The health and safety risks for people who drive for work in the gig economy

Abstract

BackgroundVery little research has been conducted into the road safety risks of people who drive in the gig economy (e.g. Uber, Deliveroo). The aim of this study was to explore the experience of risk and its management amongst drivers and their managers engaged in the gig economy. MethodsIn depth interviews and an online survey were carried out among gig economy drivers and their managers. Questions focused on the context in which they work, the extent to which they are aware of, create or experience risks, what they perceived as the roles and responsibilities for safety and how they or their employer managed safety. ResultsIn-depth interviews were carried out with 48 participants and an online survey was completed by 231 respondents. Gig work led some couriers to experience impairment caused by fatigue and pressure to violate speed limits and to use their phones whilst driving. Many admitted to having a collision and experiencing near misses daily. In the online survey 42% said they had been involved in a collision where there vehicle had been damaged and 10% said that someone had been injured, usually themselves. Most respondents (75%) said there had been occasions while working when they have had to take action to avoid a collision. ConclusionsThe emergence of the gig driver could give rise to a perfect storm of risk factors affecting the health and safety not just of the people who work in the economy but for other road users. Pressure from Government should make these service providers more aware of their employment obligations and provide safeguards for people who generate income for them. Recommendations are made to improve the safety of gig workers.