Amid heatwave forecast, cos step up efforts to protect delivery workers from heat

Bengaluru: Companies are stepping up to protect their delivery workers from intensifying heatwaves, as the country braces itself for a searing summer amid forecasts of prolonged spells of above-normal temperatures this year.

Industry executives said companies such as Amazon, Flipkart and Eternal are conducting regular check-ups and screenings to identify early signs of heatstroke, increasing the number of rest stops across cities for delivery workers to get a respite from the heat, tying up with local vendors to offer hydrating drinks such as buttermilk and electrolytes, and distributing heat protection gear like lightweight uniforms and sun caps.

Delivery partners, who bear the brunt of extreme weather conditions, are also covered under insurance policies that include treatment for heatstroke and related illnesses, and emergency support is being made available through helplines and onsite assistance.


The Indian Meteorological Department has said that India is set to face hotter-than-usual temperatures from April to June, with the Central, Eastern and Northwestern plains expected to experience more heatwave days.

This month, Amazon announced plans to launch 100 Ashray centres - air-conditioned rest stops which will provide free access to comfortable seating, clean drinking water, tea/coffee, washroom facilities, first aid and mobile charging stations to delivery associates and partners across companies, not just those delivering for Amazon.

"We also use technology to optimise route planning, taking inputs like weather into account and factoring in seamlessly integrated breaks for a better experience for our delivery associates/partners," said an Amazon spokesperson. "Cold water dispensers and electrolytes are available throughout our buildings, including driver rest rooms, and everyone is encouraged to take preventive cool-down breaks as needed."

Eternal, the parent company of Blinkit and Zomato, has doubled down on its 'Shelters Project', taking the count of its rest points past 2,500 across India. These rest points are equipped with comfortable seating, mobile charging points and clean washroom facilities, aimed at supporting the entire gig economy and delivery partners of various companies in between deliveries. Zomato and Blinkit have about 480,000 and 140,000 monthly active delivery partners, respectively.

"To address any health/medical emergency, an ambulance and 24x7 SOS support have been made available in 800+ cities for all delivery partners onboarded on our platforms for immediate and prompt assistance, if needed," said a company spokesperson.

All active delivery partners are also insured under IPD (in-patient department) cover up to Rs 1 lakh and OPD (out-patient department) cover up to Rs 5,000 to avail professional medical support at no additional cost to them.

Earlier this week, the labour and employment ministry issued an advisory to chief secretaries of states and union territories to take proactive measures including rescheduling of work hours and assessing the urgency of physical work during peak heat hours to minimise the impact of heatwaves on labourers and casual workers across the country.

Companies are looking beyond just hydration and basic protection to improve working conditions during the peak summer, said Deepesh Gupta, director-general staffing, Adecco.

"Some companies are also shifting work hours to avoid the hottest part of the day - typically between 12 pm and 3 pm - and, where possible, implementing rotational shifts or shorter routes to limit exposure," said Gupta.

Others like Flipkart are conducting periodic health checks, providing training on heat stroke awareness and first aid. Cooling zones with fans, air mist coolers and chiller pads have been set up at key locations to ensure comfort, said a company spokesperson.

The e-commerce company has also set up a contingency plan to protect its delivery executives, including temporary shift adjustments and workforce support, to effectively manage extreme heat conditions effectively.

The gig economy is becoming central to employment and mobility in India, and delivery executives represent a significant aspect of India's digital growth story, said Yeshab Giri, chief commercial officer, professional talent solutions at talent company Randstad India.

India currently has close to eight million delivery workers powering last-mile logistics, and the number is expected to triple over the next five years. "Ensuring the safety and dignity of this frontline workforce has become both a moral and operational imperative," said Giri. "As this workforce scales further, such interventions will become the baseline for trust and retention in the gig economy."