Why delivery drivers and couriers are at risk

Last-mile delivery has grown fast, and many drivers and riders are self-employed with little training or support. WHO identifies road traffic injuries as a leading cause of death for people aged 5 to 29 and notes that speed and distraction are key risk factors. HSE manual handling guidance applies to repeated lifting from vans, and OSHA warns that working outdoors in heat can quickly become dangerous without water, rest and shade. Cyclists and motorcycle riders are especially exposed on the road.

01Road crashes

Time pressure encourages speeding, phone use and rushing between stops. WHO lists speeding, distraction including mobile phones, and failure to use helmets or seat belts as major risk factors for road injury.

What helps

  • Set your route and stops before you set off; do not handle your phone while moving.
  • Wear a seat belt on every stretch, even short hops between houses.
  • Riders: wear a properly fastened helmet and high-visibility, protective clothing.
  • Report targets that can only be met by speeding.

02Lifting and carrying injuries

Repeatedly reaching into a van, twisting and carrying heavy or awkward parcels loads the back and shoulders. HSE advises assessing loads, keeping them close to the body, avoiding twisting and using aids for heavy items.

What helps

  • Load the van so heavy items sit near the door at waist height.
  • Use a trolley or sack truck for heavy or multiple parcels.
  • Keep the load close, bend your knees and turn with your feet rather than twisting.
  • Ask for two-person delivery for very heavy items.

03Heat, cold and the doorstep

Drivers move between hot vans and the outdoors many times a day. OSHA's heat guidance stresses water, rest and shade, and gradual acclimatisation for new workers. Slips on wet steps, trips in poor light and dog bites are common doorstep injuries.

What helps

  • Carry water and drink regularly, especially in hot weather.
  • Wear layers and grippy footwear in cold, wet or icy conditions.
  • Use a torch in the dark and do not run up steps.
  • Do not enter gardens with loose dogs; leave a card or report the address.

Weekly checklist for delivery drivers and couriers

  • Load the van with heavy parcels near the door before every round.
  • Keep your phone in a mount and route set before moving.
  • Carry water and a proper lunch every shift.
  • Do a short back and hip mobility routine before starting.
  • Check tyres, lights and brakes weekly (and on bikes daily).
  • Note any near-miss and the location.

When to see a professional

  • Back or shoulder pain lasting more than a few weeks.
  • Any head injury after a fall or crash, even if you feel fine.
  • Dog bites that break the skin.
  • Ongoing tiredness or sleepiness while driving.

After a crash or fall with a head injury, get urgent help for vomiting, worsening headache, confusion, drowsiness or problems with speech or vision.

Where ONU fits

ONU shows your activity, sleep and recovery trends together, so you can see how heavy rounds and peak seasons affect your sleep and recovery. It does not monitor driving or detect injuries. See a professional about pain that does not settle.

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Common questions

How heavy is too heavy to lift alone?

There is no single safe weight; it depends on the load, posture, distance and frequency. HSE guidance uses risk filters and asks for aids or help when a load is heavy, awkward or carried far.

Should delivery riders wear helmets?

Yes. WHO identifies correct helmet use as one of the most effective ways to reduce severe head injury for riders of motorcycles and bicycles.

What should I do if I get bitten by a dog?

Clean the wound with running water and seek medical advice if the skin is broken, because bites can become infected.

Sources and further reading

Educational information drawn from the public-health sources listed on this page. It is not a diagnosis, a treatment plan or a guarantee that you will avoid an illness or injury. ONU does not diagnose, treat or prevent disease. Speak to a qualified professional about anything that concerns you, and follow the rules of your employer, sport or local health service.