COVID-19 Experiences, PPE, and Health Concerns in Toronto, Canada Bicycle Delivery Workers: Cross-sectional Pilot Survey. Issue 9 (2nd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harris, M Anne; Kirkham, Tracy L
• Is Part Of: Annals of work exposures and health. Volume 65:Issue 9(2021)
• Page Start: 1139
• Page End: 1144
• Publication Date: 2021-07-02
• Subjects: bicycle delivery -- courier -- COVID-19 -- gig economy -- PPE -- precarious work; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Industrial hygiene -- Periodicals; 613.6205
• DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2398-7316

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To pilot recruitment methods for bicycle delivery workers in Toronto, Canada and to assess workers' experiences with COVID-19 and personal protective equipment (PPE). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. An online survey was deployed and advertised via social media with both paid and free postings in July and August of 2020. An incentive draw was used to motivate participation. These analyses summarized descriptive statistics of the sample and variables relevant to COVID-19. Results: Complete responses were received from 35 participants. No participants reported a diagnosis of COVID-19, however four participants indicated experiencing symptoms. Most participants reported they used PPE, especially masks and/or respirators (97.1%) and 71.4% of participants indicated their employer provided them with PPE (masks or gloves). Participants expressed concern about precarious work and uncertainty about their own COVID-19 exposure risk. Conclusions: Bicycle delivery workers are a precarious working population that may be difficult to reach for research recruitment purposes. Given their essential role in deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic, further work is needed to characterize exposures and risks in this population.