RISK ON THE ROAD: ANALYZING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS FACED BY URBAN FOOD DELIVERY GIG WORKERS

AUTHOR – NITHYA R, STUDENT AT THE TAMIL NADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE OF LAW (SPECIALIZING IN INTERNATIONAL LAW AND IPR)

BEST CITATION – NITHYA R, RISK ON THE ROAD: ANALYZING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS FACED BY URBAN FOOD DELIVERY GIG WORKERS, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 767-773, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT:

Food delivery gig workers in urban areas face unique physical and mental health challenges due to the nature of platform-based work and demanding city environments. This study explores daily risks such as accidents, musculoskeletal strain, and exposure to extreme weather, along with mental health issues like stress, job insecurity, and lack of social support. The key issue is the absence of legal protection, as gig workers are not recognized as formal employees and thus lack access to health insurance, paid leave, and compensation benefits. Drawing from secondary sources, including government and media reports, the research highlights how the gig economy’s flexibility often comes at the cost of worker well-being. It calls for urgent policy intervention—legal recognition of gig workers, platform accountability, and comprehensive social security. By examining both the health risks and legal gaps, this paper advocates for inclusive reforms to ensure safe, fair, and dignified working conditions in the growing digital gig economy.

Keywords: Gig economy, Food delivery workers, Urban, Health concerns, and  Labour rights