Trends in parcel delivery driver injury: Evidence from NEISS-Work

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Public Health
• E-commerce Logistics

Background:

• E-commerce growth increases parcel deliveries to homes.
• This surge places significant demands on delivery personnel, raising health and safety concerns.
• Previous research has not fully captured injury trends in this evolving sector.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine trends in injuries sustained by parcel delivery drivers.
• To analyze emergency department (ED) treated injuries from 2015-2022.
• To identify demographic and injury characteristic patterns.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of ED-treated injuries for Couriers and Messengers and Postal Service personnel.
• Estimation of injury rates per 10,000 full-time worker equivalents.
• Examination of demographics, injury sources, and diagnoses.

Main Results:

• ED-treated injury rates for delivery drivers show an upward trend (2015-2022), contrasting with declining overall U.S. industry rates.
• Injury rates in both sectors have converged at a significantly above-average level.
• Female and younger workers experienced disproportionately higher rates of ED-treated injuries.

Conclusions:

• Urgent attention is needed for rising injury trends among delivery drivers.
• Current data limitations hinder a detailed understanding of specific hazards and preventive measures.
• Findings advocate for improved safety practices and updated data collection for modern workplace safety.