This incident is not the first of its kind. Last year a total of 210 people were hurt while sitting behind lorries and 2 died. In an attempt to reduce the risk of workers being hurt while transported in lorries, the LTA (Land Transport Authority) introduced some measures such as handle bars, speed and other structural limits.
However the question on all our minds is, why isn't there a ban implemented on ferrying foreign workers in lorries? and why are there no concrete steps such as changing the mode of transportation, implemented by the LTA?
Foreign workers in our society today share a low social status due to the nature of their jobs. They mainly work in construction or cleaning companies and are given low salaries for long hours of work. Also, our society has created a prototype of foreign workers, in which they are viewed as dirty, smelly, molesters etc. These reasons may lead certain sectors of our society to create an interpretation that foreign workers need not be given equal treatment in our society. As a result, a negative perception of foreign workers is created.
This negative perception should not be reason for the unfair treatment of foreign workers. They should be provided equal comforts of safe transportation to ensure the safety of their lives.
In addition, the negative perception that exists in our society should be changed and we should take efforts to view foreign workers positively through structural principals such as the role they play in our society. Each day, foreign workers toil tirelessly to build skyscrapers or keep our neighbourhoods and streets clean. As such, isn't it only fair, the LTA take steps to provide foreign workers with the confidence of safety for their lives, till they return to their homelands? Shouldn’t we Singaporeans give foreign workers more credit for their irreplaceable role in society?
Well structured thoughts Parvin.
ReplyDeleteIt's a sad reality and consequence of living in an urban materialistic society. A lot is at stake here, more than just showing care for these young men who risk their lives to build our infrastructure, perhaps we fail to see beyond color? To earn that extra buck, we gain the help of third world workers. But at the same time, instead of taking all measures to care for them as our own citizens, we have them dealt with an unenlightened, primitive hand. Granted that certain measures are in place, but are they in the best interest of the welfare of employees regardless of their job scope?
If we be such an educated cosmopolitan city, then why are we so ignorant as to neglect our innate emotions and concerns to fellow humans? Is that too much of a price to pay? It is in my view that majority of an urban population forget to work on emotional intelligence (EQ), as what the society emphasizes more on is the intellectual individual.
It's one thing to complain and call on the various bodies to act responsibly for the better of our society. However, I see more value in cultivating a emotionally as well as an intellectually intelligent society.
This flaw is just one of our many as a result of our lack of concern for others and their welfare.
Perhaps, it's up to our generation to navigate otherwise.
Cheers.
I'm sorry Parvin but i feel that you are reading too much into this issue. I believe that the regulations implemented by the LTA were meant for the general public and not solely on foreign workers? I know many locals who travel in a similar fashion. It is the choice of the company or even the foreign workers themselves to travel in such a way. The LTA did not state such a rule that all foreign workers should be ferried in lorries.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, many steps have been taken to ensure the safety of foreign workers. I'm sure many of you have noticed the big 'Safety First' sign hanging from the construction site of the Marina Sands resort. I have a friend who works as a safety coordinator and he has assured me that anyone, be it the employers or employees themselves, who flout these safety regulations, are dealt with severely.
Perhaps you have failed to see the issue that i am trying to present to you.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the LTA has set safety standards for workers at the construction sites. However, similar saftey standards are not put in place for the transportation of these workers.
The regulations implemented by the LTA were meant for the companies ferrying workers on lorries. These regulations came to light after the death and injuries of workers in accidents when they were being transported on lorries. Please visit this site for more information on this matter. http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20090520-142785.html
You have stated that it is the choice of the companies/foreign workers to travel on lorries. Yes it is the choice of the companies but i do not believe that the workers have a choice on the way they are transported to work. As we all know the aim of every company is to reduce expenditures and increase their profits. As such, construction companies have obviously chosen not to invest on minibuses that will carry a group of workers safely to their site, but instead they cramp the workers together in a small lorry with an invitation to dangers and accidents.
Take for example, factory workers. They are transported to work everyday in air conditioned buses that are safe and void from dangers of the weather. Therefore why aren't foreign workers given the same treatment? How different are they from these factory workers? Why are construction companies so unwilling to invest in the safety of their workers?
Agreed. The I presume the fault should lie with the construction companies and not the LTA right?
ReplyDeleteYes the fault does lie with the construction companies. However they are not likely to make any changes unless the LTA which among other things, regulates the safety guidelines on the roads, creates guidelines or bans these companies from ferrying workers in lorries.
ReplyDeleteHi Parvin :)
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed disheartening to learn of such incidents which could have been prevented. I believe more could be done to ensure the safety of these workers. These workers have contributed significantly to our society especially in the construction industry as well as maintaining the cleanliness of our city.
It is disappointing to learn of the unfair treatment given to some of the workers. They deserve proper food and lodging, as well as a safe environment to work in. Not only are they contributing to our economy indirectly, they are also here to earn a better living to support their families back home. These, coupled with having to adapt to a new environment and culture, as well as gaining acceptance into the society. We should put ourselves in their shoes in order to understand what they are going through.
However, despite agreeing with most of your points, I do believe that not all locals view these workers in a negative light. It all boils down to the individual. These workers deserve our appreciation and gratitude. =)
I believe construction companies bid for a sum of money they need to complete a project. the authorities will then award the company with the lowest bid the contract to work. With the limited budget, it in inevitable that these companies will try to cut costs in such ways. Lorries would be their choice, because lorries can fetch workers and also tools and materials. So when looking for who's accountable when such accidents happen, if the construction companies have to bid such a low price to get the contract and they refuse to set aside more money for their workers' welfare, and if the authorities want to pay lesser for construction projects, both have to share the blame when such accidents happen.
ReplyDeleteAs selene highlighted, we have to acknowledge that ultimately it is still a business for the construction company, and i guess they cut corners whereever they can, and to have buses to specifically ferry workers may increase their expenditure drastically. But then again, can we put price on safety?
ReplyDeleteAs you have pointed out that, people without intentionally tend to forget the low level social status! We forgot to acknowledge also that they are the one fulfilling the basic needs of the society, therefore I assume that
ReplyDeletethe safety of these workers should not be ignored!