Platform economy giving rise to new health concerns

The increasingly complex work environments have given rise to new health concerns among workers, highlighting the need for protective measures, an official said during a news conference on Monday.

Sun Xin, director of the National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, reminded food delivery workers, couriers, ride-hailing drivers, and live-streamers to be mindful of their health under new working conditions.

He explained that the rapid growth of the platform economy, encompassing industries such as delivery services, ride-hailing, and live-streaming, has resulted in workers often enduring long hours, high-intensity workloads, and poor sitting postures for extended periods.

"These working conditions make workers more susceptible to health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, mental health disorders, and musculoskeletal injuries," said Sun.

He emphasized the importance of avoiding prolonged working hours and late-night shifts. "It's essential to take breaks and move around," he advised.

In addition, Sun recommended that workers incorporate simple stretching exercises to maintain a balance between work and rest.

For live-streamers, Sun suggested alternating between sitting and standing positions to alleviate muscle fatigue.

Currently, more than 84 million people in China are employed in new forms of work, making the health protection of these laborers a critical focus of occupational health.

Sun also urged workers exposed to traditional occupational hazards, such as dust, chemical toxins, and noise, to proactively understand the health risks and potential consequences associated with their jobs and to take appropriate protective measures.