"Delivery and Substitute Drivers, 4 out of 10 at High Risk for Cerebrovascular and Cardiovascular Diseases"

KCTU Survey Results... Average Age is Relatively High at 50.4 Years

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] A survey has revealed that food delivery and designated driver service workers are exposed to health risks such as cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.

The Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) held a forum on the 5th at the FKTU Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, where it disclosed the health checkup results of food delivery workers and designated drivers. The health checkups were conducted in May on 40 food delivery workers and 44 designated drivers. Their average age was 50.4 years, which is relatively high for workers in these occupations.

The test results showed that in the analysis of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease risk, 14 individuals were classified in the highest risk group requiring immediate action, and 17 were in the high-risk group. Those in the high-risk group or above accounted for 37%. Following this, 28 were in the moderate risk group, and 17 were in the low-risk group. Only 8 people were in a healthy state. It was found that 17 people were taking medication for hypertension. There were 24 people who either did not know they had hypertension or knew but were not receiving treatment, requiring measures beyond lifestyle changes or medication.

On the same day, the FKTU also released the results of a health status survey conducted on 500 food delivery and designated driver workers. The survey was conducted in June through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Among the respondents, 17% had experienced musculoskeletal, respiratory, or digestive pain in the past year. For those working more than 52 hours per week, this rate increased to 26%. Mental health risks were also high. Among the respondents, 61% reported experiencing verbal abuse or insults from customers in the past year. For designated drivers, this rate reached 82%.

Based on these survey results, the FKTU plans to develop policy alternatives within the framework of the mutual aid association for platform workers organized by the union. The mutual aid association is an organization based on mutual assistance to protect the rights and interests of platform workers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.