Public Transportation drivers should pass annual IPPT (besides a perfunctory medical review).
Their work is equally or more onerous, dangerous etc than NS because they operate fast and dangerous killing machines (buses and cars). They work long hours and some are older age group with some chronic disease which may only reveal itself when the driver is under stress, tired or distressed.
Great attention is needed when driving and functioning senses. There have been cases of fatal/ serious accidents caused by taxi drivers who shot red lights, knocked down cyclists in clear sight and who fell asleep at the wheel.
A perfunctory medical examination also doesn't replicate in any way the stressful and onerous road conditions as faced by public transportation drivers (PTD) on the roads.
A replica of IPPT as used by the military https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individual_physical_proficiency_test but age appropriate should be conducted for all able bodied PTD. This shall include aerobic activities like running and swimming and strength based tests like push ups, sit ups or chair-sit to stand and hand grip strength.
Drivers who fail the annual test will be UNABLE to renew their vocational licenses whilst those with mediocre results will be strongly advised to shape up themselves.
This will significantly improve the Singaporean population health and make all road users in Singapore safer.
Reference :
Is health of public transport drivers vetted thoroughly?
https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/...of-public-transport-drivers-vetted-thoroughly
Their work is equally or more onerous, dangerous etc than NS because they operate fast and dangerous killing machines (buses and cars). They work long hours and some are older age group with some chronic disease which may only reveal itself when the driver is under stress, tired or distressed.
Great attention is needed when driving and functioning senses. There have been cases of fatal/ serious accidents caused by taxi drivers who shot red lights, knocked down cyclists in clear sight and who fell asleep at the wheel.
A perfunctory medical examination also doesn't replicate in any way the stressful and onerous road conditions as faced by public transportation drivers (PTD) on the roads.
A replica of IPPT as used by the military https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individual_physical_proficiency_test but age appropriate should be conducted for all able bodied PTD. This shall include aerobic activities like running and swimming and strength based tests like push ups, sit ups or chair-sit to stand and hand grip strength.
Drivers who fail the annual test will be UNABLE to renew their vocational licenses whilst those with mediocre results will be strongly advised to shape up themselves.
This will significantly improve the Singaporean population health and make all road users in Singapore safer.
Reference :
Is health of public transport drivers vetted thoroughly?
https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/...of-public-transport-drivers-vetted-thoroughly
Is health of public transport drivers vetted thoroughly?
Cabby How Yuen Fah hit at least three pedestrians who were crossing the road at the junction of Jalan Bukit Merah and Alexandra Road on March 22.
Cabby How Yuen Fah hit at least three pedestrians who were crossing the road at the junction of Jalan Bukit Merah and Alexandra Road on March 22.PHOTO: STOMP
PUBLISHED: 30 September 2019.
It was reported that a 72-year-old taxi driver lost consciousness when a previously undiagnosed tumour in his liver ruptured while he was driving, resulting in a serious accident and one death (Ruptured liver tumour caused cabby to black out, Sept 20).
It appears to me that many - if not most - taxi drivers are middle-aged or elderly, and perhaps a significant number of those who drive public buses and Grab vehicles are, as well.
In view of Singapore's rapidly ageing population, with more people continuing to work into their 70s, do our public transportation agencies provide comprehensive health-screening for new employees in the aforementioned positions?
If yes, what conditions - for example, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac and neurological conditions, visual problems and cancer - are included?
If job applicants have pre-existing medical conditions, how are they certified fit for driving, especially for shifts that may be up to 12 hours a day?
Also, how often do older drivers go for mandatory medical check-ups? Do these include a proper physical examination or only a perfunctory one?
In addition, are drivers clearly advised to stop their vehicles if they feel unwell, and to seek medical attention immediately? Or do they avoid doing so out of fear of not meeting quotas or key performance indicators, or punitive measures from the companies they work for?
There are about 41,000 and 100,000 holders of the Private-Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence and Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence respectively.
The health of these drivers is of great concern not just to their passengers, but to pedestrians and other road users as well.
I hope the relevant agencies (including private-hire companies) will provide this information and ensure that adequate safeguards are in place.
Oh Jen Jen (Dr)
https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/...of-public-transport-drivers-vetted-thoroughly
Cabby How Yuen Fah hit at least three pedestrians who were crossing the road at the junction of Jalan Bukit Merah and Alexandra Road on March 22.
Cabby How Yuen Fah hit at least three pedestrians who were crossing the road at the junction of Jalan Bukit Merah and Alexandra Road on March 22.PHOTO: STOMP
PUBLISHED: 30 September 2019.
It was reported that a 72-year-old taxi driver lost consciousness when a previously undiagnosed tumour in his liver ruptured while he was driving, resulting in a serious accident and one death (Ruptured liver tumour caused cabby to black out, Sept 20).
It appears to me that many - if not most - taxi drivers are middle-aged or elderly, and perhaps a significant number of those who drive public buses and Grab vehicles are, as well.
In view of Singapore's rapidly ageing population, with more people continuing to work into their 70s, do our public transportation agencies provide comprehensive health-screening for new employees in the aforementioned positions?
If yes, what conditions - for example, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac and neurological conditions, visual problems and cancer - are included?
If job applicants have pre-existing medical conditions, how are they certified fit for driving, especially for shifts that may be up to 12 hours a day?
Also, how often do older drivers go for mandatory medical check-ups? Do these include a proper physical examination or only a perfunctory one?
In addition, are drivers clearly advised to stop their vehicles if they feel unwell, and to seek medical attention immediately? Or do they avoid doing so out of fear of not meeting quotas or key performance indicators, or punitive measures from the companies they work for?
There are about 41,000 and 100,000 holders of the Private-Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence and Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence respectively.
The health of these drivers is of great concern not just to their passengers, but to pedestrians and other road users as well.
I hope the relevant agencies (including private-hire companies) will provide this information and ensure that adequate safeguards are in place.
Oh Jen Jen (Dr)
https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/...of-public-transport-drivers-vetted-thoroughly
