The recent study conducted by the Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Centre (TRIP) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi reveals alarming findings regarding the working conditions of gig workers in India. The research indicates that more than half, specifically 56 per cent, of gig workers are engaged in shifts exceeding twelve hours per day. These extended hours often occur during extreme heat, raising concerns about health and safety in the rapidly expanding gig economy.

Under these harsh conditions, many workers encounter serious health issues. Commonly reported problems include headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps, and heat rashes, particularly during periods of extreme heat. Experts caution that continuous exposure to such conditions could lead to severe long-term health implications, especially given the rising temperatures in Delhi, which have recently approached 45 degrees Celsius.

Ankur Kumar, a delivery rider based in Noida, spoke about the dual challenges of heat and work pressure. He noted that while there is significant demand for quick deliveries, the heat has emerged as the primary obstacle. Kumar stated that he typically works fourteen hours under direct sunlight, with only a one-hour break and a mere two days off each month, allowing him an income between Rs 25,000 and Rs 28,000 monthly.

Need for Formal Recognition of Gig Workers

The research team at IIT Delhi has proposed that gig workers should be officially recognised as “outdoor workers.” The current framework regarding labour rights and heat protections reportedly falls short of adequately covering this group. According to Deepti Jain, the lead researcher, gig workers exist in a grey area in terms of classification within existing labour systems, lacking the legal recognition that would afford them necessary protections.

Jain highlighted that gig work, by nature, is performance-based, creating unique challenges in terms of health and safety. Despite their prolonged exposure to adverse weather, these workers are not classified as outdoor workers under existing Heat Action Plans, limiting their access to appropriate protections and resources.

Researchers have recommended specific regulations to mitigate risks faced by gig workers. These include setting maximum working hours, implementing heat protection measures, establishing road safety guidelines, ensuring access to breaks and rest facilities, and providing emergency healthcare support.

Safety Concerns and Worker Demands

The study also identified significant safety concerns related to helmet use and speeding. It documented that 50 per cent of riders surveyed were not wearing helmets. Among those using low-powered two-wheelers or mopeds, the non-compliance rate rose to 94 per cent. Additionally, 12 per cent of riders exceeded the speed limit of 25 km/h, with some reported travelling as fast as 45 km/h. The pressure for rapid deliveries has created a considerable “blind spot” regarding worker safety, according to the researchers.

The preliminary report has been shared with the Delhi Labour Department, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and other relevant entities, with the final report anticipated soon. Worker groups have increasingly raised concerns about operating during extreme temperatures. The Gig and Platform Service Workers Union has formally requested that the Delhi government implement regulations pertaining to midday breaks and shaded resting areas, access to drinking water, and emergency medical facilities.

As the gig economy continues to expand in India, the findings from IIT Delhi contribute to ongoing discussions regarding the health, safety, and working conditions of those within this sector. The study indicates that the focus on worker rights may need to shift towards these critical issues in addition to traditional concerns about earnings and incentives.

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