Rawalpindi enforces gear for riders
A majority of motorcyclist drive around their motorcycles without rear view mirrors. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Labour Welfare Department has taken notice of the daily accidents occurring to motorcycle riders of private companies due to the non-availability of personal protection equipment for safety.
It has been decided to strictly enforce the law to ensure the safety of riders’ lives. The Labour Welfare Department Director General has issued a formal circular in the name of all rider companies.
DG Kalsoom Hai, issued a circular to riding companies, including Careem, Uber, In Drive and Yango, stating that under Section 19 of the Punjab Occupational Safety and Health Act 2019, it is the responsibility of the employer to provide the rider with a helmet, mask, gloves, glasses, raincoat, and hand sanitiser during duty.
In this regard, it came to her notice that all such facilities were not being provided to the riders, exposing them to dangers that constitute a crime under the relevant law, with a penalty of up to Rs100,000 and the employer is bound to compensate the rider for any injuries.
Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that drivers are provided with all protection gears under the Workers’ Compensation Act 2023, so that the riders working on the roads can fulfil their duties more effectively with the protection of their lives.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 22nd, 2024.