Country Amidst the scorching heat in many parts of India, the working conditions of millions of gig workers involved in e-commerce and quick commerce are once again in the news. In big cities, amidst the scorching heat, these delivery workers on bikes and scooters are at greater risk of dehydration, fatigue and heat stroke. The pressure to deliver on time and meet set targets requires them to work even during the hottest hours of the day, when facilities like clean drinking water and shade are often not available en route. In view of these circumstances of gig workers, major companies like e-commerce company Amazon, Zomato, Swiggy and Zepto have announced many special measures to provide relief.
Amazon starts air-conditioned rest centers in major cities
Amazon has launched 100 air-conditioned rest centers in major cities under ‘Project Aashray’, which have seating facilities, toilets and first aid arrangements. According to the company, these centers can also be used by delivery boys of other companies. The company said that every month more than 1.5 lakh delivery boys get facilities like drinking water, mobile charging and first aid at these centres. Besides, health check-up camps are also being organized across the country, where doctors tell them about measures to protect themselves from the heat. Similarly, Zomato, in collaboration with its restaurant partners and other companies, has created more than 5,000 rest stops, where shade and water facilities are available.
Health insurance scheme for delivery boys of Zomato and Blinkit
Delivery boys of Zomato and Blinkit are also being provided treatment facilities including hospitalization under the health insurance scheme. Tata Group’s BigBasket has set up rest areas at its centres, with seating, air and drinking water facilities. Zepto is upgrading its warehouses and facilities with coolers and heat protection measures. According to the company, drinking water, toilets and rest facilities are available at all the centers and insurance is also being provided against diseases like heat stroke and dehydration. Some companies are also working on wearable relief devices. Swiggy and other companies have provided special cooling jackets, which can reduce the body temperature for some time.
SK Sharma is a content writer who writes on news, entertainment, and lifestyle topics. She has over four years of experience and is known for conveying information in simple and clear language.
