LETTERS: Public transport operators have a moral obligation not only to ensure the safety of employees but also that of the public.
They must change their employees' driving mindset. This includes ensuring their vehicles are safe, training drivers to prevent road accidents, and ensuring that drivers with poor records are kept away from the wheel.
They also have to protect their employees and other road users by managing road risk, which can lead to significant business losses from workplace-related road accidents.
This includes accident costs, lost staff time, higher insurance premiums and a tarnished public image.
Companies promoting occupational safety can achieve significant cost savings, improve their image, and make a substantial contribution to road safety.
Public transport providers may require drivers and motorcyclists to undergo safe driving courses, instruct employees on safe use of vehicles and go on mandatory refresher courses.
They should also check the background of prospective drivers before hiring them, particularly regarding drug offences, and ensure drivers comply with speed limits and other traffic regulations.
Additionally, they need to establish procedures for the maintenance of vehicles, draw up service schedules that allow drivers to comply with speed limits and limit the shift hours of drivers according to regulations.
Employers stand to benefit from a safe working environment, as it not only reduces loss of man-hours and cost, but increases productivity and profitability as well as enhances the image of the company.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman,
Alliance For A Safe Community
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times