Garment workers on the way to their factory recently. labor ministry
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has formulated a strategic plan to enhance transportation for garment workers, aiming to reduce work-related incidents and road accidents.
The ministry announced that the initiative, designed to reach its goal through a well-coordinated travel system for garment workers, came in response to recommendations from Prime Minister Hun Manet to enhance the occupational risk prevention programme.
“To more effectively reduce traffic accidents among … workers, the NSSF has outlined key strategies. These include regularly updating the list of drivers of worker transport vehicles.
“The NSSF must explore the possibility of transitioning the current modified vehicles used for transporting workers into official transport vehicles managed by a company or unit by 2027,” it added.
Ministry spokesperson Katta Orn noted that the plan was formulated following observations that workers were travelling in roofless trucks with inadequate seating. He said the often-overloaded trucks pose a significant risk.
“We are advocating for the use of comfortable buses equipped with proper air conditioning and seating. At the same time, we need to consider how drivers can adapt to using these types of vehicles. Therefore, the ministry is actively working to resolve these issues and plans to discuss them with relevant parties to implement the initiative,” he added.
Far Saly, president of the National Trade Union Coalition (NTUC), expressed support for the government’s programme.
He noted that traffic accidents remain a high risk for labourers and expressed hope for the timely success of the effort.
“Although I am not entirely clear about the specifics of the plan or strategy to reduce traffic accidents, we will wait and see its implementation. We encourage all workers to utilise the NSSF and we hope that the plan will be realised soon to prevent and reduce further accidents,” he said.
He also called on police officials nationwide to enhance traffic management to prevent accidents involving workers.
The ministry introduced the Strategic Plan for Employment Development, Social Security and Vocational Training 2024-28 last week, focused on enhancing wellness education, work-related risk prevention and financial management.
In line with this, the NSSF plans to promote traffic and job safety, hygiene, job, working conditions, social security benefits and fiscal governance. As part of the effort, it intends to organise at least 960 courses annually, aiming for a minimum of 128,000 participants.
