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Lorry Ferrying Passengers Safety Guidelines

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and other relevant authorities in Singapore have specific requirements and guidelines for lorries, particular...

Showing posts with label ​Workplace Safety and Health (WSH). Show all posts
Showing posts with label ​Workplace Safety and Health (WSH). Show all posts

Wednesday, 17 September 2025

Lorry Ferrying Passengers Safety Guidelines


The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and other relevant authorities in Singapore have specific requirements and guidelines for lorries, particularly those used for transporting workers. These regulations aim to enhance the safety and well-being of the workers.

​Here are the key requirements for a "shelter lorry bed" (which refers to a lorry deck with a canopy for transporting workers):

1. Protective Side Railings and Canopy:

  • Side Railings: The lorry must be fitted with higher side railings. These railings must be at least 700mm high when measured from the carriage deck and at least 300mm from the top of the sideboards.

  • Canopy: A canopy with rain covers is mandatory. ​Rain Covers: Rain covers must be installed on all non-enclosed sides of the canopy, including partially open gaps. ​Transparency: At least one side of the canopy must have a transparent rain cover to provide sufficient light inside.

  • Height Limits: There are also height restrictions for the canopy structure to ensure vehicle stability: ​Light Lorries (G-Plate, MLW ≤ 3,500 kg): The canopy height must not exceed 1.35 times the height of the lorry's cabin when measured from the road surface. ​Heavy Lorries (X or Y Plate, MLW > 3,500 kg): The canopy height must not exceed 3.2m when measured from the road surface.

2. Lorry Bed and Loading Safety:

  • Securing Loads: Any loads being transported must be properly secured to prevent movement, especially during braking. This is crucial to prevent the load from injuring workers in the rear deck or other road users.

  • Proper Lashing: Loads should be lashed down to prevent side lateral movement.

  • No Unsecured Equipment: Equipment and materials on the rear deck must be secured.

  • Seating and Positioning: Workers must be seated properly and their bodies should not project beyond the sides of the vehicle.

  • Height Restriction: Workers in the rear deck should not be seated more than 1.1m above the rear deck.

  • Boarding and Alighting: Proper and secure footholds must be provided for workers to safely enter and exit the lorry deck.

3. Driver and Vehicle Safety Measures:

  • Speed Limits: The lorry must not travel faster than the road speed limit or 60 km/h, whichever is lower.

  • Speed Limiters: All new and existing heavy lorries (with a maximum laden weight exceeding 3,500 kg) are required to be equipped with speed limiters.

  • Vehicle Buddy: Employers are required to designate a "vehicle buddy" for all lorries transporting workers. The vehicle buddy must be seated in the cabin next to the driver to ensure the driver remains alert while driving.

  • Rest Period for Dual-Role Drivers: If a driver also works on-site for at least six hours, a rest period of at least 30 minutes is mandatory before they can ferry workers.

  • Daily Checks: Drivers should perform daily checks on the general condition of the vehicle before driving.

4. Additional Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Guidelines:

  • ​The Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC) also provides guidelines on the safe loading and unloading of vehicles.

  • ​These guidelines recommend that cargo be arranged in a safe and stable manner, with lighter loads stacked on top of heavier ones and the weight distributed evenly.

  • ​Workers should not be in the cargo area when loading or unloading is in progress.

​It is important to note that these regulations are subject to change, and businesses should refer to the latest advisories and circulars from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to ensure full compliance.

Monday, 15 September 2025

Consultation On Occupational Diseases


Securing the Health of Our Workforce: A Critical Look at Singapore's WSH and WICA Acts

​Singapore has long been recognized for its strong commitment to workplace safety and health (WSH). However, as our economy and industries evolve, so do the risks faced by our workers. While we often focus on preventing immediate injuries from accidents, a silent and insidious threat lingers: occupational diseases.

​These are illnesses that develop over a prolonged period due to exposure to hazards in the workplace—think chronic lung conditions from inhaling dust, or hearing loss from consistent exposure to loud noise. Unlike a sudden accident, occupational diseases can take years to manifest, making them challenging to diagnose and link back to a specific employer or job.

​This is precisely why the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is taking a proactive and crucial step: seeking public consultation on potential changes to the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act and the Workplace Injury Compensation Act (WICA). This is a timely and important development that directly impacts the well-being of every employee in Singapore.

​Why This Consultation Matters

​The WSH and WICA are the twin pillars of Singapore's worker protection framework. While they have been instrumental in improving workplace safety, the rise of new technologies, changing work environments, and the long-term nature of occupational diseases necessitate a fresh look at our current legislation.

​Here’s why this public consultation is so important:

  • Keeping Pace with Modern Risks: As our economy diversifies, so do the hazards. We are seeing new forms of occupational diseases emerge from exposure to new chemicals, biological agents, and even psychosocial factors like stress. Our legal framework must be agile enough to recognize and address these new threats.

  • Ensuring Fair Compensation: The WICA provides a "no-fault" compensation system for work-related injuries and illnesses. However, the current framework for occupational diseases can be complex. The consultation is an opportunity to streamline the process, ensuring that affected workers receive the compensation they deserve without unnecessary legal and financial burdens.

  • Strengthening Prevention: By broadening the coverage of occupational diseases, MOM is sending a strong signal to employers: the health of your workforce is as important as their safety. This can spur companies to invest more in preventive measures, like improving ventilation, providing better personal protective equipment (PPE), and conducting regular health screenings.

  • A Shared Responsibility: The consultation is a recognition that workplace health and safety is not just a government or employer issue. It's a collective responsibility. By inviting public feedback, MOM is empowering employees, unions, and industry experts to shape policies that will protect them for years to come. Your voice matters, and this is your chance to be heard.

​How You Can Contribute

​The proposed changes are a significant step towards a more comprehensive and resilient workplace safety framework. But for them to be truly effective, they need to reflect the realities on the ground.

​Whether you are an employee, an employer, a safety professional, or a member of the public, your perspective is invaluable. Consider these questions as you prepare to provide your feedback:

  • ​What new occupational risks have you observed in your industry?

  • ​What challenges have you or your colleagues faced in reporting and getting compensation for occupational diseases?

  • ​What measures do you think employers can take to better prevent long-term health issues for their workers?

​The future of our workforce depends on our ability to adapt and evolve our policies. By participating in this public consultation, you are not just providing feedback; you are helping to build a safer and healthier Singapore for everyone.

Workplace Safety and Health Council nvite industry stakeholders and members of the public to share your feedback on the draft WSH Guidelines on Diagnosis and Management of Occupational Diseases. Please email the completed public consultation form to contact@wshc.sg by 29 July 2025.

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