: workplace safety cannot be driven from the bottom up. It requires visible, informed commitment from the people at the top of the organisation. Level 1 is how that commitment is formally demonstrated.
Upon completion, the company may apply for BizSAFE Level 1 recognition. This unlocks the ability to progress to Level 2 and sets the entire certification journey in motion.
Who Must Attend, and Who Cannot Send a Delegate
This is one of the most important things to understand about Level 1: the CEO or top management must attend personally. Delegates, HR managers, safety officers, and administrative staff cannot attend on behalf of the top executive.
The WSHC defines eligible attendees as the top three tiers of the organisation’s hierarchy, which typically include:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Managing Director (MD)
- Director
- General Manager (GM)
- Business Owner
Section 48(1) of the Workplace Safety and Health Act holds top management responsible and requires them to prove they have exercised due diligence to prevent workplace accidents, including demonstrating leadership and commitment to risk management. The Level 1 workshop is how that due diligence begins.
If your company’s top management changes after Level 1 is completed, the newly appointed leader must attend the workshop as soon as possible to maintain the company’s BizSAFE status.
What the Top Executive WSH Programme Covers
The Level 1 workshop, known as the Top Executive WSH Programme (TEWP), runs for approximately 3 hours and covers the following areas:
- Legal Framework and Obligations
An overview of the Workplace Safety and Health Act and its subsidiary legislation, including what the law expects from company directors and top management in terms of WSH duty of care. This includes the Code of Practice on Chief Executives and Board of Directors’ WSH Duties, launched in September 2022.
- Management Responsibilities
What top management is specifically required to do, and what they can be held liable for, in the event of a workplace accident. This covers the concept of due diligence and the reasonably practicable measures a company must take to protect employees, visitors, and contractors.
- The Business Case for Safety
How investing in workplace safety reduces costs, improves productivity, lowers insurance premiums, and strengthens the company’s reputation with clients and partners.
- The bizSAFE Framework
An overview of all five bizSAFE levels, from Level 1 through Star, and how the programme is structured to progressively build the company’s WSH capabilities.
- WSH Policy Development
Participants are guided through the process of preparing their own company Workplace Safety and Health policy statement, a key document required at subsequent bizSAFE levels and for the Level 3 audit.
- SGSecure Considerations
An introduction to Singapore’s SGSecure initiative, covering workplace security threats and how companies can incorporate security risk considerations into their broader safety framework.
Online Versus Classroom: What Are Your Options?
The TEWP is available in two formats:
| Format | Duration | Availability |
| E-learning (online) | ~3 hours | Available anytime via WSHC e-learning portal |
| Classroom workshop | ~3–4 hours | Scheduled sessions by approved training providers |
The online option via the WSHC e-learning portal is the most convenient for busy CEOs, it can be completed at any time without the need to schedule a physical class. Both formats are equally valid for the purpose of BizSAFE Level 1 recognition.Upon successful completion, the top executive receives a Certificate of Attendance, which is submitted as supporting documentation for the Level 1 application.
How to Apply for bizSAFE Level 1 Recognition
Once the Certificate of Attendance is obtained, the company submits an online application via the bizSAFE Enterprise Application portal on the WSHC website. The process is straightforward:
- Complete the TEWP and obtain the Certificate of Attendance
- Log in to the bizSAFE Enterprise Application portal
- Submit the application with the Certificate of Attendance as supporting documentation
- Await approval, processing takes approximately 10 working days
Upon approval, the bizSAFE Level 1 e-certificate is emailed to the company’s senior management representative
How Long Does bizSAFE Level 1 Take?
From start to certification, Level 1 is the fastest step in the bizSAFE journey:
| Stage | Time Required |
| TEWP (online or classroom) | 3–4 hours |
| Application preparation | 1–2 hours |
| WSHC processing | ~10 working days |
| Total | Approximately 2 weeks |
How Much Does BizSAFE Level 1 Cost?
| Item | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
| TEWP — Online (WSHC e-learning) | ~$50 |
| TEWP — Classroom (approved providers) | $80 – $150 |
| WSHC application fee | Free |
| Total | Free – ~$150 |
Level 1 is by far the most affordable step in the bizSAFE programme. The WSHC e-learning option is free for most users, making it the most cost-effective starting point for companies beginning their bizSAFE journey.
