Mechanic Injured in BKE Lorry Collision: A Call for Enhanced Safety Measures
A car mechanic faced serious injuries after a vehicle crashed into a lorry he was fixing along the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) on Monday, May 20. Known as Ji, the 24-year-old mechanic shared his harrowing experience with Shin Min Daily News.
Details of the Incident
Ji was called to repair a white lorry that had broken down after the Woodlands Ave 3 exit. He arrived at around 4 PM and had been working on the vehicle for about half an hour when disaster struck. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed as a green lorry collided with the white lorry. Ji, who was underneath the vehicle at the time, was flung away by the impact. “It was really frightening,” he recounted.
The driver of the white lorry was observing the repairs when the accident occurred, and he was thrown under his own vehicle. Although he suffered serious injuries, including fractures, he remained conscious and was later taken for surgery.
Injuries and Medical Response
While Ji did not sustain any fractures, he was given three days of medical leave and advised to return for a check-up. “I can’t move properly because my knee is in pain,” he shared. The driver of the green lorry, fortunately uninjured, was trapped in his vehicle and required assistance from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to climb out using a ladder.
A spokesperson from the logistics company that owns the green lorry informed Shin Min that their driver had seen the white lorry and Ji’s van parked on the side of the expressway. However, he noted that there were no barriers or warning triangles to indicate ongoing repair works, which could have prevented the accident.
Aftermath and Investigations
Following the incident, the logistics company’s spokesperson mentioned that their driver called to report the accident and was advised to check on the injured lorry driver first. Although he felt fine after the accident, he was encouraged to seek medical attention if he began to feel unwell.
The SCDF confirmed that two individuals were taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital around 4:35 PM on May 20. A 24-year-old male van driver and a 49-year-old male lorry driver were both conscious during their transport to the hospital. Meanwhile, a 33-year-old male lorry driver is currently cooperating with police investigations.
Lessons Learned: The Need for Safety Awareness
This incident underscores the critical importance of safety measures and warning signs at accident sites. It presents an opportunity to raise awareness about workplace safety and the necessity of proper precautions to prevent such incidents in the future.
To improve safety, it is essential to implement stricter regulations and enforce safety measures. Regular safety audits and inspections at workplaces can help ensure that proper precautions are being taken. Additionally, providing training and education on safety protocols to all employees can significantly reduce the risk of future accidents.
Engaging Employees in Safety Practices
How can we ensure that employees are actively engaged in maintaining a safe work environment? Involving employees in safety committees or meetings can be beneficial, allowing them to provide input on safety measures and procedures. Recognizing and rewarding those who demonstrate a commitment to safety can reinforce the importance of following protocols.
Regular communication about the significance of safety and the potential consequences of neglecting protocols is vital. By fostering a culture of safety, everyone can take responsibility for ensuring a safe work environment.
For more information on workplace safety measures, visit [Ministry of Manpower](https://www.mom.gov.sg) for guidelines and resources.