SafeWork NSW and Transport for NSW have established an investigative Taskforce to examine whether any avoidable risks had contributed to the recent fatalities of a number of food delivery riders.
Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson said the new Taskforce would also explore any similarities between the recent deaths to determine whether safety improvements needed to be made in the industry.
“Every workplace death is a tragedy,” Mr Anderson said.
“Every person who goes to work should come home safely,” he said.
“We have moved to set up this joint Taskforce, that will see SafeWork investigate each incident and make findings for any immediate improvements or compliance activity that can be implemented to better protect these workers.”
Mr Anderson said the Taskforce would assess the safety measures currently implemented by each food delivery operator and advise on any improvements needed to prevent further incidents.
The Minister said the NSW Centre for Work Health and Safety was already undertaking research into food delivery in the gig economy.
“The findings of the Taskforce will also inform existing work that is investigating risks in the gig economy, and potential avenues for regulatory reform to improve safety in this industry,” he said.
Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance said the purpose of the Taskforce was to examine whether more could be done to protect delivery riders, who were among some of the most at-risk road users.
“We need to do our level best to avoid further tragedies,” Mr Constance said.
