New safety laws for NSW food delivery riders now in place

New Safety Laws for NSW Food Delivery Riders Now in Place

New safety laws requiring food delivery riders in NSW to wear high-visibility personal protective equipment provided to them for delivery duties are now in place. This regulatory update strengthens rider protections and clarifies employer obligations across the food delivery sector.

The new laws took effect on 1 January 2023 and also require food delivery platforms to train riders before allowing them to work for their platform. Employers must provide riders with proper PPE and verified training records before any shift begins.

What the New Rules Require

Acting Head of SafeWork John Tansey said, "On 1 January 2023, it becomes law for riders to wear the supplied PPE, which is a high visibility vest and food bag, and carry a training verification record."

Under these requirements, riders must:

• Wear high-visibility personal protective equipment supplied by their platform
• Carry proof of completed training verification at all times while working
• Comply with platform-issued safety gear standards before starting deliveries

Penalties for Non-Compliance

After this date, riders found not wearing supplied PPE will face a $144 fine for each offence. Platforms that fail to provide riders with proper equipment or fail to deliver adequate training before rostering them to work may also face scrutiny under NSW workplace safety regulations.

These changes follow a broader push to improve conditions across the food delivery industry, building on earlier reforms outlined in our coverage of the NSW safety blitz targeting food delivery riders and platforms.

Why This Matters for Employers and Riders

Food delivery work carries unique risks, and consistent use of high-visibility gear helps reduce incidents involving riders on the road. Platforms operating in NSW should review their onboarding processes to confirm training records are properly verified before riders begin work.

Businesses managing delivery or transport operations can strengthen compliance using structured safety documentation, such as the WHS Delivery Services Work Health & Safety Management System or the OHS Transport/Delivery Occupational Health & Safety Management System, which support consistent safety practices across delivery fleets.

Further Resources

Further information can be found on the NSW Government website. Employers seeking additional guidance on regulatory obligations may also find related resources through our coverage of new WHS regulations for NSW mines and petroleum sites, which illustrates how government agencies continue to tighten safety standards across multiple industries.

Safety professionals looking to mark upcoming industry milestones can also explore resources tied to the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023 promotion, which highlights broader efforts to protect workers across sectors.