Digital labour platforms create new OSH challenges for different types of work

Four new case studies map out the occupational safety and health (OSH) risks and challenges of digital platform workers who perform parcel delivery, handiwork, online content review, or remote programming. Most of the risks are specific to the type of platform work and range from lifting heavy objects and working in uncomfortable positions to verbal abuse, bullying and harassment, while some others, including long work hours or job insecurity are common.

The cases also address the impacts on workers, examine the digital platforms’ practices and actions and discuss the need for prevention and OSH risk management.