The delivery boys of online retailers are increasingly facing health problems. Most of the delivery personnel in the last mile are only equipped with two wheelers. Balancing the consignment weighing an average of 30 to 40 kilograms is resulting in back pains and serious health problems.
A delivery personnel of eKart (Flipkart’s logistics arm) is contemplating quitting his job due to the problems he is facing.
“Initially, money was the motivation. However, now the job is taking a toll on my health,” he says of his job that earns him Rs. 12,000 a month. “I carry about 30 kg to 40 kg on my shoulders six days a week and travel for about 40 km to 50 km a day,” he goes on.
He adds that close to Rs. 2,000 of his monthly salary goes in treating his back problems.
Many delivery personnel are quitting their jobs due to the health issues they are facing. This problem is not as severe in vans or four-wheelers when compared to bikes. However, bikes are a cheaper and faster option in the traffic-clogged roads of India.
Flipkart claims that none of its delivery boys have complained.
Neeraj Aggarwal, senior director of last mile operations at Flipkart says, “As of now, we have received no such complaints from any of our delivery staff. We support our staff with benefits like medical and insurance cover in case of emergencies.”
Doctors are of the opinion that bike riders will face back problems in the long run, but this is aggravated due to the presence of heavy bags.
“On average, we have at least four to five boys coming every month to us with back problems,” says Ramneek Mahajan, director of orthopaedics and joint replacement at Saket City Hospital in Delhi. “Our first advice is to stop carrying weight completely and, if possible, to find an alternative job.
However, that might be an extreme measure.”
Saravanan B, delivery personnel for two years says, “If one keeps the backpack on the seat of the bike and not put the weight on his shoulder, then there won’t be any back issue.”
Apart from that, companies can also look at a hybrid delivery system. Delivery can be done with a combination of bikes and vans and drivers are circulated between the two modes of vehicles.
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