Gig economy and food delivery workers

Last updated: 05 December 2024

Food delivery drivers

Food delivery workers, especially those in the gig economy with short-term temporary work, face unique risks from outdoor work, traffic and public interactions. Additional hazards for these workers include:

  • traffic and road hazards from navigating roads on bikes or vehicles
  • weather conditions such as heat, cold or rain exposure
  • not having proper safety gear
  • slips, trips, and falls when delivering food in wet, slippery or hazardous environments.

Safe Work Australia's website provides food delivery workers, food outlets and platforms with useful work health and safety resources, information and contacts.

Charging your e-bike and scooter safely

Hard surfaces

Charging on hard surfaces provides stability and reduces the risk of damage or fire hazards caused by an e-bike or scooter tipping over during charging.

Heat dissipation

Heat dissipation is the process of managing and releasing heat particularly from the batteries and electronic components of e-bikes and scooters. Hard surfaces such as concrete or tiles dissipate heat more effectively than softer surfaces, reducing the risk of overheating.

Fire prevention

Charging on non-flammable surfaces reduces the risk of fires spreading in the case of a battery malfunction.

Monitoring

Avoid charging your e-bike or scooter while you’re sleeping. Charging while you’re awake lets you monitor the process and quickly detect and respond to any overheating or unusual odours. If a battery fire does take place, you can take swift action to minimise damage and keep yourself safe. Being present to manage potential issues provides you with peace of mind for a safer charging experience.

Smoke alarms

Install smoke alarms where e-bikes or scooters are charged or stored.

Correct charger

It’s crucial to use the original charger provided with your e-bike or scooter to prevent overheating.

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