The NSW Government says its new regulations have led to a reduction in food delivery rider injuries. 

New quarterly data published this week shows a 70 per cent reduction in reported food delivery rider injuries across NSW between April and June 2021.

Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson says the reduction is linked to changes the Government has worked on to improve safety in the industry.

“The food delivery industry continues to boom in NSW, especially with the current lockdown restrictions, and it’s our job to make sure that worker safety comes first,” Mr Anderson said.

“Despite more and more riders being on the road, it’s reassuring to see that injury and fatality rates have reduced significantly since last year.

“Over the past six months we’ve worked tirelessly with the industry and with riders to highlight the need for increased safety in the sector, and although it’s still early days, our efforts are starting to make a difference.”

Between April and June 2021 there were six rider injuries, compared to 25 in the same period in 2020.

After a series of food delivery rider fatalities at the end of 2020, the NSW set up a Food Delivery Rider Taskforce, rolled out an education and compliance program across Sydney and announced new laws that will apply to all delivery platforms. 

These include new requirements to ensure all riders are provided with personal protective equipment, receive comprehensive training, and are competent to do the work.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said he hoped to see injury rates decrease even further.

“It’s a relief to see our actions are leading to safer working conditions for riders, but six injuries is still six too many. Every worker deserves to get home safely at the end of their shift, and our actions are aimed at driving rider injuries down to zero,” Mr Constance said.

“We now have the strongest safety environment for food delivery platforms and riders anywhere in the world and will continue to work with industry to ensure a culture where people and safety comes first.”

Consultation on the new regulations will start next month, with the laws to be finalised by the end of 2021.