Food delivery firms commit to world first safety standards

The heads of Australia’s four biggest food delivery platforms have signed on to a world first set of safety principles for workers in the sector.

The new principals are intended to lift safety standards, protect workers, and minimise risks. Picture: AFP

The heads of Australia’s four biggest food delivery platforms have signed on to a world first set of safety principles for workers in the sector.

Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Menulog and Doordash put their names to the Food Delivery National Safety Principles in a bid to lift standards across the industry.

The standards are a world first.

Chinese food delivery platform Easi declined to sign on to the new national standards and Hungry Panda did not engage in the process.

The food delivery industry has been in the headlines recently after the NSW parliament launched an inquiry into safety when five riders died in the space of two months.

The principals are intended to lift safety standards, protect workers, and minimise risks.

They include commitments to road safety training for riders and drivers and ensuring access to personal protective equipment.

Deliveroo Australia CEO Ed McManus said the principles were a strong first step and created something the industry could improve upon.

“We may be fierce competitors, however when it comes to safety we are all aligned that we must work together and put the safety of those who work in the food delivery platform industry above all else,” he said.

UberEats ANZ general manager Matt Denman said it was critical the industry introduced high standards for its workers.

The principals require delivery workers to ensure their vehicles and bikes are registered and comply with safety standards and laws.

This extends to reporting those who supply electric bikes that do not meet safety standards.

“It’s an important role for us to play in engaging with the government and regulators. If we can stop non-compliant bikes being for sale in the market, we should do that as well,” Mr Denman said.

Riders will be provided with reflective clothing.

Platforms to ensure they do not encourage rushing or unsafe behaviour through unrealistic standards or time requirements.

Riders will be discouraged from using the footpath.

DoorDash Australia general manager Rebecca Burrows.

DoorDash Australia general manager Rebecca Burrows said it was important the industry ensured it had a social licence to operate. Ensuring workers obeyed the law was part of this.

“The road rule is you shouldn’t ride on the footpath, but equally part of creating a safe environment for people who are dashing or riding is making sure we the public are aware of our obligations as drivers on the roads,” she said.

Platforms must provide free public liability, income protection, and personal injury insurance cover for workers.

Menulog ANZ managing director Morten Belling said the business was passionate about higher standards.

“The safety of everyone using the Menulog network is our foremost priority and is one of the driving factors behind Menulog’s shift towards employment of couriers in Australia this year,” he said

The new principles, which were developed by Ai Group, have been welcomed by the NSW government and the peak body for the restaurant industry.

NSW Better Regulation Minister Kevin Anderson said the principles were a great example of the food delivery industry tackling safety.

Originally published as Food delivery firms commit to world first safety standards