Source: Cambodianess
PHNOM PENH – Vehicle crashes in Svay Rieng and Kampong Chhnang provinces have caused a wave of shock over the recent death of dozens of garment workers and more than a hundred injuries.
The tragedies have prompted more than 50 civil society groups to jointly call for safe and proper transport for workers.
During the peak hour in early mornings and evenings, the streets are crowded by vehicles bringing garment workers to work and back. Workers have to squeeze together standing on trucks.
There are no proper handles. Passengers lose their balance when the trucks are driven quickly.
The vehicle’s condition plays a crucial role in ensuring their safety. It is high-risk if it has not been designed with seatbelts and protection for passengers.
Through a joint statement on June 8, the civil society groups expressed their concern over the accidents in which 14 garment workers died and 79 were injured. Many were women.
Such tragedy is “part of a persistent pattern of unsafe and inadequate transport conditions,” the groups said, adding that it is being experienced not only in the two provinces but also across the country.
According to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, nine people were killed while 44 others were injured in a crash in Kampong Chhang on May 23. On the same day, five people died while 35 were injured in another crash in Svay Rieng province.
On June 4, another vehicle crashed due to brake failure while overtaking, injuring another 27 garment workers, five severely.
Khun Tharo, programme manager of Center of Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL), said such a tragedy is preventable and workers should not have to risk their safety simply to reach their workplace.
While thanking the government’s medical support and compensation for the affected workers, the groups said the emergency response is not sufficient but prevention for future loss is, by addressing unsafe transport.
“These figures underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent further tragedies,” a joint civil society groups statement said.
The groups urged the government to strengthen and enforce regulations on worker transport, including prohibiting unsafe vehicles, establishing clear safety standards, and ensuring regular inspections and accountability.
They pointed out the necessity to increase public investment in safe and accessible transport for workers.
To employers and associations, the groups demand responsibility to ensure the safety and reliable, dignified transport for workers, especially by investing in well-equipped vehicles, engaging licensed providers and integrating transport safety into workplace obligations.
The groups also pointed to global brands and buyers’ responsibility, saying they should address systemic risks within their supply chains. There should be sufficient financial support and stable sourcing commitment for factories to invest in safe transport.
“Ensure that worker safety on and off site is a non-negotiable standard,” they said. “Worker safety must extend beyond factory gates.”
The groups warned that more lives would be lost if no action was taken now. They said also that prevention is a shared responsibility, needing coordinated efforts and meaningful investment from all stakeholders.