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With an increase in work-related traffic deaths this year and higher risks faced, MAST’s new advisory calls on employers, platform operators, and road users to take shared responsibility for safer journeys and stronger traffic-safety practices.
Seven people in Singapore have died in work-related traffic accidents (WRTAs) since the start of 2026, exceeding the six WRTA fatalities recorded for the whole of 2025.
Of the seven fatalities this year, four involved platform workers: three motorcyclists and one private-hire vehicle driver. The remaining three involved employees – two van drivers and one truck driver.
In light of this, Singapore's Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce (MAST) has issued an advisory calling for stronger work-related traffic safety measures. The advisory noted that vocational drivers and riders, including platform workers, face increased exposure to traffic hazards because they spend more time on the road. Motorcyclists, cyclists, and users of personal mobility devices are particularly vulnerable.
Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash said the rise in work-related traffic accidents was a reminder that road and water safety require sustained attention. “Every worker deserves to return home safely,” he said. He added that the Government, employers, workers, industry partners and road users share a responsibility to manage risks and uphold safe practices.
Common risks recorded include road and traffic hazards, blind spots, mobile-phone distraction, fatigue, adverse weather, heat stress, delivery schedules, and workload pressures.
Measures for employers with vehicle fleets
Employers managing vehicle fleets are advised to strengthen fleet safety management. Key measures include:
- Ensuring drivers and riders are properly trained, licensed, and competent.
- Promoting safe driving practices, including maintaining safe distances, observing speed limits, and avoiding distractions.
- Implementing fatigue-management measures, such as work-rest schedules and monitoring driving hours.
- Reinforcing awareness of blind spots and safe interaction with motorcyclists, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.
- Using fleet safety technology and data to identify unsafe driving behaviours and improve safety performance.
- Maintaining, inspecting, and ensuring the roadworthiness of vehicles.
- Establishing clear incident-reporting and emergency-response procedures.
Measures for platform operators
Platform operators are encouraged to implement safe systems of work, taking reference from the approved Code of Practice for Platform Services.
Recommended measures include:
- Educating workers on safe riding and driving practices, including safe distances, speed limits, blind spots, and road hazards.
- Providing safety orientation, training, and refresher programmes.
- Ensuring workers have valid licences and appropriate competencies.
- Ensuring vehicles and devices are legal, maintained, and regularly inspected.
- Providing guidance on daily safety checks before work begins.
- Introducing rest reminders and measures to manage fatigue, heat stress, and adverse weather.
- Establishing clear processes for reporting incidents and responding to emergencies.
- Ensuring workers are not penalised for prioritising safety during bad weather or unsafe conditions, such as when handling excessively heavy loads.
- Informing customers of possible delivery or ride-hail delays during bad weather.
- Avoiding time-based incentives or penalties per trip where the worker has taken a reasonable time to complete the job.
Guidance for vocational drivers, riders, and platform workers
Drivers, riders, and platform workers are advised not to compromise safety to complete jobs more quickly. They should:
- Follow all road traffic rules and regulations at all times.
- Avoid using mobile devices while riding or driving.
- Keep a safe distance of at least three seconds from other vehicles.
- Stay alert to hazards and blind spots.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including approved helmets where relevant.
- Ensure vehicles and mobility devices meet safety standards and are suitable for the job.
- Conduct daily vehicle or device checks before starting work.
- Park safely and engage the handbrake where applicable.
- Keep vehicle cabins tidy and free of items that could interfere with vehicle controls.
- Take breaks and manage fatigue.
- Report unsafe practices, hazards, and incidents to their employer or platform operator.
- Avoid unsafe or negligent actions, including modifying or misusing active mobility devices.
- Avoid putting safety at risk for monetary incentives.
Guidance for all road users
MAST also emphasised that road safety is a shared responsibility. All road users are encouraged to:
- Keep a proper lookout, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Check blind spots carefully before changing lanes or turning.
- Maintain safe distances and avoid tailgating.
- Exercise caution around stationary or slow-moving vehicles.
- Be particularly vigilant at junctions and turning points.
- Give sufficient space to motorcyclists and cyclists.
- Avoid remaining in the blind spots of heavy vehicles.
The advisory also highlighted the importance of managing work-related traffic risks proactively. Safe work practices, realistic operational expectations, properly maintained vehicles and consideration for other road users can help prevent accidents and fatalities.
"Through MAST, we will continue to implement and review initiatives to address traffic risks, and we urge all stakeholders to play their part in preventing accidents and protecting lives," MOS Dinesh added.
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