Debated in Parliament on 3 Mar 2026.
Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how does the Ministry evaluate work-related accident risks in platform delivery; (b) whether the Code of Practice for Platform Services will regulate cumulative, time-based incentives that encourage risky riding; and (c) whether the Ministry will mandate Safety Time-Outs on these platforms after the occurrence of accidents to ensure that operators prioritise rider safety over delivery speed and volume.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has extended the scope of the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act and Work Injury Compensation Act to cover platform work from 1 January 2025. This was after extensive consultation with platform operators and the labour movement to understand the safety risks faced by platform workers. These stakeholders collectively developed the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for Platform Services, which sets out practical guidance for platform operators and platform workers to work safely, aligned to the WSH Act. In the event of a prosecution under the Act, the Courts will take into consideration whether the ACOP was complied with.
The ACOP for Platform Services sets out that platform operators should not set any limit, penalty or bonus incentives for platform workers to complete a job within a certain time. It also highlights that platform workers should not neglect safety for monetary incentives. In September 2025, the Platform Workers Trilateral Group further strengthened safeguards by bringing together platform operators and platform work associations to develop guiding principles for platform work incentives. For example, incentives should be structured reasonably and not compromise the health and safety of platform workers.
MOM takes a calibrated approach, balancing the need for heightened vigilance with the potential disruption to business operations and worker livelihoods when deciding whether to call for a Safety Time-Out.
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