Work-Related Safety and Health Issues among Food and Parcel Delivery Riders

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and advancements in digital technology have led to significant growth in the gig economy’s commercial food and parcel delivery sectors. In Malaysia, freelance riders known as P-hailing deliverers prioritize customer ratings and delivery speed over occupational safety and health (OSH), often engaging in risky riding behavior and violating road-traffic regulations. The Royal Malaysia Police reported a twenty-fold increase in accidents involving P-hailing riders in 2020 compared to the previous year. This study aimed to uncover OSH issues among P-hailing riders in Malaysia. A literature review and semi-structured interviews with riders and digital platform representatives were conducted. The findings confirmed that deliverers face numerous hazards, including exposure to unsafe road conditions, reckless road users, extreme temperatures, dust, smoke, unpredictable weather, biological hazards (viruses and bacteria), and vibrations. Additionally, they are vulnerable to ergonomic and psychosocial hazards while performing deliveries. These findings provide valuable information for future research on OSH issues in the P-hailing sector and can inform policy development. However, the study’s limitation is its small sample size, with only 10 respondents representing riders and service providers. In conclusion, addressing safety and health concerns in P-hailing is crucial for the well-being of freelance deliverers and the sustainability of the industry.