Singapore Delivery Riders: Safety Concerns Persist Despite New Work Group & Legislation

The Push to Deliver: Balancing Income and Safety for Singapore’s Riders

Singapore – The relentless pursuit of income is driving delivery riders to prioritize speed and volume of orders, even in the face of significant safety risks, according to riders and recent data. A newly formed perform group aims to address these concerns, but fundamental pressures – from financial incentives to customer expectations – remain potent forces. The issue gained renewed attention following the release of Ministry of Manpower (MOM) figures showing two delivery riders died and over 60 suffered major injuries in 2025.

The core of the problem, as articulated by veteran rider Leck Jun You, 41, is the piece-rate nature of the work. “Since earnings are piecemeal and based on each delivery, it’s only natural that riders strive to take on more jobs and complete them as quickly as possible,” he explained, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many in the sector. This isn’t simply about maximizing earnings; bonus payouts tied to delivery volume further incentivize riders to prioritize speed.

A Stark Rise in Injuries

The MOM report released on March 25, 2026, paints a concerning picture. Beyond the tragic fatalities, the data revealed a disproportionate number of injuries among delivery riders. Of the 74 platform workers who sustained major injuries, a staggering 62 were delivery riders. Even minor injuries were heavily concentrated within this group – 763 out of 1,277 minor injuries involved delivery personnel. The ministry specifically noted that riders on two wheels were more prone to accidents, prompting the creation of the latest work group.

This surge in incidents has prompted calls for action from unions and worker advocates. NTUC assistant secretary-general Yeo Wan Ling described the statistics as “concerning” and urged platform companies to re-evaluate incentive schemes, stating that “the welfare of workers cannot be the price of faster deliveries, longer hours or unsafe conditions.”

The Incentive Structure and Customer Demand

The pressure isn’t solely coming from the platforms themselves. Riders like James Tan, 32, point to customer expectations as a significant factor. “It’s a bit like a game, where if you fulfil more deliveries, you can earn bonuses, too. So, of course, people will want to do things speedy,” Tan said. He explained that the convenience-driven nature of delivery services has created a demand for rapid turnaround times. Customers often provide lower ratings for late deliveries, adding another layer of pressure on riders to prioritize speed.

This creates a difficult dynamic. Riders are caught between the need to earn a living, the incentives offered by platforms, and the expectations of customers. Unless customer expectations shift, many believe it will be difficult to significantly alter rider behavior. Tan himself has experienced close calls, particularly while navigating challenging conditions like rain.

New Legislation and Collaborative Efforts

The formation of the work group represents a proactive step towards addressing these issues. The group will include representatives from government agencies, platform operators (including Grab and foodpanda), the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), and platform work associations. The aim is to explore solutions such as improving the detection of unsafe road behavior and incentivizing safe practices.

This initiative builds on existing efforts to provide greater protections for platform workers. The implementation of the Platform Workers Act on January 1, 2025, extended Work Injury Compensation Act coverage to these workers for work-related accidents. Previously, coverage was not guaranteed. A collaborative group involving MOM, the Ministry of Transport, NTUC, and Grab was established in 2025 to tackle broader challenges faced by platform workers. You can find more information about the Platform Workers Act here: The Straits Times.

Platform Responses and Safety Measures

Both Grab and foodpanda have publicly committed to improving safety for their riders. They pledged to collaborate with the work group and explore new ways to protect their partners. Foodpanda highlighted the importance of “strengthening awareness, promoting safe riding behaviours and improving platform features that encourage responsible road employ.”

Both companies already employ safety measures, including telematics systems that monitor rider behavior and provide feedback on unsafe practices. Grab stated its commitment to “raising standards across the industry and fostering a culture of mutual care.” The effectiveness of these measures, however, remains to be fully assessed.

Looking Ahead: A Multifaceted Challenge

Luqmanul Hakim Othman, 28, a delivery rider, expressed optimism about the work group, believing it will provide a valuable platform for riders to share their experiences and insights. However, he also acknowledged that addressing the issue requires a multifaceted approach.

The challenge lies in balancing the economic realities faced by riders with the need to prioritize their safety. While legislation and platform initiatives are important steps, changing customer expectations and addressing the underlying incentive structures will be crucial to creating a sustainable and safe working environment for Singapore’s delivery riders. The Ministry of Manpower’s data on workplace safety can be found here: The Straits Times.