Gig Economy Workers and Health & Safety

With more and more people around the UK utilising online platforms for the delivery of goods and food. Business owners may overlook the transport methods that their gig economy workers use to complete their tasks, with many of them deciding to use e-bikes and scooters. 

Businesses need to know what risks these pose to their workers, and what health and safety policies they need to implement to keep their workers safe while they are on a job. 

If you need immediate support in implementing fire safety policies, get in touch with one of our health and safety experts on 0800 141 3908. 

Who are gig economy workers? 

A gig economy worker is someone who works on an on-demand basis. So when work is available,they perform it, when it isn't available, individuals wait for the next job to come in. 

It relies on a network of ‘self-employed contractors’ who are paid by the job, e.g. by each delivery made. 

What are the risks to their health and safety? 

Gig economy workers come across more risks to their health and safety than you’d probably expect, from lone working,and property damage to fire safety concerns. 

Lone working

As a business, you have a duty of care to all your workers. Gig economy workers such as delivery drivers (or riders), and couriers all work in isolation away from any of their co-workers and without direct supervision from their line managers. 

One of the greatest risks associated with this, is that they won’t have anyone they trust around them if they find themselves in an accident or altercation. As a business, you should ensure they have robust policies and procedures in place to support their contractors in these cases. 

E-bike fires 

Gig economy workers who utilise E-bikes and scooters with lithium ion batteries are at risk of fires, either when they are charging their vehicles or when they are using them. There are multiple cases a day where e-bikes have overheated while on charge, and resulted in the fire services being called out to both residential and commercial properties to put out the blaze. 

Given the nature of lithium ion batteries, it’s imperative they are looked after properly and only charged with the correct cable. Gig economy workers are especially at risk of an e-bike fire because they, in many cases, are paid per delivery, and e-bikes allow them complete more deliveries in a set time frame. 

As a result of this, many gig economy workers may opt for a cheaper e-bike that hasn’t been manufactured to a high standard with poorly made batteries, incorrect charging cables, and a battery management system that’s prone to shorting. 

Businesses should ensure that their workers are aware of the risks associated with e-bikes and scooters. You can do this by producing a robust fire risk assessment, ensuring that e-bikes are purchased from reputable providers and follow all the UK regulations. Business can also provide their employees with a checklist of ways they can reduce the risk of ebike fires. 

Who is responsible for the health and safety of gig economy workers? 

As a business owner, you are responsible for the health and safety of your worker. This extends to agency workers, gig economy workers and contractors. 

Businesses who utilise gig economy workers should ensure they conduct a risk assessment for all employees to identify risk and control measures, for example, workers being properly trained, PAT tested chargers, and provide safety equipment where appropriate. 

They should ensure they have the appropriate insurance to cover all actions that they have the potential to be held accountable for. 

Speak to Croner

At Croner, we are dedicated to helping employers improve their fire safety and the health & safety of their business. We’ve been assisting employers for over 80 years and our advice line is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Get in touch with one of our experts on 0800 141 3908.