Psychosocial demands of subordinate work in delivery platform companies: Control procedures and effects on the health of delivery workers

Abstract

Background:

The management of precarious work of delivery workers (DW) by delivery platform companies (DPC) incorporates technologies that deepen the subordination of this workforce. The demands placed on DW to carry out their tasks can compromise their health.

Objective:

To analyze the contradictory demands of work subordinated to DPC and their repercussions on health, as opposed to the regulation strategies adopted by DW to prevent illnesses and accidents.

Methods:

A situated analysis of the activity of DW was carried out based on the assumptions of Ergonomic Work Analysis in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, in 2022. General and systematic observations were carried out, emphasizing the tasks of waiting for and receiving delivery orders and collecting goods, as well as self-confrontation interviews with DW.

Results:

DPC are new spaces for the exploitation and precariousness of work, still operating without regulation. DPC use technology to restrict decision-making and intensify work. This increases insecurity by reducing the spaces for regulation in the face of the unpredictability of street work and the pressure of low remuneration. Consequently, there are psychosocial and physical demands associated with work accidents and illness.

Conclusion:

Expanding the autonomy of these workers in terms of managing their own work and eliminating mechanisms that promote its intensification are measures required to prevent accidents and illness.