BATU's Response to Workers' Safety

The Building, Construction and Timber Industries Employees' Union (BATU) is troubled and dismayed by the injury and deaths of workers from accidents involving open top vehicles, year after year. Workers have a right to safe work places, decent and hygienic housing, and safe modes of transport.

01 Nov 2010

Businesses must worry about costs and profitability. That is fair, but is not a reason for taking the safety of workers less seriously than they should. It is easy to blame workers and drivers for the accidents, and in some cases, they may be at fault. Yet, whether it is the choice of vehicle type or driver, or deciding the number of passengers that these vehicles carry, employers have the responsibility to ensure that their company arrangements comply with safety standards.

We urge the authorities to make clear these standards once again, and implement and enforce them rigorously without further delay. The latest string of such mishaps compels all to act with a sense of urgency.

Heng Chee How

Executive Secretary

Building, Construction and Timber Industries Employees' Union (BATU)

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