Food apps make safety pledge
Major food delivery companies have committed to 50 new safety measures and other regulatory changes by the NSW government.
The NSW Government has released a new report (available here in PDF form), after multiple deaths of food delivery riders on Sydney’s roads.
The ‘industry action plan’ outlines 50 new safety actions for companies to adhere to, includng updates to apps, translating safety instructions, changes to uniforms and even a helmet-checking facility.
The government was able to obtain different commitments from companies, with Domino’s Pizza saying it will look at virtual reality and “gamification” methods to improve safety, while Deliveroo is testing personal safety alarms for its Australian riders.
Uber Eats was already trialling its new helmet-detection feature before the plan was published.
NSW Better Regulation Minister Kevin Anderson has welcomed the moves, but say the big improvements will come from an upcoming taskforce report.
“While I congratulate the sector on developing its own plan, the biggest changes are set to come through the Gig Economy Taskforce’s report which will provide recommendations for regulatory change to government,” Mr Anderson said.
Transport Workers Union secretary Michael Kaine said the government taskforce had let down riders.
“What was seen as a ray of hope following the tragic deaths of five riders in just two months has proven to be a stunt to advance company propaganda and detract from the critical need for regulatory reform that would save lives,” he said.
“Food delivery riders who know better than anyone the deadly pressures they’re under were continuously silenced on low pay and exploitation and told in no uncertain terms that anything requiring regulatory change was beyond scope.”
SafeWork NSW says it will monitor whether operators are adhering to commitments.