Don't just look at cost
The following letter was published in TODAY on 26 June 2010.
Don't just look at cost
Letter from Heng Chee How Executive Secretary, Building, Construction and Timber
Industries Employees’ Union (Batu)
TODAY
Jun 26, 2010
The Building, Construction and Timber Industries Employees' Union is troubled and dismayed by the injury and deaths of workers from accidents involving open-top vehicles, year after year. Workers have a right to safe workplaces, decent and hygienic housing, and safe modes of transport.
Costs and profitability should not be reasons for taking the safety of workers less seriously than they should be. It is easy to blame workers and drivers for the accidents, and in some cases, they may be at fault. Yet, whether it is the choice of vehicle or driver, or deciding the number of passengers these vehicles carry, employers have the responsibility to ensure that their company arrangements comply with safety standards.
We urge the authorities to make clear these standards once again, and implement and enforce them rigorously without further delay. The latest string of such mishaps compels all to act with a sense of urgency.
Don't just look at cost
Letter from Heng Chee How Executive Secretary, Building, Construction and Timber
Industries Employees’ Union (Batu)
TODAY
Jun 26, 2010
The Building, Construction and Timber Industries Employees' Union is troubled and dismayed by the injury and deaths of workers from accidents involving open-top vehicles, year after year. Workers have a right to safe workplaces, decent and hygienic housing, and safe modes of transport.
Costs and profitability should not be reasons for taking the safety of workers less seriously than they should be. It is easy to blame workers and drivers for the accidents, and in some cases, they may be at fault. Yet, whether it is the choice of vehicle or driver, or deciding the number of passengers these vehicles carry, employers have the responsibility to ensure that their company arrangements comply with safety standards.
We urge the authorities to make clear these standards once again, and implement and enforce them rigorously without further delay. The latest string of such mishaps compels all to act with a sense of urgency.
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