Focus on improving commuting safety

IMAGINE a company with a fantastic safety and health policy that ensures employees wear proper gear and follow strict procedures. Yet, little to no thought is given to the safety of these same employees during their daily commute.

Statistics paint a grim picture; annually, over 500,000 commuting accidents are reported in Malaysia, tragically resulting in over 6,000 deaths.

Shockingly, according to Socso’s (Social Security Organisation) statistics, two out of three employee deaths daily occur while commuting. In contrast, workplace accidents account for roughly 60,000 cases and 600 fatalities.

Studies show that commuting accidents happen most frequently during travel to and from work (88.5%), during morning shifts (68.8%), and involve less than 5km of travel (55.0%).

Motorcyclists make up most of the casualties.

The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) focuses on preventing accidents within the workplace or during work-related duties.

Employee commutes using personal vehicles remain largely unaddressed.

Due to current regulations, reporting of commuting accidents to DOSH is not mandatory. This results in lack of data that could be used to gain a comprehensive understanding of the problem.

Since commuting accidents fall outside workplace investigations, some employers mistakenly believe commuting safety rests solely with employees and external authorities. This situation highlights the need for a broader conversation on commuting safety.

While recognising DOSH’S current focus, exploring potential solutions is essential.

This could involve:

> Collaboration between Socso, DOSH and other relevant agencies and NGOS to address commuting safety;

> Encouraging best practices for employers to promote safe commuting habits among their employees;

> Examining the feasibility of commuting safety initiatives without burdening employers; and

> Educating employers that prioritising commuting safety is a smart investment with long-term benefits.

Employers have a moral obligation to ensure their employees’ safety throughout the work journey. Beyond ethics, there’s a compelling economic argument. Commuting accidents inflict a significant financial burden on individuals, families and healthcare systems. Companies also face additional costs associated with lost productivity and employee replacement.

The good news is there are ways to navigate this challenge. For example, legislative amendments mandating similar reporting of all commuting accidents to the relevant authorities, not just those involved in claims with Socso, would be a powerful first step.

But legislation alone won’t solve the problem. Employers, especially smaller businesses that may lack dedicated safety resources, need support and guidance.

Promoting a culture of safety that encompasses commuting is key. Initiatives like flexible working schedules, remote working options, carpooling and promoting the use of public transport can significantly reduce commuting accidents.

Let’s make every journey to and from work a safe one.