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Singapore

Lorry drivers say ferrying workers in their vehicles is not ideal, but they try to drive safely

While transporting workers on buses would be safer, lorries make more sense for small companies, two lorry drivers told CNA.

Lorry drivers say ferrying workers in their vehicles is not ideal, but they try to drive safely

Workers being transported in the back of a lorry. (File photo: CNA/Abigail Ng)

SINGAPORE: Lorry driver Simbu Govindasamy Silambarasan says ferrying workers in the back of his vehicle is safe most of the time.

"Not 100 per cent, but 80 per cent safe," he said. "Because inside, no safety belt. Sometimes the driver brake, then all men (slide) to the front."

When it rains and the roads are slippery, this makes driving more dangerous as well, said the Indian national who has worked in Singapore for about seven years.

A bus would be safer, but Mr Simbu, 34, noted that this may not be feasible as workers at different construction sites end work at different times. Those who end work earlier may have to wait for a long time for other passengers before the bus takes all of them back to their dormitory.

Another driver who wanted to be known only as Mr Elumalai also said a bus would be safer, but that lorries make more sense for small companies.

He highlighted the timing problem that Mr Simbu raised, as well as the need to carry materials or equipment and workers at the same time.

The issue of workers being ferried in the back of lorries came back into the spotlight following two lorry accidents last month that resulted in more than 30 people being sent to hospitals.

Migrant worker rights groups called for a timeline to ban transporting workers in lorries, and business associations responded by warning of “operational complexities”.

Netizens condemned the statement and Singapore’s ambassador-at-large Professor Tommy Koh said trade groups were “resorting to scare tactics”.

SPEED MATTERS

On social media, some commenters said they have seen lorry drivers speeding on the roads and overtaking or tailgating other vehicles.

Mr Elumalai, 35, said he has seen such drivers on the road, but he does his part to reduce the risk of accidents.

“I drive slowly, because my boss said it is okay to be 10 minutes late, never mind. Slowly drive, no accident,” said Mr Elumalai, who has worked in Singapore for 13 years and driven a lorry for eight years.

He said he thinks lorries are relatively safe as long as drivers keep to slower speeds like 60 kmh or 70 kmh.

Mr Simbu said some drivers may be in a hurry, especially in the mornings.

“One driver goes to three sites, four sites. Some supply companies, they go to many sites – five sites, six sites before 8am,” he said, referring to companies that supply manpower for different construction projects.

“No choice for the driver, because (there’s) one lorry only,” he said.

His schedule is not as tight and he does not feel the need to hurry. Mr Simbu typically drives workers to one work site in the morning, then ferries them back to the dormitory at night.

“Workers can also see that I drive slowly, over the humps and when I’m turning,” he said.

The authorities have announced that speed limiters will be required on all lorries exceeding a maximum laden weight of 3,500kg. Details of the regulation will be released later in 2023, they said in July.

HOW TO IMPROVE SAFETY

Having more substitute drivers, enough space for workers at the back of the lorry and limiting driving speed are some ways to make lorries safer, drivers told CNA.

Mr Simbu said measures that have been implemented like a mandatory rest period and having a buddy to chat with the driver are helpful. But what would help more is to have more people who can drive, so they can take over if the assigned driver is tired.

Mr Elumalai said companies should not pack too many workers into one lorry, and drivers should drive slowly and safely.

Raincoats in addition to rain covers may also be helpful for workers, he said.

Rain covers have been mandatory on newly registered lorries since the start of the year. Employers are also required to give a 30-minute break to workers who have worked at least six hours before they begin driving. 

Source: CNA/an(cy)
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