The Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) in cooperation with the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) and other partners are looking into ways to replace worker transport trucks with safer ones to reduce traffic accidents.

AIP country director Kim Pagna said at a virtual launch ceremony on April 23 that AIP and CPS are exploring different options for changing the trucks. The replacement vehicles would be equipped with improved seating and passenger limits set. More than 70 participants attended the ceremony.

The focus of the study is three target groups from Phnom Penh, and the provinces of Takeo, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang. The groups include drivers, government, trade unions, factories, the Garment and Footwear Manufacturers Association and development partners.

“[The study] aims to push for efforts to replace the trucks,” he said, adding that a working group will be set up and supported by deputy working groups to implement the project.

The working group will be tasked with pushing for change, while the deputy working groups will mobilise resources.

He said there are more than 700,000 workers at garment and footwear factories, mostly women. The women contribute significantly to the family’s income and Cambodia’s economy.

According to a report from the National Social Security Fund in 2019, Cambodia had 4,537 vehicles transporting workers to workplaces. Of the number, 2,827 are goods trucks or about 62 per cent.

Pagna said that at least one traffic accident involving a transport truck happens each month. This has caused dozens of injuries and in some cases deaths.

CPS director Chan Sophal noticed that during the Covid outbreak, between 50 and 70 workers travel standing in a tightly packed truck.

“They were forced to do this because they have no choice due to costs. Drivers only provide goods trucks for transport services. Safer vehicles such as buses with proper seats are not used,” he said.