As India’s gig economy continues to expand rapidly, more individuals are finding jobs as delivery partners and warehouse workers across urban cities. While these gigs offer flexibility and earning potential, they also come with physical risks—ranging from road hazards to lifting heavy loads and handling hazardous materials.
Whether you work with a platform like Marketplace Company’s onboarding or another provider, ensuring personal safety must be a top priority. This blog shares 10 practical safety tips every gig worker should know to protect themselves and others on the job.
1. Prioritize Road Safety at All Times
Urban roads are congested, unpredictable, and often chaotic. As a delivery rider, follow basic road safety practices:
- Always wear a certified helmet
- Obey traffic rules and signals
- Avoid speeding or riding against traffic flow
- Use indicators and mirrors to signal direction changes
Check the onboarding resources from trusted platforms like Marketplace Company for detailed driving guidelines and safety modules.
2. Invest in Quality Safety Gear
Good safety gear reduces the risk of injuries during accidents or slips. This includes:
- Non-slip footwear
- Reflective jackets for night shifts
- Elbow and knee guards for riders
- Safety gloves when lifting or sorting packages
You can explore career-ready kits offered by ethical platforms or partner warehouses. These are often listed on gig worker job openings pages and promoted by HR teams.
3. Know the Right Way to Lift and Carry Loads
Warehouse workers frequently handle heavy packages. Avoid back injuries by:
- Bending your knees while lifting
- Keeping the load close to your body
- Using a trolley for oversized items
Proper posture is essential and often covered during onboarding training sessions and in Marketplace LinkedIn safety tips.
4. Be Trained in Hazardous Goods Handling
Some packages may include chemicals, batteries, or flammable materials. If you’re dealing with such items, ensure:
- The packaging is sealed and labeled
- You’re trained on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- You wear appropriate protective gear
Get more details by consulting company policies or ask safety questions via the contact support portal.
5. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy
In case of an accident or injury, time is critical. Always keep:
- Emergency helplines (police, ambulance, fire)
- A point of contact at your gig platform
- Your own medical information accessible
Many companies like Marketplace Company offer 24/7 helplines for emergency assistance, usually highlighted in social safety campaigns.
6. Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
Long shifts under the sun or in high-temperature warehouses can cause dehydration or fatigue. Take regular breaks and:
- Drink water every hour
- Avoid energy drinks; opt for ORS
- Take 5-minute walks to relax your muscles
Stay updated on daily wellness tips and worker well-being via Marketplace Instagram.
7. Avoid Using Phones While Driving or Operating Equipment
Multitasking while driving or using machinery leads to accidents. Keep your phone on silent or use hands-free gear for essential navigation. Marketplace safety posts remind workers to prioritize focus.
8. Inspect Your Bike or Equipment Before Every Shift
Whether you’re driving a two-wheeler or using warehouse tools like trolleys or forklifts:
- Check brakes and tires
- Ensure fuel or charge levels
- Confirm no damage or loose parts
Routine safety checks are part of onboarding best practices. You can revisit video tutorials posted on LinkedIn.
9. Report Unsafe Conditions Immediately
If you see exposed wires, spills, malfunctioning lifts, or aggressive customers, do not ignore them. Instead:
- Take a photo as evidence
- Report to your manager or via the contact form
- Log complaints via in-app support
Follow escalation protocols or connect with Marketplace Company support for urgent action.
10. Educate Yourself Through Company Resources
Many gig platforms offer free safety courses and job-specific guides. Explore:
Final Thoughts: Safety First, Always
Whether you’re new to delivery work or a veteran warehouse associate, safety is a continuous effort. India’s gig workforce deserves dignity, support, and protection. Platforms like Marketplace Company are taking initiatives to train and safeguard their partners—through structured onboarding, customer support, and career growth.
Stay alert. Follow these 10 safety tips. Look out for fellow workers. If you need help, reach out through Marketplace Instagram or LinkedIn.