Help Shape Safer WHS Protections for Crowd Platform Workers

Safe Work Australia is inviting stakeholders to provide feedback on how crowd platform work is regulated under the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, with the goal of ensuring crowd platform workers receive the same level of WHS protection as other workers.

Crowd platforms are a form of digital labour platform that connect workers with clients through an online marketplace. Workers typically submit bids or proposals for tasks posted on the platform, and clients then select from a pool of applicants. In many cases, the negotiation of terms, scope of work and deliverables occurs directly between the client and the worker.

This model differs from on-demand platforms, where tasks such as food delivery, passenger transport or other services are allocated to workers via automated or algorithmic systems. In those cases, work is usually assigned directly in response to requests from end-users, rather than through competitive bidding.

Currently, there is uncertainty about who holds primary responsibility for work health and safety in crowd platform arrangements. This lack of clarity has raised concerns that some workers may not be adequately protected from physical, psychosocial or other WHS risks. In particular, questions remain about the respective duties of platform operators, clients and workers themselves.

To better understand these issues, Safe Work Australia has released a consultation paper seeking views on how WHS duties should apply in the crowd platform environment and how risks can be managed more effectively. Input is sought from workers, platform operators, clients, industry bodies and WHS professionals.

Organisations engaging crowd platform workers are encouraged to consider how their existing WHS management systems, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), and policies and procedures apply to this type of work. Where appropriate, businesses may wish to review or strengthen their WHS documentation to address hazards specific to digital and remote work environments. Resources to support this, such as WHS management systems and policies, are available from specialist providers like Bluesafe.

Feedback received through this public consultation, and any future related consultations, will help inform discussions and decision-making by Safe Work Australia Members on potential improvements to the regulatory framework.

Anyone with an interest in, or direct experience of, crowd platform work is strongly encouraged to participate in the consultation process. This includes workers using crowd platforms, businesses that engage them, unions, industry associations and WHS practitioners.

To get involved, visit Safe Work Australia's Consultation Hub to read the consultation paper, review the key issues and complete the online survey. Your input will help shape clearer WHS responsibilities and safer work practices for all crowd platform workers.