More Malaysian Workers Are Getting Injured When Commuting To Work & It’s Time For Employers To Take Action
The number of commuting accidents have almost doubled in the last 10 years.
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Road traffic accidents are among the biggest source of work-related injuries and deaths in the country and the National Road Safety Council wants Malaysian employers to start being proactive in managing commuting accidents among their employees.
Who said what: Road Safety Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said that employers have a moral obligation to be proactive in developing and implementing comprehensive safety procedures and programmes for the workplace to reduce accidents, deaths and injuries. Among the suggestions for employers to manage commuting accidents include:
- training for their employees to be competent drivers and riders
- establish a written policy requiring drivers and motorcyclists to undergo safe driving and riding practices
- ensure proper use of vehicle safety features
- conduct background checks on prospective drivers before they are hired
Why it matters: Commuting accidents make up a significant percentage of industrial accidents, which are reported annually to the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO). Statistics from SOCSO also show that the number of commuting accidents have risen steadily over the years, in contrast to declining industrial accidents – making it one of the most alarming occupational hazards for Malaysian workers.
The organisation also expects the numbers to continue increasing as more Malaysian workers are opting for motorcycles to commute due to the cheaper cost and ease in managing traffic jams. Lee Lam Thye also notes that proactive action by employers is necessary to reduce business losses arising from ‘at work’ road accidents.
Read more:
Employers must tackle high road accident rate among commuting workers (NST)
Occupational and Commuting Accidents in Malaysia: Protection and Prevention (SOCSO)
Number of Accidents 2013 – 2017 (SOCSO)
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