Singapore will ban the use of caged lorries to transport workers from Jan 1, 2027, a policy shift that follows years of debate about the safety of ferrying people on lorry decks.
At the heart of the change is a clear safety concern: caged rear decks can become dangerous in emergencies. In situations such as accidents or fires, the cage structure may trap workers and make escape more difficult. By moving to prohibit this mode of transport, the authorities are directly addressing a risk that has long worried workers, advocates, and members of the public.
The announcement also signals that compliance will not be optional. Companies that fail to meet the new requirement will face penalties, with details to be shared ahead of the 2027 deadline. Between now and then, firms are expected to ensure workers have safe access to and from lorry decks.
While the ban sets a definitive end date for caged lorry transport, it also underscores a broader point: how workers travel to and from worksites is a workplace safety issue, not a logistical afterthought. With 2027 on the horizon, the next chapter will be defined by how quickly and effectively companies adapt to safer arrangements—and how firmly the new rules are enforced once they take effect.
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