The NSW Government has today established an investigative Taskforce led by SafeWork NSW and Transport NSW to examine whether any avoidable risks may have contributed to a number of recent fatalities of food delivery riders.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the new Taskforce will also explore any similarities between the recent deaths, to determine whether there are improvements that need be made to improve safety in this industry.
“Every workplace death is a tragedy. Every person who goes to work should come home safely,” Mr Anderson 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.
“The Taskforce will assess the safety measures currently implemented by each food delivery operator, and advise on any improvements needed to prevent further incidents.”
The NSW Government’s Centre for Work Health and Safety is 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,” Mr Anderson said.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the Taskforce was launched to ensure the safety of delivery riders.
“The deaths of these delivery riders are absolutely tragic and if action needs to be taken we will do that,” Mr Constance said.
“Any life lost on our road is one too many and the purpose of this Taskforce is to examine if more can be done to protect delivery riders, who are among some of our most at risk road users.
“We need to do our level best to avoid further tragedies.”
