Protecting Workers in the Digital Platform Economy

This research studies occupational health and safety among app-based transport workers, and identifying health conditions, risk factors, and unhealthy patterns of behaviour that are a result of poor conditions of work. It also attempts to understand the factors that limit workers’ access to health insurance or safety nets in case of emergencies. The research also focuses on harassment faced by drivers from customers, traffic officials and app-based transport companies significantly affects their mental health. It highlights workers’ exposure to factors such as sleep deprivation and substance abuse, which further puts them at risk of poor health. The report also studies expenditure on health and access to safety nets such as insurance, including the factors and priorities that workers take into account before taking a decision on healthcare expenses.