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| Speed at the cost of safety: Inside the lives of delivery workers | | | Shahid Ahmed Hakla Poonchi
In today’s fast-moving world, convenience has quietly become our biggest priority. We want everything quickly—food, groceries, medicines—delivered right to our doorstep without any delay. Many apps have perfectly fitted into this lifestyle, promising deliveries in just minutes. For many urban consumers, this feels like progress, a sign of modern efficiency and smart living.
But behind this comfort lies a reality that we often choose to ignore. Every quick delivery is not just a service—it is the result of someone’s constant struggle. While we sit comfortably at home, a delivery worker is rushing through traffic, dealing with pressure, and trying to survive in a system that demands speed over safety. This contrast between our comfort and their hardship is too large to be ignored.
• The Promise of Freedom That Isn’t Real
At first glance, delivery jobs appear attractive, especially for young people who are looking for flexible work. Companies promote these jobs as an opportunity to “be your own boss” and “earn as much as you want.” This idea creates hope, particularly among those who have limited employment options.
However, the ground reality is very different. Workers are completely dependent on the app for their earnings. The app decides when they get orders, how frequently they get them, and how much they will be paid. If they log out early or reject orders, their future chances of getting work can reduce. In simple words, they are not controlling the system—the system is controlling them. This creates a hidden pressure where workers feel forced to stay online for long hours, even when they are tired or unwell. The so-called “freedom” becomes a trap, where they are constantly working just to maintain a stable income.
• The Race Against Time
The idea of delivering groceries within minutes may sound impressive, but for workers, it creates a daily race against time. Every order comes with a strict deadline, and even a small delay can affect their ratings and earnings. In cities where traffic is unpredictable and roads are often crowded, meeting such tight deadlines is extremely difficult. Workers often have to take shortcuts, drive faster than safe limits, and ignore basic safety precautions. The pressure is not just external—it becomes mental stress that builds up throughout the day.
Imagine the constant anxiety of watching the clock, knowing that every second matters. For the customer, a delay of a few minutes is a minor inconvenience. But for the worker, it can mean reduced income or even fewer future opportunities. This imbalance shows how the burden of speed is placed entirely on the worker.
• Working in Extreme Conditions
Delivery workers do not have fixed offices or controlled environments. Their workplace is the road, and their working conditions depend entirely on the weather and surroundings. During summers, when temperatures rise above 45°C in many parts of India, these workers are still out there, riding bikes under the burning sun. Their bodies face dehydration, fatigue, and sometimes even heat-related illnesses. In the rainy season, they continue working on slippery roads, increasing the risk of accidents. Winters bring their own challenges, especially in colder regions where early mornings and late nights become extremely difficult.
Despite all this, there are very few facilities available for them. There are no proper rest areas, no guaranteed breaks, and often no access to clean drinking water. Many workers continue working without stopping because every break means losing potential income. Over time, this affects not just their physical health but also their mental well-being.
• No Security, No Safety Net
One of the most serious issues faced by workers is the complete lack of job security. Unlike traditional employees, they are not protected by strong labour laws or company policies. Everything depends on the app. A worker can suddenly stop receiving orders or even get blocked without clear explanation. This means their source of income can disappear overnight, leaving them helpless. There is no proper grievance system where they can raise concerns or seek justice.
In case of accidents, which are quite common due to the nature of their work, support is often limited or delayed. Medical expenses, loss of income, and family responsibilities become their personal burden. This creates a constant fear in their minds—they are working today, but there is no guarantee for tomorrow.
• Low Earnings, High Effort
From the outside, it may look like delivery workers earn a decent amount because they are always busy and visible on the streets. But the reality is far from this perception. Their earnings are based on the number of deliveries they complete, and the payment per delivery is often quite low. To earn enough for basic living expenses, they have to work long hours—sometimes stretching to 10–12 hours a day. Even then, a significant portion of their income goes into fuel, vehicle maintenance, and mobile expenses.
After deducting all these costs, what remains is often not enough to provide a comfortable life. Many workers struggle to support their families, pay rent, or manage emergencies. This creates a cycle where they are forced to work more and more, without any real improvement in their financial condition.
• The Role We All Play
While companies design these systems, we as consumers also play an important role in sustaining them. Our demand for faster deliveries directly increases the pressure on workers. When we expect everything instantly and show dissatisfaction over small delays, we unknowingly contribute to the stress faced by delivery workers. The culture of instant gratification has made us less patient and, at times, less understanding.
We rarely think about the human effort behind the service. The person delivering our order is not just a part of an app—they are an individual with challenges, responsibilities, and limits. Recognising this reality is the first step towards change.
• What Needs to Change
The growth of the gig economy is not a bad thing. It has created employment opportunities and made services more accessible. However, growth without fairness leads to exploitation. There is an urgent need to improve the working conditions of delivery workers. They should be provided with a minimum guaranteed income so that they do not have to depend entirely on unpredictable orders. Proper insurance and health support should be ensured, especially considering the risks involved in their work.
Companies must also rethink unrealistic delivery promises and focus on sustainable models that prioritise worker safety. At the same time, the government needs to strengthen labour policies to include gig workers and protect their rights. As consumers, we must also become more responsible. Choosing slightly slower delivery options or simply being patient can make a difference in reducing pressure on workers.
• Time to Think Beyond Convenience
The next time your order arrives within minutes, pause for a moment and think about the journey behind it. It is possible that the worker skipped a meal to complete more deliveries. It is possible that he drove through dangerous traffic or extreme weather just to meet a deadline. It is possible that he has been working since morning without proper rest. Behind every quick delivery is a story of effort, struggle, and sacrifice that often goes unnoticed. Convenience is a part of modern life, but it should not come at the cost of human dignity. True progress is not just about speed—it is about creating systems that respect and protect the people who keep them running. |
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