New Requirements for Transporting Workers in Lorries: Rain Covers & “Vehicle Buddy” Now Mandatory

SINGAPORE – As of Jan 1 (Sunday), new regulations have been introduced regarding the transportation of workers in lorries, addressing a longstanding concern for many Singaporeans.

In 2021, two accidents involving lorries transporting migrant workers resulted in the deaths of two individuals and sent over a dozen others to the hospital. These incidents sparked outrage, with over 40,000 people signing a petition urging the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to implement mandatory safety measures for workers being transported in lorries.

Images of migrant workers enduring the rain in open lorry beds circulated widely on social media, intensifying calls for change.

On Dec 31, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Ministry of Transport, LTA, Singapore Police Force, and the Building and Construction Authority issued an advisory announcing new requirements and recommendations for transporting workers.

Under the Road Traffic Act, lorries that are newly registered must now have rain covers installed on all non-enclosed sides of the canopy. At least one side of the canopy must be transparent to allow visibility. These rain covers will also be mandatory for in-use light lorries by July 1 this year, and for in-use heavy lorries by Jan 1, 2024.

Additionally, under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act, lorry drivers who also perform other job duties (dual-role drivers) must be given a 30-minute rest period if they’ve worked for at least six hours before driving. Employers must also assign a “vehicle buddy” to sit next to the driver during trips where workers are being transported in the rear deck. The “vehicle buddy’s” role is to ensure the driver remains alert and drives safely.

Under the Employment Act, lorry drivers transporting workers should not work for more than 12 hours a day, including driving and other tasks. Employers are also prohibited from deducting wages if drivers are behind schedule or making workers agree to such deductions.

The advisory also encouraged employers to consider using safer alternatives, such as buses, for worker transportation. If lorries must be used, employers should adopt these new safety measures to protect both drivers and passengers.

The full advisory can be found here.