The rise of technology in the workplace , labour market deregulation and the decline in union representation have all significantly impacted the occupational health and safety field. Occupational health and safety is a critical area of public health aimed at promoting and maintaining physical, mental and social well-being among workers across all occupations . This includes improving working conditions, fostering supportive work environments and promoting health-conscious workplaces.
In the context of the gig economy, which is driven by digital platforms that use algorithms to facilitate various forms of work, occupational health and safety concerns are especially pronounced. Platform workers often choose gig jobs for their flexibility , but they face unique challenges, including job insecurity , discrimination , social isolation, irregular working hours and sleep deprivation . The lack of collective bargaining and an imbalance of power and control between platform companies and workers means these jobs are more precarious than full-time jobs .
Many gig workers are classified as independent contractors , which means they are not entitled to the same legal protections other workers are under the Canada Labour Code, such as health benefits, minimum wage laws and safety regulations . This can leave gig workers vulnerable to various health and safety risks. The gig platform model, where success is measured by customer satisfaction rather than worker well-being, often leads to exp.
