The food delivery industry has rapidly expanded as part of the gig economy, with riders using cars, scooters, motorbikes, and bicycles to deliver meals across New South Wales. While convenient for customers, this work exposes riders to road hazards, fatigue, and unsafe practices. SafeWork NSW has stepped in to strengthen protections and ensure riders are treated as workers under workplace health and safety laws
New Safety Laws for Riders and Platforms
From 1 July 2022, food delivery platforms must provide riders with:
- High?visibility personal protective equipment (PPE), including retroreflective vests, shirts, or jackets.
- Compliant food and drink delivery bags or containers that meet Australian Standards.
From 1 January 2023, riders are legally required to wear or use the PPE provided while delivering food or drink.
Platform Responsibilities
Food delivery platforms, as Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs), have a primary duty of care under the NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011. This means they must:
- Ensure the health and safety of riders, whether employees or contractors.
- Provide training, information, and instructions on road safety, hazard awareness, fatigue management, and WHS obligations.
- Monitor compliance and support riders with safe systems of work.
Rider Responsibilities
Riders also play a role in keeping themselves safe:
- Always wear the high?visibility PPE supplied.
- Use compliant delivery bags to transport food and drinks securely.
- Follow training on road safety and fatigue management.
- Report hazards or unsafe practices to platforms.
Practical Safety Tips for Riders
- Plan routes carefully to avoid high?risk traffic areas.
- Take regular breaks to manage fatigue.
- Charge e?bike batteries safely (on hard surfaces, away from living areas, and with the correct charger).
- Stay alert to weather conditions that may increase risks.
Why This Matters
Food delivery riders are often young, casual, or migrant workers who may lack workplace protections. These reforms ensure they receive the same safety standards as other workers, reducing injuries and fatalities while promoting a safer gig economy.
Conclusion
Keeping food delivery riders safe is a shared responsibility. Platforms must provide PPE and training, riders must comply with safety requirements, and regulators will continue to enforce standards. Together, these measures create a safer environment for one of the fastest?growing industries in NSW.
Source: SafeWork NSW
Title: Food Delivery Industry
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