Amazon Flex is piloting new security options for its drivers, based on a report from The Data.
This follows a collection of incidents through which Flex drivers, who use their very own automobiles for deliveries, have reportedly been met with violence or risk by residents: since 2022, 5 Flex drivers have been shot in 4 completely different incidents and 5 others stated they’ve had weapons drawn on them. In lots of of those incidents, residence house owners had been reported to have mistaken supply drivers for intruders because of their automobiles being unmarked.
Amazon is now implementing measures to stop this, together with a function in its app that may show a Flex driver’s title and {photograph} to prospects awaiting supply. Right now, the corporate doesn’t present prospects with any details about who’s delivering their packages.
As well as, a choose group of Flex drivers is being given Amazon-branded merchandise to show on their automobiles, comparable to magnets and lights. These shall be handed out to drivers starting this month. Amazon can be engaged on a textual content function routinely alerting prospects when a supply is about to be made. Drivers at the moment have the choice of independently texting prospects themselves.
John Oliver slams Amazon over its therapy of supply drivers
Launched in 2015, Flex is a program the place unbiased contractors can signal as much as make Amazon deliveries in their very own autos. Drivers can work based on their very own schedules and availability, with Amazon pitching this system as a aspect hustle and a method to earn more money: “Select the blocks that suit your schedule, then get again to dwelling your life,” reads the web site. The corporate says that the majority of their gig drivers earn between $18 to $25 per hour for his or her deliveries.
When reached for remark by Mashable, Amazon pointed us to the security part for Flex. Amazon’s present security suggestions for Flex drivers embody sporting a excessive visibility security vest, and slip-resistant, closed-heel, and closed-toe sneakers. The corporate additionally presents free Amazon-branded vests for drivers at their supply stations.
Again in 2019, Amazon carried out facial recognition by way of selfies to confirm the identities of Flex drivers, as a method to guard prospects, scale back fraud, and assure that solely individuals approved to ship packages had been ready to take action. The brand new pilot options are extra geared in direction of defending drivers. Amazon spokesperson Maya Vautier informed The Data that the measures are a part of the corporate’s “ongoing complete security efforts.”
“We’ll hold listening to Amazon Flex supply companions, inventing on their behalf,” stated Vautier, “and piloting new services to assist enhance their expertise.”
