BANGI, Aug 15 -- An increase in the number of accidents involving workers riding motorcycles to and from the workplace needs the immediate attention of employers, said National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

He said there was an increase of 2,735 accidents involving motorcyclists and pillion-riders last year compared to 2015, which was a cause for concern and required immediate attention.

Lee said one of the preventive measures that could be taken by employers was to educate their workers on taking precautions when riding motorcycles.

"We understand that due to the high cost of living, many workers choose to commute by motorcycles although it is risky,” he told reporters after attending the agency's National day celebration here today.

Lee said it was the responsibility of employers to ensure the safety of their workers, both when at work and when commuting to and from the workplace, especially now during unpredictable weather.

-- BERNAMA, malaysiandigest.com