DELIVERY PERSONNELS: PROTECTION FOR FRONT LINE WORKERS
India accounts for the highest number of motorised two-wheeler vehicles in the world; amongst which, food delivery personnel endure the most. The research was about closely looking at their work scenario/ work system under the light of the work culture, ergonomics and other physical (uniform, accessories, climate etc) and psychological aspects related. And thus understanding the problems faced by delivery boys were done using various research methodologies like primary as well as secondary methods.
In our current pandemic scenario it has become imperative to design a uniform that protects them and the customers from the present and any future health hazards. We collectively have hence researched and designed a uniform with the appropriate fabric choices and closures keeping in mind the comfort of the individual while paying equal attention to their protection. The function of this idea is that it would serve as a prospective daily uniform regardless of external threats, hence ensuring that there is no wastage of resources, while ensuring the individual’s safety year long.
The covid-19 pandemic brought to light the shortcomings in the uniforms procided to the delivery service personnels.
Keeping the current scenario in mind and also ensuring that the safety, comfort and efficiency of the personnels are not compromised, we designed a uniform for the present as well as for the coming years. It was essential to keep in mind that the no part or piece becomes disposable, so as to not create more environmental waste.
We also looked into helping the local communities as hence researched and zeroed in on the weavers from Tiruppur for anti-microbial wovens and knits.
Analyzing and understanding the ergonomics and activity-operation mapping, one of the points of the frequent movement is seen in the hands-shoulder area, thus for the ease of movement raglan sleeve has been cooperated in our design.
As this study was done in Gujarat major part of the season and studying seasonal variations, a major part of the season can be traced as dry and hot. As delivery personnel’s work requires a lot of physical movement, incorporating Tencel in the garment helps in air circulation as well as prevents excessive growth of bacteria as they sweat a lot.
The abrasion fabric has been incorporated in the places where constant rubbing has been experienced, for example, back across body of the delivery personnel experiences constant rubbing and increased friction due to backpack. This constant rubbing generates heat, sweating and it’s also detrimental to the quality of the fabric. Hence anti-abrasion can resist the abrasion and give better comfort for the delivery personnel while riding.
To know the entire research and the process that was followed, kindly download the document here.