Commentary: Pressures of platform work in Singapore push drivers and riders to take risks
Platform workers operate in an environment shaped, in part, by the expectations of the people they serve, says SUSS’ Victor Seah.
In Singapore, platform workers face a heightened risk of fatal and major injury incidents, with a rate 3.8 times higher than construction workers. Of the nine fatal workplace incidents due to vehicular causes, four involved platform workers - three delivery workers and one ride-hailing driver. This data highlights a significant safety problem, as platform work is now primarily a road safety issue.
A growing concern is Singapore's roads, with only 61% of respondents considering them safe in an inaugural road safety survey. Platform workers face immense pressure, navigating unpredictable traffic, bad weather, and tight schedules. While individual recklessness may contribute to accidents, a growing body of research suggests prosocial rule-breaking plays a significant role.
This refers to workers bending rules to serve customers and protect their income and ratings, despite knowing it increases accident risks. Addressing this problem requires a systemic solution, as simply blaming individual drivers is insufficient. Policy makers, unions, and platform companies all have a role to play in addressing the structural conditions of platform work, from improving training and safety technology to addressing incentive structures that encourage rushing.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
