Micromobility at Work: How to Protect the Safety of Those Who Work on the Road?

Bicycles, e-bikes and scooters are increasingly used to get around large cities. However, when these vehicles become part of the work activity, the road effectively turns into a workplace and brings new needs for prevention and health protection. This is the case, for example, of workers involved in delivery and urban logistics, which are particularly widespread in large cities such as Milan.

What are the risks for those who work on the road?

Work carried out using micromobility has specific characteristics because it combines job-related risks with those arising from the outdoor environment. The main factors to consider include exposure to road traffic hazards, weather and environmental conditions, prolonged physical activity and the postures held while riding. Added to these are psychophysical strain, stress related to work schedules and methods, and the correct use of PPE - Personal Protective Equipment. The assessment must therefore take into account actual operating conditions, considering not only the job role but also the context in which it is carried out.

What do safety regulations require?

Legislative Decree 81/2008 requires the employer to assess all risks to workers' health and safety and to adopt the necessary prevention and protection measures. When work is carried out mainly on the road, the risk assessment must therefore also consider factors related to mobility and the outdoor environment. A company's RAD - Risk Assessment Document must be drawn up taking into account the characteristics of the job roles, how work is organized and the specific risks to which workers are exposed. Information, training and instruction also help promote correct behavior and greater risk awareness.

What is the role of Occupational Health Surveillance in micromobility?

Occupational Health Surveillance makes it possible to integrate risk assessment with monitoring of workers' health status. The Occupational Physician is the reference professional for evaluating individual conditions in relation to the characteristics of the job, with particular attention to ergonomic aspects, stress and prolonged physical activity. This approach makes it possible to define a health protocol consistent with the specific risks and to contribute to the assessment of fitness for the job, integrating health aspects into the company's broader prevention strategy.

What can SAPRA Occupational Medicine do?

When the workplace is the city streets, managing health and safety requires an approach able to adapt to dynamic and constantly changing contexts. SAPRA Occupational Medicine supports companies in managing Occupational Health Surveillance, through a network of Occupational Physicians and Mobile Outpatient Units able to bring the service to the most diverse work settings. Our operational headquarters in Milan also allows us to support businesses throughout Northern Italy in managing Occupational Medicine programs, integrating health monitoring, prevention and company organization. Our approach helps promote safety, staff well-being and corporate welfare, in compliance with the obligations set out in Legislative Decree 81/2008.