What Happens After Level 1: Your Next Steps
Level 1 is valid for 6 months from the date of approval and is non-renewable. This means the clock starts ticking the moment your certificate is issued. Companies must progress to Level 2 within this window. If Level 1 expires before you reach Level 2, your top management will need to redo the TEWP.
The most important thing to do immediately after receiving your Level 1 certificate is to:
- Step 1: Appoint your Risk Management Champion
Identify the right person within your organisation to take on the RM Champion role. This should be someone with enough operational authority to lead safety implementation across the business.
- Step 2: Enrol them in the Level 2 course immediately
Check available course dates and enrol your RM Champion as soon as possible. The Level 2 course runs over 2 days and is offered on weekdays, weeknights, and weekends by approved training organisations.
- Step 3: Begin developing your WSH policy
The WSH policy statement initiated during the Level 1 workshop should be formalised and communicated to all employees. This becomes a required document for the Level 3 audit.
- Step 4: Plan your full Level 3 timeline
Do not treat Level 1 as a standalone milestone. Map out the full journey to Level 3 from day one, including Level 2 enrolment, Risk Management Plan development, audit scheduling, and WSHC application to ensure everything is completed before the 6-month window closes.
Important: What Happens If Top Management Changes
If the CEO or top management who attended the Level 1 workshop leaves the company or changes roles, the newly appointed top management must attend the TEWP as soon as possible. This is not optional, it is required to maintain the company’s BizSAFE status.
Companies that undergo leadership changes during the bizSAFE certification journey should flag this to their WSH consultant or the WSHC immediately to understand the impact on their certification timeline.
Looking to Strengthen Your Workplace Safety Culture Beyond bizSAFE?
The CEO’s commitment at Level 1 sets the tone for everything that follows. At AnjouHealth, we are a trusted workplace health and safety partner in Singapore, with over 1,200 professionals trained and a client satisfaction rate exceeding 95%. We help businesses translate leadership commitment into a lasting workplace safety culture through evidence-based programmes that engage employees at every level.
- Workplace Safety Campaigns
Interactive, hands-on campaigns that bring your CEO’s WSH commitment to life across the entire organisation
- Workplace Ergonomics Risk Assessment (WERA)
Identify ergonomic hazards that feed directly into your Risk Management Implementation Plan at Level 2
- Occupational Health Programmes
On-site health screenings, hearing tests, and wellness initiatives that demonstrate genuine care for employee well-being
- Customised WSH Solutions
Tailored programmes built around your industry, workforce size, and specific risk profile
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can my HR manager or safety officer attend the Level 1 workshop on behalf of the CEO?
No. The TEWP must be attended personally by the CEO, MD, Director, GM, or an equivalent member of the top three tiers of the organisation’s hierarchy. No delegates are permitted.
- Is the online TEWP accepted for BizSAFE Level 1 recognition?
Yes. The WSHC e-learning version of the TEWP is fully accepted for Level 1 recognition and is equivalent to the classroom format.
- Can I apply for Level 3 directly without going through Levels 1 and 2?
You may apply for a higher level directly if you meet all its requirements. However, in practice, most companies progress through the levels sequentially as Levels 1 and 2 build the foundation, the CEO’s commitment, and the Risk Management Plan that Level 3 audits against.
- What if my CEO attended the TEWP at a previous company?
The Certificate of Attendance is tied to the individual, not the company. If your CEO previously attended the TEWP at another organisation, that certificate can be used to apply for Level 1 recognition at your current company, provided they are currently serving in top management.
- Does BizSAFE Level 1 qualify my company for government tenders?
No. Level 1 alone does not qualify your company for most government tenders. The minimum required for tender eligibility is typically BizSAFE Level 3. Level 1 is the starting point that leads to Level 3.
- What happens if my Level 1 certificate expires before I complete Level 2?
Your company’s Level 1 recognition lapses and cannot be renewed. Top management must redo the TEWP and reapply for Level 1 recognition before proceeding to Level 2. This is why it is critical to enrol your RM Champion in the Level 2 course immediately after Level 1 is approved.
Read Next
This post is part of AnjouHealth’s complete guide to bizSAFE in Singapore. Continue reading:
- bizSAFE Singapore: The Complete Guide, All Levels Explained
- bizSAFE Level 3 Singapore: Requirements & Certification Guide
This guide is produced by AnjouHealth, Singapore’s trusted partner for workplace health, safety, and EHS solutions. Last updated: April 2026.