Paralysed rider's case highlights loophole in Hong Kong gig-work law proposal

While navigating a roundabout in Sheung Shui, rider Joe looked at a Keeta order alert, lost focus and hit a broken-down car, resulting in severe spinal injury and near-total paralysis. Although he has regained limited movement, doctors warn the damage is largely irreversible. Five months later, his insurance claim is still pending, and his wife Yee faces mounting medical and living costs.

Labour NGOs contend that the government’s draft platform-worker law would deny compensation for accidents occurring between orders, a scenario that matches Joe’s case. They call for the law to treat gig workers as employees and to cover the entire period riders are logged in. The platform has expressed sympathy and said it will review its dispatch system, while the Labour Department says it aims to submit the legislation to the Legislative Council by year-end.