Written Answer by Dr Tan See Leng to PQ on plan to enhance workplace safety and health of food delivery riders

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1248 OF 2022 FOR SITTING ON 1 AUGUST 2022
QUESTION NO. 3155 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
MP: Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye

To ask the Minister for Manpower how does the Ministry intend to enhance the workplace safety and health of food delivery riders who are often incentivised by food delivery platforms to deliver as many orders as possible during peak hours, which may result in endangering their lives.

The Ministry of Manpower shares the Member’s concerns regarding the safety of food delivery platform riders. While food delivery platforms may want to incentivise riders to take on more orders, this must not be at the expense of safety and health, especially given the inherent risks of being on the road.
There are existing efforts by the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council to guide industry road safety practices for companies, such as through circulars to emphasise their safety duties. The WSH Council is working with platform companies to review work processes to enhance the safety of platform workers on the road to prevent accidents, including food delivery platform riders. More details will be shared when ready.

There have also been campaigns to raise awareness among workers on safety measures and tips to prevent accidents. For example, the WSH Council published its Guide to Safe Riding in March 2021, which highlights the risks that delivery riders face and provides good practices that they can adopt to keep safe on the roads.
In parallel, the Advisory Committee on Platform Workers is looking to strengthen protections for platform workers, including financial compensation in case of work injury. Work is ongoing and is expected to be completed by the second half of 2022.