Written Answer to PQ on Platform Workers Safety

NOTICE PAPER NO. 673 OF 2026 FOR THE SITTING ON 8 APRIL 2026
QUESTION NO. 1856 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Dr Wan Rizal

To ask the Minister for Manpower given the high safety risks faced by delivery riders (a) what is the breakdown of the (i) major injury rates and (ii) fatal injury rates, for delivery riders and ride-hail drivers respectively; (b) whether the Ministry has plans to further study safety hazards faced by delivery riders; and (c) if so, which hazards, if any, will be prioritised for study.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 710 OF 2026 FOR THE SITTING ON 8 APRIL 2026
QUESTION NO. 1963 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Ms Yeo Wan Ling

To ask the Minister for Manpower given the higher fatal and major injury rates among platform workers (a) what measures is the Ministry considering to reduce platform worker injuries; and (b) whether the Ministry is reviewing platform incentive structures to ensure they do not encourage unsafe behaviours whilst not adversely affecting drivers’ incomes.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 725 OF 2026 FOR THE SITTING ON 8 APRIL 2026
QUESTION NO. 2013 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Mr Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari

To ask the Minister for Manpower in respect of the high fatal and major injury rates among platform workers in the annual workplace safety and health report (a) what are the common causes for these incidents; (b) to what extent are these linked to road safety factors, work pressures such as tight timelines, or fatigue; and (c) how will these findings inform targeted interventions to improve platform worker safety.

Answer:

Mr Speaker Sir, may I have your permission to take Oral PQs 1856, 1963, and 2013 together.

2 In 2025, there were two work-related fatalities and 74 major injuries involving platform workers (PWs), which translates to a rate of 84.6 injuries per 100,000 PWs. The two fatalities and 62 of the 74 major injuries involved PWs performing delivery services. The remaining 12 involved PWs performing ride-hail services.

3 The high injury rate reflects the inherent risks involved in platform work given
that both platform operators (POs) and workers have limited control over their work environment, which primarily involves travel on public roads and paths. Coupled with how most of the PWs’ fatal and major injuries in 2025 were sustained while operating vehicles or active mobility devices, road safety is a key concern.

4 The Ministry does not have data to link PW injuries to work pressures or fatigue. However, Platform Work Associations (PWAs) have highlighted that some PWs face pressures stemming from customer expectations of delivery timings or anxiety over earnings. These factors may add to safety risks, such as some PWs rushing to complete more jobs during peak hours.

5 On platform incentive structures, the PW Trilateral Group convened last year recognised that overly rigid regulation of incentive structures could stifle innovation and disrupt POs’ business models. Instead, it recommended that POs and PWAs develop industry-wide principles for issues related to payment or incentive schemes, balanced against the need for safety of PWs. An example of these principles is that incentive schemes should not be designed to encourage PWs to work excessively long periods without adequate rest to qualify for an incentive.

6 The findings from the 2025 PW injury data provide a basis for MOM and our partners to examine the risk factors of platform work and study how to further strengthen safeguards to protect PWs from injuries at work. To this end, MOM has convened a PW Safety Workgroup comprising relevant government agencies, POs, NTUC and PWAs, which had its first meeting in Mar 2026. An area of focus is the higher incidence of injury experienced by PWs using two-wheeled vehicles such as motorbikes and power-assisted bicycles, safe usage of such vehicles, and how these can be collectively addressed by all stakeholders. The workgroup will share its findings and recommendations when ready.