As we move forward in the gig economy, gig workers have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. From delivering our food and groceries to driving us around, they make our lives easier in countless ways. “According to a report in The Economic Times, Uber has more than 1 million drivers in India, as stated by its chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi during the ride-hailing platform’s March-quarter earnings call.”
Additionally, Zomato has more than 350,000 delivery partners in the country, as mentioned on their official social media. Despite their significant contributions, it’s crucial to remember that these workers are human too, facing unique challenges that often go unnoticed. Especially during heatwaves, the risks they face can be severe, impacting both their health and economic well-being.
Gig workers, those who work on a temporary, flexible basis often for multiple clients or companies, typically operate as independent contractors rather than traditional employees. This status offers them greater control over their work schedules and locations, but it also leaves them without the protections and benefits that traditional employees enjoy.
Health Risks in the Heat
Heatwaves pose significant health risks for gig workers, who often spend long hours outdoors. “According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to a range of health problems, from mild to severe. Initially, workers may experience sweating, dehydration, and salt loss, which can impair their perceptual and motor performance. This can result in decreased productivity and an increased risk of accidents.”
As exposure continues, more serious conditions such as heat exhaustion can occur. Heat exhaustion symptoms include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and nausea, which can severely impact a worker’s ability to perform tasks safely and efficiently. If body temperatures rise above 37°C, it can lead to heat strain, and temperatures exceeding 38°C can be dangerous, especially for prolonged periods. Temperatures above 39°C are critical and can lead to heatstroke, unconsciousness, or even death.
Chronic health effects of excessive heat exposure are also concerning. Workers with pre-existing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions, may see their conditions worsen. Daily dehydration without adequate water access can lead to kidney damage. The strain on the body from trying to regulate its temperature also stresses the heart and kidneys, increasing the risk of acute kidney injury and exacerbating chronic health issues.
“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heat stress is a leading cause of weather-related deaths and can exacerbate underlying illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, and asthma.” Heatstroke is a medical emergency with a high fatality rate. The number of people exposed to extreme heat is growing exponentially due to climate change, with heat-related mortality for people over 65 increasing by approximately 85% between 2000–2004 and 2017–2021. Globally, around 489,000 heat-related deaths occur each year, with 45% of these in Asia.
The impact of heat on health depends on several factors, including the timing, intensity, and duration of heat events, as well as the local population’s acclimatization and adaptability. Extreme heat can disrupt essential health services, reduce productivity, and increase the risk of accidents. Rapid interventions are necessary when heat alerts are issued to prevent deaths and hospitalizations triggered by extreme hot weather.
The Perils of 10-Minute Delivery
The ’10-minute delivery at the doorstep’ policy adopted by some e-commerce platforms pushes delivery workers to operate under intense time pressure, significantly impacting their safety and well-being. These policies mandate that orders must be delivered within a strict 10-minute timeframe, which often forces delivery personnel to rush through traffic and weather conditions, disregarding their own physical limits and safety precautions.
For instance, when a customer places an order, such as through Zepto, the countdown begins immediately, indicating the expectation of a rapid delivery. This pressure prompts delivery riders like Hussain Khan to swiftly collect the order from a nearby dark store and navigate congested roads to reach the destination within the stipulated time. Despite claims of riding safely at an average speed of 15 kmph, the reality is that such policies inherently encourage faster driving to meet deadlines, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
While companies may assert that there are no penalties for late deliveries or incentives for on-time deliveries, the operational culture still emphasizes swift execution to maintain customer satisfaction metrics. This rush can lead to physical exhaustion, heightened stress levels, and an elevated risk of road accidents, as seen in scenarios where delivery times occasionally extend beyond the promised 10 minutes due to logistical challenges.
Overall, while the 10-minute delivery policy aims to enhance customer convenience and satisfaction, it poses significant occupational hazards for delivery personnel, compromising their safety and well-being in the pursuit of efficiency and competitive edge
Economic Impacts
The economic impact of heatwaves on gig workers is equally troubling. A study by the People’s Association in Grassroots Action and Movements, and the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers, highlights that over 43% of gig workers earn less than Rs 500 a day or Rs 15,000 a month after deducting all costs. This modest income is often insufficient to cover the additional expenses incurred during heatwaves, such as higher utility bills for cooling or medical costs from heat-related illnesses.
Moreover, many drivers and delivery persons struggle to take regular days off, with less than 37% of drivers belonging to a union. The lack of union representation means fewer protections and less bargaining power to negotiate for better working conditions or compensation.
Humanizing the Gig Worker Experience
To promote a more empathetic and supportive environment for gig workers, it is essential to understand and address these challenges. Here are some steps we can take:
1. Advocate for Better Working Conditions: Support policies that ensure fair wages, reasonable working hours, and access to necessary amenities like rest areas and hydration stations.
2. Promote Unionization: Encourage gig workers to join or form unions to strengthen their collective bargaining power and secure better protections.
3. Show Empathy and Respect: Treat gig workers with the respect and kindness they deserve. Small gestures, like offering a cold drink or expressing gratitude, can make a significant difference.
4. Support Health Initiatives: Advocate for initiatives that provide health screenings, education on heat-related illnesses, and access to affordable healthcare for gig workers.
“According to a report by the government think-tank NITI Aayog, India’s gig workforce is expected to expand to 23.5 million workers by 2029-30, three times the estimated 7.7 million in 2020-21. As this workforce grows, it is our collective responsibility to ensure their well-being and dignity are not overlooked.”
Conclusion
As we contemplate the future of the gig economy and its indispensable role in our lives, we must pause to consider the unseen challenges faced by gig workers. From battling the physical toll of heatwaves to navigating stringent delivery deadlines, these individuals endure significant risks to fulfill our daily needs. The economic pressures they face, compounded by the lack of traditional workplace protections, highlight a stark reality of modern labor dynamics.
Yet, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for reflection and action. How can we, as a society, ensure that the convenience we enjoy does not come at the expense of their well-being? Can we redefine success in the gig economy to prioritize human dignity alongside efficiency? These questions compel us to advocate for fair treatment, equitable policies, and genuine empathy toward those who form the backbone of our convenience-driven world.