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According to the 2022 Motorcycle Courier Deaths Report issued by the Courier Rights Association at least 58 couriers were killed on the job in 2022 in Türkiye and at least 30 couriers lost their lives while working in 2021.
The report asserts that the Law on Occupational Health and Safety was not sufficient to make the work of self-employed couriers safe.
The report states that there is a direct link between fast deliveries and accidents and that these accidents should be defined as murders. In addition, the report indicates that the data of the Social Security Institution (SGK) on occupational illnesses and worker deaths were not "credible."
According to the report the age distribution of the 58 couriers killed on the job in 2022 was as follows: Seven were children 4 of whom were 17 years old, 26 were between 19-27 years old, 22 were between 28-50 years old and one was 58 years old.
Although there are no statistics, working as a courier seasonally is widespread. Many people for whom being a courier is not the main or only occupation, or students, work as a courier in some seasons, according to the weather or the holidays. The measures taken by the couriers who work temporarily or part-time can be limited.
Another observation in the report is that couriers use less personal protective equipment in the summer months.
Other observations reflected in the report are as follows:
28 of the 58 couriers killed on the job in 2022 died in İstanbul.
58% of the couriers who lost their lives were couriers of restaurants while 42 % were self-employed couriers.
Restaurant couriers are a group that is usually working in smaller neighborhoods. This group is also one where undeclared work, no or very bad quality protective equipment, no regular maintenance of motorcycles, no measures for occupational health and safety, and mobbing are more common.
At least four migrant couriers have been killed on the job in Türkiye in 2022. The fact that it was even difficult to identify the names of the couriers who passed away in these cases reflects how lonely the migrant couriers are in addition to being without protection.
The report is suggesting that the companies should develop marketing strategies based on "not fast but safe delivery." (TY/PE)
