This article addresses two topical areas: employees of courier services and drivers of Tbilisi’s internal and intercity bus lines. It aims to highlight the working conditions of minibus drivers and couriers. Firstly, we will discuss the main problems faced by drivers of minibuses and other public transport:
- Informal labor relations, which prevent employees from adhering to labor safety norms;
- Irregular working hours, with drivers working an average of 15-16 hours per day;
- Fatigue, caused by irregular working hours and conditions that lead to health problems, stress, and nervous breakdowns;
- Decreased attention due to fatigue while driving, which can endanger passengers.
Labor safety in the transport sector is generally not regulated. Often, drivers have to work every day for an entire month, with working hours reaching 15-16 hours per day, which is extremely dangerous. According to European standards, a driver’s working time should not exceed 9 hours per day.
A report published by the State Audit Office on February 7, 2020, revealed that only 3,349 out of 6,499 employees who worked more than 48 hours of overtime per week in 2017 were compensated. In 2018, 3,446 out of 6,649 employees were compensated. Additionally, in 2017, 1,379 out of 1,398 bus drivers worked more than 48 hours a week, and in 2018, 1,420 out of 1,438. This indicates that daily rest periods were minimal and likely insufficient for recovery.
According to a representative of the labor inspection, such a work schedule poses significant health risks, potentially triggering various occupational diseases. Employees in this sector face the risk of developing conditions such as osteochondrosis, sciatica, myositis, prostatitis, increased weight, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, extra caution is necessary.
Fatigue and stress among drivers are particularly dangerous. Working 15-16 hours a day results in overload, which can lead to decreased attention and potentially disastrous outcomes. Prolonged communication with passengers can cause stress, manifested by various psycho-emotional symptoms.
Addressing these issues requires timely responses and thorough studies to prevent violations related to occupational safety and health.
Courier services are highly relevant in our city, providing essential services such as delivering letters, food products, heavy goods, and other items. The increasing number of couriers corresponds with rising customer satisfaction, but also with a growing number of accidents.
Road safety is a significant challenge in this area due to the lack of appropriate equipment and protective gear. Mopeds, a relatively new mode of transport for our city, are often managed without adequate knowledge of their features and safety rules. Companies must provide couriers with not only the inventory to be transported but also personal protective equipment.
In both sectors, drivers are pressured to complete tasks quickly, which increases the risk of accidents. Moped drivers face additional risks such as breathing polluted air, especially since most couriers are young people aged 20 to 30.
The risks and dangers of courier work include:
- Road traffic (risk of traffic accidents)
- Time pressure (timely delivery)
- Transport risks (using damaged or malfunctioning mopeds, with maintenance costs often borne by the courier)
- Heavy loads (causing waist and back problems)
- Vibration
- Bad weather
- Inappropriate clothing and lack of protective gear (vests, helmets)
- Customer interactions (dealing with aggressive customers)
- Night work (drowsiness, low concentration, distraction)
- Cash payments (risk of theft)
To mitigate these risks, the following measures should be taken:
- Training for couriers and drivers;
- Provision of appropriate protective clothing and gear, such as helmets;
- Regular safety checks for mopeds;
- Implementation of weight restrictions;
- Health insurance for employees.
It is crucial to understand that those working in these fields are responsible not only for their own safety but also for the health and safety of the people who use their services.
Gergili offers a full range of occupational safety services to help you work safely and efficiently.