UK Study Explores Safety Risks of Gig Economy

In response to the emergence of the gig economy and the changing nature of work, the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new research on its risks and benefits in hopes of informing future occupational safety and health policy.

Gig economy work is characterised by short-term informal working relationships where work is generally on-demand, obtained via an on-line platform, and delivered (and paid for) on a task-by-task basis. The HSE says it is typically “casual, unpredictable, irregular, contingent, and temporary”.

In the UK alone, the number of participants in the gig economy is estimated to be around 2.8 million – the vast majority of which are aged between 18 and 34.

The report states that for some of these workers, gig work offers benefits such as variety and flexibility, but for others, it may have negative health and safety implications.

“The main health risks associated with participation in the gig economy are work-related stress and the development of other mental health issues as a result of being involved in a non-standard form of employment.”

“Participation in gig economy style employment relationships could, therefore, have adverse psychological implications for some individuals. There is weaker evidence regarding safety risks, with the main ones being fatigue and an increased risk of occupational injuries.”

“The new business model on which the gig economy is based, along with the continued upwards trend in the numbers of those working in the gig economy – and gig work being evident across many industry sectors – is important to understand in relation to HSE’s activities.”

In Australia, a recent report found that a large number of gig economy workers are often not covered by workers compensation, and that current schemes are structured to cater for a traditional workforce of full time and permanent employees (see related article).

In 2018, a peak trade union body accused popular website, Airtasker, of using the “cloak of innovation to reintroduce archaic labour practices, circumvent minimum wage rates, and removing employee safety nets” (see related article).

Health risks identified in HSE report

• psychological health issues due to work-related stress linked to working to tight deadlines/time pressures/lack of sick pay protection, the need to be available at all times and lack of job control, control of working time, job security and autonomy are occupational stressors
• lack of health surveillance/occupational health care
• increased body mass and poor sleep quality)
• job insecurity linked with poorer health outcomes
• precarious work associated with poor health outcomes, particularly mental health issues.

Safety risks identified in HSE report

• drivers who have no maximum driving times, high workloads and the potential to cause accidents
• visual fatigue
• an association between occupational injuries and precarious employment
• lack of proper safety induction.

Read more: Gig Economy Exposing Drivers to High Safety Risks in the UK
Read more: Uber Drivers Are Not Employees, Rules Fair Work Australia