Workers can claim payouts for injuries sustained ‘arising out of and in the course of performing platform work’, according to government proposal

Hong Kong’s army of gig workers in food and goods delivery services will be entitled to compensation for job-related injuries under proposed legislation aimed at improving labour protection for those working for digital platforms.

According to a paper prepared by the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the proposal will cover gig workers who sustain injuries or die “as a result of an accident arising out of and in the course of performing platform work”.

In cases of injury, gig workers will be entitled to payments for sick leave, medical expenses, compensation for permanent incapacity, and the cost of surgical appliances.

In fatal cases, compensation will cover funeral and medical attendance expenses, as well as death compensation.

“In the calculation of the amount of compensation for death and compensation for permanent total incapacity, the minimum amount of compensation – HK$514,510 and HK$584,220, respectively – and the monthly earnings ceiling – HK$38,670 – under [the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance] are applicable to compensation payable to platform workers,” the paper, to be tabled for discussion at next Friday’s Legislative Council manpower panel meeting, said.

“This will ensure that platform workers who suffer from permanent total or partial incapacity or die as a result of a work accident are entitled to compensation comparable to those of employees.”