Tighter measures for companies who transport workers in lorries
SINGAPORE: Companies who ferry their workers around in trucks will soon come under scrutiny.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is putting in place more stringent control measures to ensure the safety of such workers.
From next month, workers are not allowed to be seated at a height of more than 1.1 metres from the carriage deck. Currently, workers are not allowed to be seated higher than 3.2 metres from the surface upon which the vehicle rests.
And from 1 January 2010, new lorries must be fitted with canopies and higher side railings if they carry passengers on the deck. This will be a requirement for all existing lorries in three years time.
In addition, more space will be required per seated worker - as the minimum deck space required per seated worker will be doubled to eight square feet.
Halimah Yacob, GPC Chair, Manpower, said: "Why does it take three years in order to introduce these measures. Can't it be much a shorter period because we're talking about the lives and limbs of people who come and work in our country?"
Teo Ser Luck, senior parliamentary secretary, Transport & Community Development, Youth and Sports, said: "It takes a little bit longer for the workgroup to come up with the recommendations, and it's because it's a very complex issue because you have to address not only the safety concerns but also the concerns of the business sector as well, and other stakeholders.
The installation of the new safety features will cost about S$1,000- S$3,000. But industry players said it is a small price to pay for the convenience of a lorry.
Simon Lee, executive director, Singapore Contractors Association, said: "When we carry goods, we need workers to work on the goods even unloading, loading and installation. So a lorry followed by a bus or followed by a van to transport these few more workers may not be so practical."
Those who fail to comply with the new measures could face a fine, demerit points or even prosecution in court.
- CNA/vm