http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/376243/1/.html
Recommendations on safety of workers on lorry transport ready by year-end
By Channel NewsAsia | Posted:
16 September 2008 1247 hrs
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Raymond Lim</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD class=update> </TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
SINGAPORE: Recommendations on enhancing the safety of workers transported on lorries could be implemented before the end of the year.
Transport Minister Raymond Lim said that a
Work Group has been set up to look into the issue, and a report is expected to be complete by year-end.
The Work Group is co-chaired by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Manpower Ministry, and includes representatives from the Singapore Contractors Association, the Singapore Transport Association and the Singapore School & Private Hire Bus Owners' Association.
Mr Lim disclosed this in response to a Parliamentary question from MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Christopher de Souza.
The MP had asked if minimum safety requirements such as proper seats and shelter from rain would be mandated for such a form of transportation.
Currently, in a move to help businesses reduce costs, owners and hirers of goods vehicles are allowed to use their vehicles to transport their workers to and from their places of work or business, subject to various safety regulations put in place by the LTA.
Among them, workers must be seated at a height of not more than 3.2 metres from the ground. A label must also be displayed to indicate the maximum number of workers that can be transported. If goods are also transported, the number of persons should be reduced accordingly.
Mr Lim said the label is a reminder on the maximum number of workers the vehicle can carry. It also facilitates enforcement against errant employers who overload their vehicles.
- CNA/yb
