26 September 2023

Delivery riders dodging injuries

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SafeWork NSW has released new quarterly data that shows a 70 per cent reduction in injuries reported by food delivery riders across the State between April and June of this year.

Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance said that between April and June there were six rider injuries, compared to 25 in the same period in 2020.

Mr Constance said he hoped to see injury rates decrease even further.

He said that after a series of food delivery rider fatalities at the end of 2020, the Food Delivery Rider Taskforce was set up, a high profile education and compliance program across Sydney rolled out and new laws that would apply to all delivery platforms announced.

The Minister said these included new requirements to ensure all riders were provided with personal protective equipment, received comprehensive training and were competent to do the work.

“It’s a relief to see our actions are leading to safer working conditions for riders, but six injuries is still six too many,” he said.

“Every worker deserves to get home safely at the end of their shift, and our actions are aimed at driving rider injuries down to zero.”

Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson said the reduction in injuries was a positive indicator that significant changes implemented over the past six months were improving safety in the industry.

“Despite more and more riders being on the road, it’s reassuring to see that injury and fatality rates have reduced significantly since last year,” Mr Anderson said.

Consultation on the new regulations will start next month with the laws to be finalised by the end of 2021.

The one-page report on the food delivery riders’ injuries can be accessed at this PS News link.

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