With over 11 years in the safety industry, Claris Chan began her journey transitioning from a “laboratory rat” to a dedicated safety practitioner, leveraging her early experience with high-risk chemical handling, developing foundational skills that support wide range of safety initiatives. This shaped her approach to workplace safety—practical and people-focused. Beyond her day job, she is passionate about making a difference. She actively volunteers, giving back to the community, promoting stronger safety cultures in workplaces and beyond. It’s been a fulfilling journey, she remains committed to continuously improving safety standards, driving positive change, fostering a culture of safety everywhere she go.

In 2024, Claris Chan proudly contributed to maintaining zero lost-time incidents and zero reportable incidents across the APAC region, surpassing 2 million safe man-hours and continuing their track record of zero lost-time injuries since 2017. A strong emphasis was placed on safety training, achieving 100% completion of all assigned modules to ensure fellow colleagues remain well-informed and competent. She also supported the successful renewal of their ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications, reinforcing their commitment to Environmental, Health, and Safety standards. To drive proactive safety engagement, she introduced appreciation initiatives that significantly boosted reporting behaviours—recognising employees for the ‘Best Near Miss Entry’ and the ‘Highest Number of Near Miss Entries’ by department. Similarly, we saw increased participation in Behavioural-Based Safety (BBS) reporting, with awards for ‘Most Impactful BBS Entry’ and ‘Highest Number of BBS Entries’ motivating a culture of shared accountability. These efforts collectively strengthened their safety performance and deepened ownership at all levels of the organisation.

In 2024, Claris Chan implemented and enhanced several Workplace Safety and Health initiatives across the APAC region, including the Singapore Manufacturing Plant. A key focus was on controlling hazardous conditions and unsafe behaviours through robust safety management practices, including Permit to Work audits and consistent monitoring of Health, Safety, and Environment metrics. She updated the PPE Programme to define minimum requirements for all manufacturing and sales operations, ensuring alignment across regions. To strengthen site organisation, she drove 6S housekeeping excellence across warehouses, laboratories, offices, and customer sites, supported by rotating inspection teams and digital tools to reduce paper use. The WSH Committee structure was also improved for better governance and engagement. Fire safety was enhanced with the installation of visual alarms, beam and smoke detectors, and anti-static clamps in the manufacturing areas. She also led the successful rollout of a Safety Week event covering Ergonomics, Risk Assessments, Mental Well-being, and other topics promoting cross-functional learning, feedback sharing, and employee interaction. These initiatives have collectively reinforced a proactive, systems-based approach to safety across our operations.

Claris Chan ability to influence stems from proactive communication, collaboration, and community engagement. Internally, she supports external contractors by providing clear guidance on Risk Assessments and Method Statements, ensuring alignment with our safety standards and fostering a shared culture of accountability. I’ve also collaborated with neighbouring companies in Tuas to explore joint emergency fire drills, promoting mutual preparedness, and strengthening external networks. Externally, she extended her reach through voluntary safety talks and workshops for the Singapore community, covering topics such as Safety at Home and Dengue Fever Prevention. These initiatives not only raise awareness but also build trust and credibility, positioning her as a resource beyond the workplace. Through clear, consistent messaging and by creating safe spaces for dialogue, she has influenced both internal and external stakeholders to take greater ownership of safety practices, contributing to the successful implementation of various WSH initiatives. Her approach focuses on partnership and empowerment—making safety everyone’s responsibility.

Claris Chan has gone above and beyond in enhancing safety and health performance by leading key initiatives that strengthened both preparedness and everyday safety culture. She led their CERT team in regular emergency exercises, mock drills, fire suit donning, IPP practices, and successfully proposed additional fire protection measures like visual alarms and beam detectors—contributing to their Fire Safety Excellence Award in 2022. She introduced the BBS programme, with categories even for those working remotely, cultivating a “safe pair of eyes” everywhere. High-quality submissions were recognised, resulting in over 100% participation by colleagues every month. She empowered Manufacturing and Facilities teams by training them to conduct safety inductions for contractors, fostering shared responsibility. Simplifying the Permit to Work system and enabling virtual tracking had increased compliance and efficiency. She also launched Goggles Cleaning & Anti-Fogging Stations for hygiene and comfort. During the pandemic, she initiated virtual drills to maintain emergency readiness and served as Safe Management Officer, implementing staggered work plans, PPE inventory controls, and leading after-hours disinfections. Extending impact beyond the workplace, she led safety outreach talks to the community. These efforts have improved safety awareness, engagement, and performance across the organisation and beyond.

A safety influencer is someone who consistently leads by example, remains approachable and humble, and cultivates a “PPT” mindset—Personal Protective Thinking—where safety is always front of mind. Claris Chan believes influence comes not just from authority, but from building trust, listening actively, and showing genuine care for people’s well-being. In her daily work, she engages with employees at all levels regularly, whether it's through Gemba Walks, informal conversations, or safety briefings. She ensures that feedback is heard, ideas are recognised, and concerns are addressed without judgment. She stays grounded by continuously learning from others and adapting to changing needs. Her efforts—ranging from leading drills and creating practical safety tools to organising community outreach and supporting contractor engagement—reflect her belief that safety is a shared journey. She also mentors her juniors and assistants, empowering them with the skills and confidence to take ownership of safety and lead by example. Through small, consistent actions and a mindset of service, she strives to influence not just compliance, but a deeper safety culture which the values come from within. These qualities, she believe, represent what it means to be a WSHAsia Safety Influencer.