Food delivery riders across Australia are continuing to work through extreme heatwaves, prompting renewed calls for stronger protections for gig workers as temperatures climb into the mid-40s.
While many Australians are able to stay indoors during heatwaves, delivery riders often face a choice between risking their health or losing income, with demand for food deliveries rising sharply during extreme heat.
Riders say the combination of soaring temperatures, heat radiating from roads and heavy protective clothing makes conditions especially dangerous. Some report difficulty taking breaks due to strict delivery time limits set by platforms.
Experts warn the risks are worsening as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. Law professor Amelia Thorpe said research shows delivery orders rise during extreme weather, increasing riders’ exposure to heat at the most dangerous times of day.
Delivery platforms including Uber Eats and DoorDash say riders receive safety guidance, but maintain workers are independent contractors responsible for assessing risk.
University of Queensland researcher Tyler Riordan said gig workers lack employee protections and are often pressured by algorithms to work faster in unsafe conditions.
The Transport Workers’ Union says at least 23 gig workers have died in Australia since 2017 and is pushing for minimum standards, rest breaks and heat protections.
Experts and advocates argue Australia needs nationally coordinated heat rules, similar to protections used in construction and elite sport, to ensure workers are not forced to choose between their health and a pay cheque.
