Proposal to Make it Mandatory for Lorries that Ferry Passengers in the Rear to Be Fitted with Rain Covers

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider requiring lorries that are used to ferry any persons in their rear decks to be fitted with rain covers which are typically waterproof canvas tarps that are installed on the sides of the rear deck.

Today, we already require lorries ferrying workers in the rear deck to be fitted with roof shelters or “canopies”. This is a safety requirement, which also provides some shelter for workers in inclement weather. As a further step, many employers have also installed rain covers, which complement the canopies, to better shelter their workers.

We will work with the relevant agencies to review the Member’s specific suggestion as part of our continuing efforts to safeguard the welfare of workers. We strongly encourage all employers to do their part, including rescheduling trips when there are heavy rains.