"Better transport sought for workers", 16 September 2019

The government and civil society organisations are finding ways to improve the means of transport for garment and footwear workers to reduce accidents involving them while commuting to and from work.

During a workshop held under the theme “Improving commuting safety for garment and footwear workers” …, officials said road accidents caused by improper means of transport had increased considerably.

Im Piseth, the Project Manager of AIP Foundation, said the institution had been working to improve road safety for workers…

Pen Noreak Vuth, the deputy director of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) under the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, said road accidents had been a cause of concern for the government…

Eliot Tang, the general manager of Carlington Factory in Kampong Cham province, said over the years, drivers at his factory had undergone training on safe driving and workers’ safety. He said they had exercised greater caution when parking, driving and modifying their trucks.

… Association of Transportation Workers and Informal Employment president Neak Heng said while owners of vehicles for workers are required to use buses, most of them could not afford to do so.

… Luy Chhin, the deputy director of traffic police and public order under the National Police, said the use of modified trucks to transport workers is illegal. He said such modified trucks had not undergone technical inspection…

According to an NSSF report …, there were 766 cases of traffic accidents in the first six months of this year, killing 24 people and severely injuring 159.