ID :
23563
Thu, 10/09/2008 - 18:24
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/23563
The shortlink copeid
ROAD TRAGEDIES: PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS URGED TO BE PROACTIVE
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Public transport operators must be proactive in managing occupational road risks and help prevent more human tragedies on the roads, National Institute Of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) chairman Lee Lam Thye said Thursday.
He noted that a bus driver was killed while eight passengers were injured
when a bus crashed into a gantry at the Skudai toll plaza on Oct 5.
Police believed the bus brakes malfunctioned and caused the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
"Several fatal accidents had occurred involving public transport vehicles
and this latest accident will not be the last until everyone is committed to a
road-safety culture," he said in a statement issued here Thursday.
He said the bus operator concerned had to conduct its own investigation
besides the probe by the relevant government authorities, and must take a
a very serious view of the tragedy.
"Employers can help curb road accidents by following guidelines suggested
by Niosh that include establishing a written policy requiring drivers and
motorcyclists to undergo safe driving practices, proper use of vehicle safety
features and mandatory refresher courses, and conducting driver's licence
background checks on prospective drivers before they are hired, particularly
regarding drug offences.
"Employers must also ensure that drivers they employ comply with designated
speed limits on roads and other traffic regulations, and establish written
procedures in respect of proper maintenance of all vehicles owned by the
employers.
"Schedules that allow drivers to obey speed limits and limit their working
hours according to the regulations must be established and drivers should not be
permitted to drive while fatigued."
Lee said companies which made serious efforts to promote occupational
safety would achieve major cost savings, increase productivity and
profitability, and enhance their image.
He noted that a bus driver was killed while eight passengers were injured
when a bus crashed into a gantry at the Skudai toll plaza on Oct 5.
Police believed the bus brakes malfunctioned and caused the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
"Several fatal accidents had occurred involving public transport vehicles
and this latest accident will not be the last until everyone is committed to a
road-safety culture," he said in a statement issued here Thursday.
He said the bus operator concerned had to conduct its own investigation
besides the probe by the relevant government authorities, and must take a
a very serious view of the tragedy.
"Employers can help curb road accidents by following guidelines suggested
by Niosh that include establishing a written policy requiring drivers and
motorcyclists to undergo safe driving practices, proper use of vehicle safety
features and mandatory refresher courses, and conducting driver's licence
background checks on prospective drivers before they are hired, particularly
regarding drug offences.
"Employers must also ensure that drivers they employ comply with designated
speed limits on roads and other traffic regulations, and establish written
procedures in respect of proper maintenance of all vehicles owned by the
employers.
"Schedules that allow drivers to obey speed limits and limit their working
hours according to the regulations must be established and drivers should not be
permitted to drive while fatigued."
Lee said companies which made serious efforts to promote occupational
safety would achieve major cost savings, increase productivity and
profitability, and enhance their image.
