Occupational / Designated Workplace Doctors (DWD)

What is a Designated Workplace Doctor (DWD)?

A Designated Workplace Doctor (DWD) is a medical practitioner formally appointed by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Their purpose is to oversee the occupational health of workers who are potentially exposed to hazardous environments in the course of their work.

These hazards may include:

• Biological agents or other health-threatening exposures in the workplace
• Ionising radiation
• Loud noises, which can lead to noise-induced hearing loss
• Toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury or benzene

Why was the Designated Workplace Doctor (DWD) system created?

The DWD system was introduced by MOM under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Regulations as part of Singapore’s broader commitment to protecting worker health and safety. It is especially important in high-risk industries such as:

• Construction and shipbuilding
• Laboratories and biomedical fields
• Manufacturing, especially involving solvents, heavy metals or noise
• Petrochemical and oil & gas sectors

The main objectives behind appointing DWDs are:

• Early Detection of Occupational Diseases – some work-related conditions develop gradually and may not present obvious symptoms in the early stages. DWDs are trained to detect subtle signs of occupational diseases through regular, targeted health surveillance.

• Ensuring Ongoing Fitness for Duty – by assessing whether an employee remains medically fit to continue working in a specific environment, DWDs help reduce the risk of accidents, deterioration of health and long-term disability.

• Regulatory Compliance – certain occupations require mandatory periodic health checks under Singapore law. DWDs help both employers and employees meet these legal obligations by providing certified examinations and reporting.

• Workplace Safety and Productivity – maintaining employee health helps prevent absenteeism, reduce work-related injuries and promote a safe, sustainable workforce.

What do Designated Workplace Doctors (DWDs) do?

DWDs serve a vital function in protecting the health and safety of workers in occupations with potential exposure to workplace hazards. Their responsibilities go beyond routine medical assessments as they provide a specialised form of occupational healthcare that ensures legal compliance and promotes long-term well-being.

Generally, their responsibilities are:

What to expect during a Designated Workplace Doctor (DWD) appointment

A DWD appointment is not just about meeting regulations, as they are about safeguarding your long-term well-being. At Phoenix Medical, we focus on offering patient-centric, comprehensive and hassle-free services. 

Here is what you can expect during your appointment with us:

How to Prepare for your Appointment

Preparing well helps ensure a smooth and efficient experience. To ensure this, remember to:

• Bring the necessary documents – please bring your NRIC or work permit, along with any referral or notification letter from your employer or MOM.

• Follow any fasting instructions – if you are scheduled for blood or urine tests, try to avoid heavy meals, caffeine or alcohol for at least 8 hours before the appointment, unless our doctors state otherwise.

• Dress comfortably – you may be asked to change into a gown or remove metal accessories for certain tests like X-rays or hearing checks.

• Know your medications – make a list of any medicines or supplements you are taking and inform the doctor, as accurate medical history helps us provide the best care.

• Follow employer instructions – some jobs require specific screenings or test conditions, such as spirometry or audiometry. If your employer gave special instructions, do follow them.

• Bring along any hearing protection, if any — remember to bring your own hearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as earplugs, earmuffs or other approved hearing protection you’ve been issued.

During your Appointment

At Phoenix Medical, we aim to keep your visit efficient, respectful and stress-free. A typical DWD screening includes:

• Registration and review of documents – we will verify your identity, work history and the type of exposure your job may involve. This helps us determine which tests you need.

• Consultation with the DWD – our DWD will discuss your medical history, any symptoms and your job duties. This is a good time to raise any concerns about your health or working conditions.

• Occupational health tests – based on MOM guidelines and your risk profile, our doctor may conduct blood and urine tests, chest X-ray, audiometry, spirometry and vision screening.

• Medical assessment and fitness determination – our doctor will assess your results to determine if you are fit for duty, if restrictions are needed or if further follow-up is required. All assessments follow MOM’s occupational health regulations.

After your Appointment

Following your visit, you can expect:

• Test results and MOM submission – once your results are ready, typically within a few working days, the DWD will review them and submit the findings to MOM electronically, as required by the law.

• Notification and follow-up – if any abnormalities are found, our team will contact you or your employer for further tests, treatments or recommendations. In some cases, you may be temporarily restricted from certain duties until cleared.
• Copies of results – if you would like a copy of results, feel free to request one during or after your visit.
• Advice on workplace safety – if there are concerns about your current work environment, the DWD may offer advice to your employer on improving conditions or modifying your duties to reduce risk.

What results can I expect?

Once your DWD health assessment is completed, we will ensure your results are handled promptly, confidentially and in line with MOM’s requirements.

Notification of Results

Generally, the next course of action includes:

• If your results are normal and no action is needed, your employer will be notified that you are medically fit to continue your duties.
• If further follow-up is required, your employer will be informed that additional steps must be taken, such as a review or treatment, without disclosing sensitive medical details.

If Any Health Concerns Are Found

If the examination reveals any medical issues or early signs or work-related conditions, we will support you with the next steps:

• Referral to a specialist or further testing – you may be advised to undergo additional tests or see a specialist for further evaluation, depending on the nature of the findings.

• Job medication or redeployment – your DWD may recommend that you avoid certain tasks, take on modified duties or be temporarily redeployed to reduce further exposure risks.

• Medical leave – if your condition affects your ability to work safely, a medical certificate (MC) may be issued to allow for proper recovery or treatment.

• Workplace recommendations – the DWD may also advise your employer on improving workplace safety or making adjustments to minimise health risks for you and your colleagues.

Phoenix Medical’s DWD Certified Doctors @ Novena

Whether you are a worker undergoing mandatory health surveillance or an employer ensuring compliance with MOM regulations, our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.

Here is why countless employers and workers trust us:

• MOM-appointed DWDs with deep expertise in occupational health
• Efficient, same-day appointments with minimal waiting time
• On-site testing facilities for faster results and fewer visits
• Strict confidentiality and respectful, culturally sensitive care
• Seamless electronic submissions to MOM, ensuring full compliance

Contact us at Phoenix Medical Group Novena to schedule an appointment. For any DWD appointment enquiries, please contact our Novena branch directly via email or phone. Certain tests, such as audiometry, will need to be pre-arranged for you.

Frequently Asked Questions