Guidelines on safe work practice when commuting in oil Palm plantations

Abstract

Previous local researches on the oil palm workers are mostly focusing on the musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic issues. However, the workers are easily exposed to many other accidents such as commuting accidents. The location of the oil palm plantations itself which are remote and requires the workers to commute far from their home elevate the possibility of commuting accidents. The present paper describes contributing factors to commuting accidents and suggests guidelines to be followed as prevention from such accidents. Reports, news, and previous research on commuting accidents are reviewed and cross-referred with the safety and health guidelines in the agriculture published by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia to ensure it fits the commuting nature in an oil palm plantation. A safety and health practice guideline is presented in this paper, still, regular training and commitment from both the organisation and the workers are essential in ensuring the safety of the workers.