Young delivery cyclists 13 times more likely to be injured
Since Covid lockdowns began, we’ve seen a huge increase in delivery riders for companies like Uber Eats and Doordash. It’s a challenging job, tight deadlines, hard-work, usually poorly-paid, and presents real danger from traffic and abuse. A new report has found delivery cyclists are thirteen times more likely than recreational cyclists to present to an emergency department between 8pm and midnight, yet the injuries largely go unreported.
Commercial delivery riders are often injured on the job during the busy evening delivery period, and whilst they sub-contract to huge multinationals, they are often not covered by Medicare. Under Australian labour laws, being an independent contractor means not being entitled to minimum wage, sick leave and annual leave. Delivery cyclists are most likely to be young males, eleven times more likely to have a primary language that is not English. At least five food delivery riders in NSW, all from migrant backgrounds, were killed in two months in late 2020 in road accidents while on the job.
Why injures may not be reported
FEAR. One of the most common reasons people don’t speak up when a workplace incident occurs is because they are afraid – their fear is of the unknown. Employees don’t know what the repercussions will be if they report the incident, and they worry that this action might bring some kind of punishment.
POWERLESSNESS. Add a sense of powerlessness as young employees report that they feel they have less influence in the workplace because of their age and inexperience which keeps them from telling their supervisor about safety concerns or injuries. They also report feeling they do not have a voice that can help change something in the workplace. In the context of workplace safety, that could mean making recommendations, sharing ideas with any supervisor, refusing to perform dangerous work or even the empowerment of calling a safety representative to report a concern or incident.
“DON’T MAKE ANY NOISE “ Interestingly, employees with more seniority in the same job, have an approach of not reporting injuries because they understand that is a normal part of getting the job done. Many employees have different definitions for injuries and do not report those that they understand are “small” and do not think they can anything to do to prevent them. Not understanding when an injury is work-related and accepting discomfort and even pain as part of the job. They fear that “making noise” will limit them to keep their current job or aspire for growth in the organization
Appointing a Lawyer can make a fairer difference
38% of respondents who had been involved in an incident, did not report it because they felt they may be met with anger or that nothing would be done as a result. Australians typically are reluctant to sue, but when you have suffered losses due to the actions of someone else, it’s important to know what you’re entitled to in terms of compensation. If you’re not sure what to do in this upsetting time, the Brisbane personal injury lawyers at Phoenix Law – compassionate experienced Injury Lawyers, are here to help.
You will more than likely need help with medical expenses, loss of earnings, physical and psychological suffering, or loss of enjoyment of life. CALL 1800-GET-HELP or see https://www.phoenix-law.com.au/ +61 (07) 3180 0908 #workinjury #qldlaw #workerscompensation #injury
Whether you were injured in an accident, at work, or on private or public property, our knowledgeable and compassionate lawyers can help you understand and help you speak up.
