Joint Response to Media Queries on the Transportation of Workers on Lorries

1.     There were two recent petitions regarding the transport of workers in lorries. This was followed by a joint statement by more than 20 industry associations, including the Singapore Contractors Association (SCAL), Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI), Association of Process Industry (ASPRI) and the Singapore National Employers’ Federation (SNEF). While all stakeholders agree on the importance of safety, there are mixed views on whether the transportation of workers in lorries should be banned. The different reactions reflect the range of perspectives and challenges.
 
2.     The Government shares the objective of enhancing safety for every worker. The exception provided under the Road Traffic Act for employers to use lorries to ferry their workers, as well as the full suite of measures and regulations put in place to safeguard worker safety, apply to all workers regardless of nationality.  

3.     Employers and industry associations have shared their concerns that if the Government imposes a ban, many companies will not be able to continue operating their business. A significant number of companies, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises, have been grappling with cost increases and business disruptions post COVID-19, and are trying their best to stay afloat and complete their projects on time. Beyond financial costs, there are also structural and operational challenges, including the availability of alternative modes of transportation. For example, buses may not be suitable for specialist trades, which often need to transport a small crew of workers together with some equipment and/or goods to several different locations within a single day. The situation is exacerbated by a shortage of bus drivers in Singapore, as we had seen with school buses.   

4.     The Government recognises that it is not ideal for workers to be transported on lorries, but we also understand the genuine concerns from employers. If the companies are unable to operate their business, there will be knock-on effects on society, including delays affecting new housing projects, polyclinics and MRT lines; as well as higher costs for all Singaporeans. Their employees – both Singaporean and migrant workers – would also risk losing their jobs if the companies close down. 

5.     In recognition of the challenges and trade-offs, the Ministry of Transport and the Land Transport Authority, the Ministry of Manpower, the Ministry of National Development and the Building and Construction Authority, the Ministry of Trade & Industry and Enterprise Singapore, have encouraged companies and industry associations to work towards alternative transport arrangements for their workers, without removing the exception under the Road Traffic Act. 

6.     We want to safeguard both safety and livelihoods of our workers, and have worked closely with stakeholders on a suite of additional safety measures. For example, we have: 

-      Mandated that the front passenger cabin be fully occupied before the rear deck can be used to carry workers; 

-      Required lorries transporting workers to be fitted with canopies and higher side railings; 

-      Raised requirements for S-Pass and Work Permit holders to obtain a Singapore Class 3 licence that will allow them to drive light goods vehicles; and 

-      Imposed higher penalties for non-compliance. 

7.     These measures have helped to enhance safety and reduce the risk for workers. The average number of fatalities from road traffic accidents involving persons onboard lorries has halved, from around 6 per year from 2013 to 2017, to around 3 per year from 2018 to 2022. The average number of injured persons onboard lorries has also reduced by about a third. 

8.     For the past five years, persons onboard lorries (including those sitting in the front passenger cabins) make up, on average, around 4% of the total annual injuries from road traffic accidents. Amongst all vehicle types, motorcycles account for the highest proportion of injuries, at around 50% each year. Hence, our efforts will remain evidence-based and focus on improving safety for all road users. We will also continue to roll out measures that address a multitude of factors behind accidents, such as driving behaviours and vehicle speed. 

9.     The employers recognise this and are partnering government agencies in implementing a further suite of measures to improve the safety of workers. These include: 

-      Putting in place minimum rest time requirements for dual-role drivers of lorries, and making arrangements for all drivers to be accompanied by a vehicle buddy to check that the driver is alert and able to drive safely. The Ministry of Manpower will be conducting spot checks to ensure compliance. 

-      Installing speed limiters on all lorries, with details to be announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs later this year. The Traffic Police will continue enforcement to ensure compliance with existing traffic regulations.

10.    We are committed to improving safety for all road users and working with stakeholders, including the NGOs, to develop practical solutions that are in the best interests of our workers, to protect their safety and their livelihoods.