The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is very concerned about road accidents and fatalities because many of the victims are from the workforce.
We view with utmost concern the frequent reports of road accidents, fatalities and injuries which are not only tragic to the families involved but also a loss to the nation’s workforce.
Traffic-related motor vehicle crashes is one of the leading causes of work-related injuries and deaths. Furthermore, commuting accidents also make up a significant percentage of industrial accidents reported to SOCSO yearly.
The number of commuting accidents has risen from 19,620 cases in 2000 to 22,040 cases in 2010, an increase of 12.33%.
Employers and employees must take cognizance of these serious statistics and be prepared to address the issue with a view towards reducing the number of commuting accidents.
In particular, employers have a duty to protect their employees
and other road users by adopting the approach of managing occupational road risk in order to reduce business losses which arise from “at work” road accidents.
In this connection, employers have a role to play in developing and implementing comprehensive safety procedures and programmes for the workplace to reduce accidents, deaths and injuries, including providing training to their employees to be competent drivers and riders.
Measures to be taken by employers to prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries of workers from motor vehicle crashes should include:
- Establish a written policy requiring drivers and motorcyclists to undergo safe driving and riding practices and proper use of vehicle safety features;
- Conduct driver’s licence background checks on prospective drivers before they are hired.
- Provide seat belts and other safety features in all employer-provided vehicles;
- Ensure that drivers and motorcyclists in their employ comply with designated speed limits on roadways;
- Ensure and establish written procedures in respect of proper maintenance of all vehicles owned by the employers;
- Ensure drivers observe speed limits;
- Do not permit the drivers to continue driving if fatigued;
- Ensure that workers use appropriate barriers and traffic control efforts while work is being performed on the side of roadways;
- Conduct defensive driving and riding courses to minimise accidents; and
- Carry out random drug tests on all bus drivers to ensure the safety of their passengers.
Employers have a moral obligation to adopt a proactive approach to manage occupational road risk.
They should always review the road safety standards of their organisations.
Employers who take action to promote the safety of their staff while driving or riding will achieve major cost savings, improve their image and make a significant contribution to meeting road safety targets.
The Government should rely on school education to create a new breed of motorists and motorcyclists who care for themselves and for others.
In this connection there should be a syllabus on road safety for schools to inculcate the need to practise good etiquette and behaviour on the road.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE,
Chairman, NIOSH.
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