NIOSH Ready To Train Heavy Vehicle Drivers To Prevent Accidents

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is ready to offer training to drivers to enhance awareness and prevent accidents involving heavy vehicles.

This training utilizes a specialized module developed under the Safe and Defensive Driving Person (SDDP) program.

According to NIOSH Vice-Chairman G. Manivanan, the module, created by experts and industry stakeholders, addresses the specific needs and challenges faced by these drivers.


Key topics covered include road legislation, vehicle maintenance, and road management, with a strong focus on safe and responsible driving practices.

“The module that was developed by NIOSH has already been implemented by several companies which manage buses and heavy vehicles in a bid to increase their workers’ skills and knowledge of safety aspects on the road,” he said in a Bernama report.

He thus hopes that other heavy truck operators, including those in the public and private sectors, will also adopt the SDDP training program.


In addition, Manivanan stated that NIOSH offers assistance to those wanting to conduct safety audits and strengthen safety protocols, including using the HIRARC (Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control) technique

It is a systematic method for employers and employees to identify risks and establish control measures to ensure workplace safety.

“I wish to stress again that under the law, every employer is responsible for ensuring the safety and health of their employees during work, including ensuring the vehicles used are properly maintained while the drivers get sufficient training,” he said.


Citing recent incidents in Perak on Tuesday that resulted in the deaths of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel, he stated that NIOSH is also prepared to work with all parties to ensure the safety of workplace areas. “While waiting for the results of the comprehensive investigation by the relevant agencies, all parties must find ways to cooperate to ensure such incidents do not recur.

“I wish to emphasise that drivers of heavy vehicles and those in and near the vehicles also have the right to work and be in a safe environment, as stipulated under the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) 2022 Act,” he said.