Digital food delivery platforms: working conditions and health risks

Abstract

The social distancing brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic sped up a process that was already underway: the emergence of the platform economy. One of the applications present in this process was for the delivery of food by motorbike couriers, causing a radical transformation of working conditions that requires investigation. The objective of this study was to discuss those conditions and the risks that they pose to the health of workers. A group of 14 food delivery couriers were interviewed and their statements were recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis, resulting in two main findings: precarious employment conditions and health vulnerabilities. The platform promises independence and autonomy regarding work, but at the same time creates insecurity, failing to ensure work protection or financial stability, as it does not guarantee working conditions. On the other hand, such precarious work generates health risks. This situation requires a discussion on the legal protection of the labor rights and health protection of these workers.