Protecting Road Safety in the Context of Workplace Health & Safety: A Malaysian Perspective

In Malaysia, road accidents remain a leading cause of workplace fatalities. From logistics drivers to sales staff on the road, employees across various sectors face daily traffic-related hazards. According to the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), commuting accidents—those occurring while traveling to or from work—account for a significant portion of reported occupational incidents. This underscores a pressing need: road safety must be treated as a core pillar of workplace health and safety (HSE).

Why Road Safety is a Workplace Issue

Traditionally, workplace safety focuses on machinery, fire prevention, or ergonomics. However, as Malaysia’s workforce becomes increasingly mobile—with many jobs involving travel, delivery, and transport—the vehicle becomes an extension of the workplace.

Key Road Safety Challenges in Malaysia

  1. High Commuting Accident Rates
    In 2023 alone, SOCSO reported over 30,000 commuting accident claims, with a significant number involving motorcycles—a primary mode of transport for many Malaysians.
  2. Lack of Defensive Driving Culture
    Many drivers lack formal defensive driving training, leading to risky habits like tailgating, distracted driving, and failure to anticipate hazards.
  3. Overworked Drivers and Fatigue
    Long driving hours, especially for commercial and delivery drivers, lead to fatigue, microsleep episodes, and poor reaction times.
  4. Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance
    Vehicles not maintained properly can result in brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering issues, increasing accident risks.
  5. Non-Compliance with Traffic Rules
    Speeding, illegal U-turns, running red lights, and the use of mobile phones while driving remain rampant despite legal prohibitions.

Strategies for Employers to Enhance Road Safety

1. Implement a Safe Driving Policy
Develop and communicate a clear company-wide policy outlining expectations for safe driving, seatbelt use, mobile phone restrictions, and reporting of near misses or accidents.

2. Conduct Defensive Driving Training
Provide periodic training to all employees who drive for work purposes. Defensive driving courses help instill awareness, hazard anticipation, and crisis reaction techniques.

3. Promote Journey Management Planning
Encourage employees to plan routes ahead of time, avoid peak traffic hours, and use navigation apps to reduce stress and improve punctuality.

4. Monitor and Manage Driving Hours
Establish driving hour limits to reduce fatigue and ensure drivers take adequate rest. This is especially crucial for lorry, trailer, and ride-hailing drivers.

5. Maintain Fleet Safety
Regularly inspect and service company-owned vehicles. Employers should keep a checklist for brakes, tires, lights, wipers, and engine conditions.

6. Encourage Safe Motorcycle Use
For employees using motorcycles, provide quality helmets and reflective gear. Partner with local JPJ or MIROS initiatives for motorcycle safety campaigns.

7. Investigate All Road Incidents
Treat road-related incidents with the same seriousness as in-factory injuries. Root cause analysis helps prevent recurrence and identifies gaps in training or policy.

Aligning with SIRIM 4:2014 – A Malaysian Standard on Road Safety

To strengthen organisational road safety practices, Malaysian companies can refer to SIRIM 4:2014: Guidelines for Road Traffic Safety Management Systems (RTSMS) for Organizations. This standard offers a structured approach for companies to manage road safety risks systematically, whether for employees driving company vehicles, motorcycles, or their own vehicles during work-related travel.

Key highlights of SIRIM 4:2014 include:

  • Integrating road safety into overall occupational safety systems
  • Identifying high-risk travel routes, driver profiles, and traffic patterns
  • Developing performance indicators such as accident rates, incident severity, and response time
  • Promoting a culture of continuous improvement in road traffic safety

Adopting SIRIM 4:2014 not only ensures legal compliance and safer operations, but also supports ISO 45001:2018 goals of risk-based thinking and proactive hazard control. Organizations that align with this guideline demonstrate accountability, enhance reputation, and reduce long-term insurance and liability costs.

In support of this, frameworks such as MS ISO 39001:2013 and MS ISO 39002:2020 offer structured approaches to establishing, implementing, and improving road traffic safety management systems, including commuting safety. Complementing these standards, the Commuting Safety Support Program (CSSP) — a joint initiative by SOCSO and MIROS — further assists employers by offering training, hazard mapping of commuting routes, and initiatives that promote safer riding and driving practices.

Legal Considerations for Employers

Under OSHA 1994 and the Employees’ Social Security Act, Malaysian employers can be held accountable for failing to safeguard employee safety, including during commutes. By incorporating standards such as SIRIM 4:2014, companies are better positioned to fulfill regulatory requirements while protecting their workforce.

Final Thoughts: Road Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

In Malaysia’s fast-paced and vehicle-dependent economy, road safety must be embedded into the core of occupational health and safety frameworks. Employers, regulators, and employees must collaborate to build a resilient safety culture—from the factory floor to the highway.

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