Delivery Services: Health and Safety
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions her Department has had with app-based delivery companies on ensuring that health and safety protections in their workers' contracts are not undermined by the use of (a) substitution clauses and (b) accounts sublet by workers with no (i) formal agreement with and (ii) training from that company.
Answered by Sir Stephen Timms
Health and safety law provides comprehensive protection to all workers. Gig economy workers should be treated no differently to other workers, irrespective of their employment contract. An employer must assess the risks created by the work activity and put measures in place to eliminate or control the risks.
Under health and safety law, employers must give their workers clear instructions and information, as well as adequate training and supervision. Employers and those who have control over work equipment (e.g. those hiring out work equipment) have responsibilities for equipment provided for use at work.
Health and safety legislation does not separately cover the specific issues of road and fire risk, nor the contractual arrangements for workers.
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