Debated in Parliament on 22 Nov 2023.
Miss Rachel Ong asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry has data on the percentage of construction companies which transport workers in rear decks of lorries that are bizSAFE Level 3 certified; (b) whether the risk management audits on such companies for bizSAFE certification incorporate checks on the new legal requirements and recommended practices set out by the interagency advisory on safe transportation of workers effective 1 January 2023; and (c) if so, whether companies which have been certified before 1 January 2023 will be re-audited.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not collect data on the percentage of construction companies which transport workers on rear decks of lorries that are bizSAFE Level 3-certified. However, more than 50% of all construction companies are at least bizSAFE Level 3-certified.
bizSAFE is intended to help companies build their workplace safety and health (WSH) capabilities using a Risk Management approach, and renewal for bizSAFE Level 3 is done every three years.
The bizSAFE audit focuses on ensuring that companies have adequate risk management systems and processes in place to identify, address and eliminate WSH risks to their workers, including those transported on rear decks of lorries. bizSAFE auditors will focus on what they assess to be the top three risks for each company, which may or may not include lorry transport, depending on the nature of the companies’ work activities.
MOM conducts inspections to check for employers’ compliance with the legal requirements introduced since 1 January 2023, such as appointing a “Vehicle Buddy” and ensuring that dual role drivers have a rest break before driving. Non-compliant employers are issued notices and are required to comply.
Beyond MOM’s requirements, there are other safety requirements, such as requirements by the Land Transport Authority for the front passenger cabin to be fully occupied before the rear deck can be used to transport workers, and for lorries transporting workers to be fitted with canopies and higher side railings. Employers and other stakeholders should refer to the Inter-Agency Advisory on Safe Transport of Workers which consolidates new and existing legal requirements and recommended practices to enhance safety of workers on lorry transportation.
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