KUWAIT: Recent findings from health checkups conducted alongside awareness workshops for delivery drivers on bikes in Kuwait have highlighted significant health concerns among this group. Organized by the National Diwan for Human Rights in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the results have shown many riders, particularly those handling food, are at a higher risk of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension), many of whom were unaware of their health status.
"What surprised us was that many of these riders had not previously reported their health issues,” said Sarah Al-Rubaian, Head of the Awareness Department at the National Diwan for Human Rights. "This likely stems from a lack of awareness, health neglect, or fear of the financial burden associated with medical checkups and treatments.” She also noted that the fear of job loss might discourage riders from seeking medical help or disclosing their health problems.
The checkups also revealed other alarming results, including a notable prevalence of color blindness among riders. "This condition, particularly the inability to distinguish red color, could increase the risk of accidents, as riders may struggle to identify brake lights and traffic signals, especially at night,” added Rubaian.
In response to the recent findings, the National Diwan for Human Rights proposed to the government several new regulations to enhance the safety and well-being of delivery riders. Rubaian asserted that occupational health is a necessity rather than a privilege. "It’s a right that should be granted to everyone, regardless of gender, nationality, or position within the hierarchy,” she said.
Among the recommendations are the introduction of blood pressure, diabetes, and color blindness tests as part of regular and free of charge health screenings for riders. "These tests would help identify health issues that could impair their ability to operate their motorbikes and protect both the riders and other road users,” said Rubaian.
To ensure their inclusive safety on the road, the diwan also proposed additional amendments, such as reorganizing motorcycle regulations by categorizing motorbikes based on size and specifications. While Kuwait’s traffic authorities currently impose a ban on all delivery motorbikes on highways and Ring Roads, this approach would allow only larger, safer models on highways while restricting smaller motorcycles to less-trafficked streets.
Currently, the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) enforces a fixed-hours outdoor work ban usually during the peak summer months of June, July and August each year. The diwan proposes regulating riders’ outdoor work based on real-time temperature, offering better protection from extreme heat and reducing heat-related health risks while on duty. Rubaian also mentioned that under the new traffic regulations, advanced cameras will be installed to monitor temperature levels and track rider movements.
According to Rubaian, these measures, which are currently under review and discussion, have been recommended based on international Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems, as well as standards implemented by other Gulf countries.