Protection from Inclement Weather for Workers Transported in Lorries

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Transport (a) for workers who are transported in lorries, what are the measures recommended by the Ministry that employers can adopt to ensure that workers remain dry if it rains during the journey; and (b) if there are no guidelines, whether the Ministry is considering to implement such guidelines.

The Senior Minister of State for Transport (Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan) (for the Minister for Transport): Since 2011, lorries used to ferry any persons in their rear decks are required to be fitted with canopies. These provide shelter, including against inclement weather. Failure to do so is an offence under the Road Traffic Act. First-time offenders will face a fine of up to $1,000, an imprisonment term of up to three months, or both. These penalties are doubled for repeat offenders.

We take such offences seriously and have been actively enforcing against offenders. For the first half of 2021, we caught 23 offenders with lorries ferrying workers without canopies, or without having a sufficiently large canopy to shelter all workers. We will not hesitate to take stern action against the offenders. Members of the public can call LTA's hotline to report any non-compliance with these regulations.

That said, we strongly encourage all employers to do their part to ensure the welfare of their workers. In the event of severe weather, we recognise that the canopy alone may not confer sufficient protection from the elements. We certainly do encourage employers to take the initiative to install rain covers. These are typically waterproof canvas tarps that are installed on the sides of the rear deck, to complement canopies which serve primarily as a roof shelter. Where possible, employers should also consider putting on hold such trips until the heavy rain has passed.

3.00 pm

Mdm Deputy Speaker: Order. End of Question Time. Introduction of Government Bills, Minister for Home Affairs.

[Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), Written Answers to Question Nos 18, 21, 24, 27-30, 32 and 33 on the Order Paper are reproduced in the Appendix. Question Nos 16-17, 19-20, 22-23, 25-26 and 31 have been postponed to the sitting of Parliament on 3 August 2021.]