BHUBANESWAR: With the race among online aggregators intensifying to deliver in the shortest possible time which leaves delivery partners vulnerable to hazards, the Odisha government is contemplating to train the gig workers on road safety and emergency response mechanisms.
The Commerce and Transport department has asked the Transport commissioner to take appropriate action after the Labour and ESI department urged it to take steps for enforceable safety standards which aggregators and platform companies must adhere to.
The direction came after a missive from the PMO to all states to take up the matter expeditiously following a complaint on the safety aspects of the delivery personnel during the fast delivery services offered by various platforms.
Several activists have expressed concern as delivery personnel, particularly those riding bicycles or scooters, are frequently exposed to road accidents, traffic mishaps and other physical injuries due to the nature of their work which often demands them to deliver products at a fast pace, even during peak traffic hours or adverse weather conditions.
Delivery workers are often forced to take risks, such as speeding or ignoring basic road safety protocols, to ensure timely deliveries, which increases their vulnerability to accidents. Many of them do not even have adequate safety gear, such as helmets, knee guards, or reflective clothing, which are essential to minimise the risks of accidents and injuries.
“Moreover, there is often no provision for insurance coverage or health benefits for these workers, leaving them exposed in case of accidents. They are also vulnerable to harassment from customers, traffic authorities, or even during the process of making deliveries in unsafe or poorly-lit areas,” the complainant pointed out in his petition to the prime minister.
Although there is no official count of the gig workers, an estimated 52,123 people were employed in the state by 2021. The number would be more given the rise in delivery platforms and food aggregators.
An official of the Transport department said there is an urgent need to enforce mandatory safety standards for delivery workers employed by these platforms. “The Transport commissioner has been asked to devise a strategy to make the gig workers aware about road safety and emergency response,” he said.