From 1 January 2027, Singapore will no longer allow the use of caged lorries to transport workers, announced Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling during a parliamentary debate on safety measures.
Why the Ban?
The decision stems from safety concerns surrounding caged lorries. Ms Sun highlighted that in the event of an accident or fire, workers could be trapped inside these lorries due to the cage’s locking mechanism, which poses significant risks.
Current State of Lorry Transport
- Approximately 500 to 1,000 of the total 50,000 lorries in Singapore have caged decks.
- While caged lorries can still be used for transporting goods, their use for ferrying workers will be strictly prohibited.
- Companies wishing to transport workers using these lorries must modify their vehicles to include canopies and protective side railings.
Industry Impact and Compliance
Companies that fail to comply with the new regulations will face unspecified penalties, which will be detailed prior to the ban’s enforcement. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) stated that they will continue to work closely with industry partners to ensure worker safety.
Previous Concerns and Statistics
The practice of transporting workers in caged lorries has been a point of ongoing discussion in Singapore. Notably, last year, the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) pushed for a ban, citing safety risks. Since then, the average number of worker injuries during transport decreased by more than 25% from 2015 to 2024.
Notably, there were alarming incidents, such as a collision last January that resulted in thirteen hospitalizations, including numerous passengers in lorries transporting workers.
Next Steps
In the lead-up to the ban, companies must ensure safe access for workers on and off lorry decks. The government promises ongoing discussions with various stakeholders to improve safety measures further.