TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Labor (勞動部) revised workplace safety regulations Friday (Sept. 19), requiring employers to cover transportation costs when workers must commute during typhoons and other natural disasters. The new rules mandate taxi fare coverage and commuting assistance to protect employee safety during severe weather conditions that pose risks to workers traveling to their jobs.
Huang Chi-ya (黃琦雅), director of the Department of Labor Conditions and Equality in Employment (勞動條件及就業平等), emphasized the regulatory changes' importance. Employers should not require workers to report during natural disasters unless absolutely necessary and mutually agreed upon. Huang stressed that employers cannot leave workers facing commuting hazards including strong winds, heavy rains and falling debris.
The regulatory changes address previous incidents where workers suffered injuries during typhoon commutes, sparking legal disputes over occupational disaster compensation. Courts have classified such commuting injuries as workplace accidents requiring employer liability. Following consultations with labor groups and local governments, the ministry clarified employers' obligations regarding commuting cost assistance during natural disasters.
Huang provided an example where employers typically offer NT$200 (around US$6.67) transportation allowances, but typhoon commuting costs reach NT$400 (around US$13.33). Employers must cover the additional NT$200 (around US$6.67) difference during such emergencies. The ministry now requires employers to specify commuting assistance details in labor contracts, collective agreements or workplace rules. ◼