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At the policy level, there is a need to integrate climate risks into occupational health guidelines and to develop innovative solutions to ensure the sustainability and safety of the gig economy in the long run
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India recently witnessed one of the longest heatwave spells recorded, with the country experiencing 536 heatwave days, the highest in 14 years. This looming threat of a severe summer in India exacerbates the challenges faced by gig workers engaged in outdoor activities. As the gig economy expands rapidly, driven by e-commerce growth, the workforce faces increasing risks amidst rising temperatures. With limited recognition under labour laws, gig workers endure long hours in extreme conditions, facing heightened health risks and reduced productivity.
Findings of a new research study led by Monash University, Australia, highlight that heatwave-linked excess deaths accounted for approximately one-third of all heat-related deaths and 1 percent of the total deaths globally. The study, which examines data over the past 30 years since 1990, indicates that India accounts for the largest share of heatwave-related excess deaths. Following India, China and Russia experienced approximately 14 percent and 8 percent of these deaths, respectively. The burden of disease linked to extreme heat is particularly severe in Low and Middle-Income Countries like India where environmental exposures are compounded by factors such as unplanned urbanisation, substandard housing, dwindling urban green spaces, and other vulnerabilities. There were more than 40,000 suspected cases of heatstroke and at least 110 confirmed deaths from March 1 to June 18 in India this year. All of India's warmest years on record have occurred within the last decade.
The combination of long working hours and a heatwave results in heightened vulnerability for gig workers as they are exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods while cycling or riding motorbikes. This prolonged exposure increases their risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat strokes, which can be fatal. The International Labour Organization (ILO) notes that heat stress sets in at temperatures surpassing 35°C in high humidity, while heat stroke occurs above 40°C. The intense heat in Hyderabad has severely affected gig workers, resulting in numerous cases of heat stroke and heat exhaustion as reported over the past month. Despite advisories to minimise outdoor activity during peak heat hours, gig workers often have limited time to accept or decline work, influencing their ratings and future job opportunities.
The combination of long working hours and a heatwave results in heightened vulnerability for gig workers as they are exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods while cycling or riding motorbikes.
Without employer-provided health insurance, such conditions may go unrecognised or untreated, and they may be at increased risk of accidents or injuries due to fatigue, reduced concentration, or dizziness caused by heat stress. This is aggravated by time-bound deliveries where, on certain platforms, the worker has to deliver within a period of less than 10 minutes.
Many workers report the absence of company-provided protections. Some mentioned having access to water coolers and resting areas, though these are often located far away, making them impractical for regular use. The majority of workers work around 10-12 hours a day without additional compensation despite the extreme heat.
Between May and July, the supply of gig workers usually dips by nearly a fifth due to the sweltering heat. However, the early onset of summer has exacerbated the situation this year, according to online commerce industry executives. As a result of scorching temperatures, the platform companies face a 20 percent gap between gig worker supply and demand. To tackle this, platform companies are setting up shelter areas for the riders to rest accompanied by drinks to rehydrate.
The Indian government has been working with multiple states and cities to implement Heat Action Plans (HAPs). HAPs are intended to assist local authorities in preparing for and responding to heatwave risks by outlining a set of protocols. The HAPs focus on immediate responses, such as healthcare assistance and public awareness campaigns, as well as long-term strategies like investing in infrastructure and sustainable urban planning. However, many HAPs lack sufficient funding, and many of them are not tailored to address local challenges or meet the needs of gig workers. In July last year, Rajasthan became the first state in the nation to have legislation for the welfare of gig workers. The Government of Karnataka has also come up with a draft Gig Workers Bill aimed at providing social security benefits to gig workers. Recently in Gurugram, Haryana the deputy commissioner issued an order directing employers and RWAs societies to arrange for water, coolers, and medical coverage for workers apart from limiting the outdoor work done at noon-time for daily wagers, gig workers, and domestic helpers.
The Indian government has been working with multiple states and cities to implement Heat Action Plans (HAPs). HAPs are intended to assist local authorities in preparing for and responding to heatwave risks by outlining a set of protocols.
Central and state governments have been mandated to provide a safety net for gig workers through the enactment of Code on Social Security 2020. The code aims to extend social security benefits to gig workers, which marks a significant step in acknowledging the unique needs of this growing segment of the workforce in India. These schemes include provisions for life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits, provident fund, accident insurance, and old age protection. The Code legally recognises gig and platform workers, distinguishing them from traditional employees. However, the overlapping definitions of gig, platform, and unorganised workers cause confusion, complicating the implementation of benefits. Additionally, the Code does not mandate essential protections like gratuity and comprehensive health insurance, leaving gig workers without several critical benefits available to traditional employees. Implementation challenges, including increased costs for companies and potential exclusion due to mandatory Aadhaar-based registration, further complicate the application of the Code’s provisions.
The demand for gig work has surged in recent years, driven by the expansion of e-commerce. The gig economy has experienced remarkable growth in its workforce, expanding from 2.5 million in 2011-12 to nearly 13 million in the current fiscal year. Projections from NITI Aayog suggest this figure could reach 23 million by the end of the decade. As the gig economy continues to grow, the need for robust protections and support for gig workers becomes increasingly urgent. Niti Aayog suggests measures for Health Access, Occupational Disease and Work Accident Insurance in partnership with companies or government as envisaged under the Code on Social Security 2020, which can pave the way for social protection measures for gig workers.
The demand for gig work has surged in recent years, driven by the expansion of e-commerce. The gig economy has experienced remarkable growth in its workforce, expanding from 2.5 million in 2011-12 to nearly 13 million in the current fiscal year.
At the policy level, there is a need to integrate climate risks into occupational health guidelines and to develop innovative solutions to ensure the sustainability and safety of the gig economy in the long run. Comprehensive heatwave action plans must be developed, tailored to local conditions, and designed to meet the specific needs of gig workers. Additionally, labour laws in India should be updated to include specific protections for gig workers, ensuring their rights and safety are prioritised, particularly during extreme weather conditions. Employers must take proactive steps to improve working conditions and provide necessary resources to ensure the health and safety of their workforce. For instance, companies should implement more flexible schedules to allow gig workers to avoid peak heat times, provide training on heat illness prevention, institute regular health check-ups and monitoring for signs of heat stress, and enhance protective measures such as cooling vests and regular hydration breaks to significantly reduce the health risks associated with heatwaves. Further, they should extend health insurance coverage to all gig workers to mitigate the impact of heat-related illnesses. Collaboration between government and platform companies is crucial to align their policies with public health guidelines and ensure the well-being of the expanding gig workforce under sustainable conditions.
Aditi Madan is a Fellow at the Institute for Human Development.
Arjun Dubey is a Research Associate at the Institute for Human Development.
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Dr. Aditi Madan is Fellow and an ICSSR post-doctoral fellow at Institute for Human Development (IHD) with a PhD in Disaster Management from Asian Institute ...
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Arjun Dubey is a Research Associate at the Institute for Human Development. He did his post-graduation in Development Studies from Ambedkar University, Delhi. His areas ...
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