Garment factory workers travel to work in flat bed trucks. The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is planning measures to introduce buses, which will improve t he safety of the workers as they commute. Post Staff
A senior official from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has announced plans to phase out the use of flatbed trucks to transport factory workers to and from their workplaces by 2027.
The move aims to reduce the Kingdom’s traffic accident rates, by replacing unsafe vehicles with purpose-built passenger vehicles, like buses.
National Social Security Fund (NSSF) deputy director-general Heng Sophannarith made the statement while conducting a May 9 educational outreach programme for workers at a garment factory in Kandal province’s Ang Snoul district.
He explained that strengthening occupational safety and health education is one of the NSSF’s most important tasks.
He said that to improve this, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training’s NSSF is conducting outreach activities on traffic safety, hygiene and safe working conditions, as well as the benefits of the social security fund.
It is also examining appropriate means of transportation for workers.
“The NSSF will update a list of drivers who transport workers and study the feasibility of converting the trucks which are currently used to busses and vans. This may be administered by a new company or entity by 2027,” said Sophannarith.
“Replacing the trucks will improve the well-being of workers and reduce the rate of road accidents,” he added.
The ministry has launched the strategic plan for occupational social security and vocational training development 2024-2028 to raise public awareness and strengthen law enforcement on the social security fund, in order to maximise reductions in occupational accidents.
During the event, National Police deputy chief Chev Hak called on workers to be extra careful when travelling and encouraged both motorcyclists and the drivers of transport trucks to respect the Kingdom’s traffic laws.
He specifically called on the drivers of trucks carrying workers to be careful at all times and avoid the risk of road accidents, because they are responsible for the lives of dozens of workers.
During the event, Kandal provincial deputy governor Hak Sok Makara urged all factory owners in Kandal province to provide their employees with time to participate in outreach events related to traffic safety.
