Fewer break rules on ferrying workers
by Sumita Sreedharan
TODAY, Jan 19, 2012
Photo caption: Workers on the back of a pick-up truck. TODAY FILE PHOTO
SINGAPORE - Fewer offenders were caught not complying with safety rules for ferrying workers on lorries from February to September last year, with the number dropping 49 per cent to 1,329 after stiffer penalties kicked in in February last year.
Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo said this in Parliament yesterday in response to queries by Chua Chu Kang GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Alex Yam.
Mrs Teo also said the number of accidents in the eight months before and after enhanced penalties took effect also fell.
The number of fatalities fell from five to zero and the number of injuries dropped to 83 cases from 199 cases.
The Land Transport Authority had implemented a set of rules to enhance the safety of workers being transported in the rear of lorries and pick-up trucks, following accidents involving workers being ferried in such a manner.
MPs also expressed concern that these lorries were being used to send workers from their lodgings to transport hubs instead of their workplaces. Mr Yam asked if this matter was covered under the rules and if there were penalties for it.
Mrs Teo replied that there are "currently no restrictions against transportation of such nature".
On whether it adds to the strain on public transport, Mrs Teo said: "We do not encourage employers to overextend the use of the public transport for their workers travelling between workplaces."
Nee Soon GRC MP Lee Bee Wah echoed Mr Yam's queries, saying she has received feedback from her residents on the matter. She asked if contractors were allowed to let their workers use public transport "when it is already so packed".
Mrs Teo said public transport is meant for public use, but the Government "would be willing to take a look at this problem and where necessary work with the employers to reduce such incidents".
TODAY, Jan 19, 2012
SINGAPORE - Fewer offenders were caught not complying with safety rules for ferrying workers on lorries from February to September last year, with the number dropping 49 per cent to 1,329 after stiffer penalties kicked in in February last year.
Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo said this in Parliament yesterday in response to queries by Chua Chu Kang GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Alex Yam.
Mrs Teo also said the number of accidents in the eight months before and after enhanced penalties took effect also fell.
The number of fatalities fell from five to zero and the number of injuries dropped to 83 cases from 199 cases.
The Land Transport Authority had implemented a set of rules to enhance the safety of workers being transported in the rear of lorries and pick-up trucks, following accidents involving workers being ferried in such a manner.
MPs also expressed concern that these lorries were being used to send workers from their lodgings to transport hubs instead of their workplaces. Mr Yam asked if this matter was covered under the rules and if there were penalties for it.
Mrs Teo replied that there are "currently no restrictions against transportation of such nature".
On whether it adds to the strain on public transport, Mrs Teo said: "We do not encourage employers to overextend the use of the public transport for their workers travelling between workplaces."
Nee Soon GRC MP Lee Bee Wah echoed Mr Yam's queries, saying she has received feedback from her residents on the matter. She asked if contractors were allowed to let their workers use public transport "when it is already so packed".
Mrs Teo said public transport is meant for public use, but the Government "would be willing to take a look at this problem and where necessary work with the employers to reduce such incidents".
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