Written Answer to PQ on Safety of outdoor workers

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2543 of 2024 FOR THE SITTING ON OR AFTER 6 FEB 2024
QUESTION NO. 5698 FOR ORAL ANSWER

NMP: Ms See Jinli Jean

To ask the Minister for Manpower with higher occurrences of extreme weather situations indicated in the Third National Climate Change Study, whether the Ministry will consider (i) updating and expanding relevant measures to maintain the safety of outdoor workers, including platform delivery riders, during these occurrences and (ii) bringing awareness to outdoor workers, including freelancers and platform workers, on their right to remove themselves from imminent danger arising from bad weather without fear of reprisal or penalty by employers, hirers, or platform operators.

Answer:

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regularly reviews Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) measures to address the risks faced by outdoor workers.

2. In November 2022, the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC) worked with platform operators, employers and the National Delivery Champions Association on a set of guidelines to enhance the safety of delivery platform workers, including in adverse weather. For example, delivery riders would be permitted to seek shelter, without being subject to penalty or bonus arrangements, during bad weather. MOM also recently introduced new measures to reduce heat stress for outdoor workers, such as requiring employers to identify and redeploy workers vulnerable to heat stress in extreme hot weather.

3. MOM regularly disseminates information on such workplace safety measures through channels such as MOM’s website and social media platforms, unions, the WSH Council and industry partners. Employers are also encouraged to disseminate information to their workers.