Singapore’s delivery riders face a difficult trade-off between earning potential and personal safety, a situation highlighted by recent injury and fatality statistics. Despite the formation of a latest work group aimed at improving conditions, many riders indicate they are likely to continue prioritizing speed and volume of deliveries to maximize income.
Rising Risks for Delivery Workers
In 2025, two delivery riders died and more than 60 suffered major injuries – some resulting in amputation or paralysis – according to a report released by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on March 25. The annual figures also showed that of the 74 platform workers with major injuries, 62 were delivery riders. More than half of the 1,277 riders with minor injuries – 763 in total – were also making deliveries.
The pressure to fulfill orders quickly stems from the nature of the work, where earnings are directly tied to each delivery. “Since earnings are piecemeal and based on each delivery, it’s only natural that riders try to take on more jobs and complete them as quickly as possible,” explained Mr. Leck Jun You, 41, who attempted to complete over 50 deliveries a day when he began working as a rider in 2018.
Financial Incentives and Customer Expectations
Mr. Leck’s experience reflects a broader trend. Riders often work long hours – he once rode for 12 hours a day to qualify for weekly bonus payouts – and face pressure from both financial incentives and customer expectations. Mr. James Tan, 32, noted that completing deliveries quickly is “a bit like a game” with bonus opportunities, while also acknowledging that customers expect fast service and may provide lower ratings for delays.
NTUC assistant secretary-general Yeo Wan Ling described the statistics as concerning, stating on March 25 that platform companies demand to review incentive schemes, emphasizing that “the welfare of workers cannot be the price of faster deliveries, longer hours or unsafe conditions.”
What’s Next?
A newly formed work group, announced on March 25, will bring together government agencies, platform operators, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), and platform work associations. The group will explore solutions such as improving the detection of unsafe road behavior and incentivizing safe practices. Delivery platforms Grab and foodpanda have pledged to collaborate on these efforts, including strengthening awareness and utilizing telematics to monitor rider behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary concern regarding delivery riders?
The primary concern is the high rate of injuries and fatalities among delivery riders, with two riders dying and over 60 suffering major injuries in 2025.
What is being done to address the safety concerns?
A work group has been formed to explore solutions, including improving the detection of unsafe road behavior and incentivizing safe practices. Platforms like Grab and foodpanda are also employing measures like telematics to monitor rider habits.
Why do riders continue to prioritize speed despite the risks?
Riders are motivated by financial incentives, such as bonuses for completing more deliveries, and customer expectations for quick service.
How can a balance be struck between the convenience of delivery services and the safety and well-being of the riders who provide them?
