A review of 47 sources looked at the health of food delivery riders in China. These workers often face strict deadlines, long hours, and management by algorithms. The study found that these conditions are linked to several health problems. These include road traffic injuries, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and sleep issues.
Beyond physical injuries, the work also impacts mental health. Riders reported higher levels of stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. These problems can be caused by irregular eating habits and a lack of time for personal health management. The research suggests these issues are often tied to the way the delivery platforms are organized rather than just individual choices.
Because much of the current evidence comes from short-term reports, more long-term studies are needed to see how these factors affect workers over time. Experts suggest that improving safety requires changes to work rules, such as betterer management of deadlines and hours. These changes would help protect riders from both physical strain and mental exhaustion.
