Commuting to work accidents on the rise: HR Ministry

SERI KEMBANGAN: The amount of commuting to work accidents among workers is on the rise in recent years, according to the Human Resources Ministry.

Social Security Organisation (Socso) chairman Tan Sri Dr Aseh Che Mat pointed out that based on some statistical figures, there were some 33,319 commuting to work accidents cases reported in 2017 and out of which 667 resulted in death.

"This brings us to an average of two fatal accidents of commuting to work each day, which is very alarming.

"To make matters worse, the impact of these accidents on all relevant parties is very huge to which Socso had to spent between RM600 million and RM800 million last year as payout to those involved in the accidents that resulted in deaths, lost of abilities or injuries.

"However, the social impact of these accidents such as losing the loved one, a community member or even a colleague, is something that cannot be replaced by money," Aseh said while reading out the speech of Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran at the Safe Trip to Workplace campaign organised by Socso.

On that note, Aseh said the campaign is timely in creating awareness on preventing such accidents.

"Focus will be given to employers or organisations that have the highest rate of commuting to work accidents and Socso are targeting about 500 premises to implement this campaign this year.

"The ministry through Socso pays serious attention towards workers safety and like to call upon all the relevant stakeholders to enhance the effort in preventing commuting to work accidents," Aseh said.