The gig economy is growing fast as more people are starting to choose flexible, independent work over traditional 9-to-5 jobs.
From rideshare drivers to freelancers and delivery workers, the idea of setting your own schedule is pretty appealing. But with this freedom comes some challenges, especially when it comes to personal safety, and especially for women.
Gig workers often find themselves alone, without the protections that a traditional workplace might provide.
In this guide, we’ll explore the risks gig workers face, alongside practical advice to help you protect yourself on the job.
Whether you're delivering food late at night or meeting clients as a freelancer, safety should always be a top priority. Let’s dive into the risks and explore tools, including ResQ Jewelry, that can help you stay safe.
Understanding the Risks for Gig Workers
Working in the gig economy means facing a variety of risks. Whether it’s delivering food or offering freelance services, these challenges can affect your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
According to a study published in the Journal of Transport & Health, gig workers, especially couriers, often face dangerous conditions on the job. Of the 231 survey respondents, 42% reported being involved in a vehicle collision, and 10% said someone had been injured, usually themselves. Additionally, 75% admitted they had to take action to avoid a collision while working. Many workers cited fatigue, pressure to violate speed limits, and using their phones while driving as contributing factors to these risks.
Physical risks
Physical risks are a constant concern for gig workers who interact with strangers or venture into unknown locations. Rideshare and delivery drivers, for example, often operate in unfamiliar neighborhoods and sometimes late into the night, and violent confrontations, accidents, or thefts can happen at any moment.
Emotional and psychological risks
Emotional and psychological risks are just as pressing. Gig work can feel isolating, leaving workers vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Without a regular team or support network, the pressure to hustle can lead to burnout.
Health risks
Then there’s the health risk that comes from long hours on the road or at a desk. Delivery drivers often experience physical strain from sitting for long periods, while freelancers may face eye strain and back pain from endless screen time. Since gig workers usually don’t have employer-provided health benefits, even a minor health issue can spiral into a major problem.
Financial Insecurity
Lastly, financial insecurity is a real risk. With no guaranteed income or benefits, gig workers are left to manage unstable earnings. This can lead to financial stress, especially when combined with client disputes or payment delays.
A study in Safety Science found that performance-based pay disproportionately harms low-wage, female, and non-white workers. Female workers faced more uncertainty about income and job security compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, many gig workers are not earning livable wages, with some receiving as little as $58 per month, which highlights the need for government intervention to address wage disparity.
Safety Tips for Rideshare and Delivery Drivers
If you’re a rideshare or delivery driver, the open road offers both freedom and risk.
You meet new people daily, but you’re also vulnerable to the unpredictability of strangers and dangerous locations. Here’s how to stay safe.
Before Your Shift Begins
Preparation is key. Always check your ride or delivery destination ahead of time. If something doesn’t feel right about the location, don’t be afraid to decline the job. Especially when working at night, stick to areas you’re familiar with or those that are well-lit and populated. Trust your instincts.
Read: 19 Smart Gifts for Long-Distance Commuters
On the Job
When you’re on the road, safety should be your priority. Using a dash cam is one way to monitor your surroundings and keep a record of what happens in your vehicle. It’s also a good idea to keep your doors locked at all times while driving and avoid making unnecessary stops in secluded areas. Consider stocking your car with a medical or safety kit that includes pepper spray (make sure it’s not expired!), a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, a multi-tool, and a roadside emergency blanket for added preparedness.
Once you’ve completed a trip or delivery, drive away promptly. Sticking around in unfamiliar neighborhoods or waiting outside dark houses can increase your risk of theft or confrontation.
For added protection, wear one of ResQ Jewelry’s panic button necklaces or bracelets. With one press of the personal safety alarm, you can discreetly alert your contacts that you need help, without drawing attention to yourself. It’s a small but powerful tool in your safety toolkit that easily links to the ResQ app on your phone.
Safety for Freelancers and Remote Workers
Freelancers and remote workers might think they’re safe behind their computers, but there are risks here too—especially when meeting clients in person or sharing sensitive data online.
When arranging face-to-face meetings, opt for public spaces. Coffee shops, libraries, or coworking spaces are great options for this. Don’t feel pressured to share personal details such as your home address or phone number until you’ve built trust. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s okay to cancel or reschedule a meeting.
Online, female freelancers are often more targeted for cyberstalking or harassment. Protect your personal data by using encrypted communication tools, VPNs, and keeping your software updated with the latest security patches. Always be cautious about the information you share, both in emails and on social media, as hackers or stalkers may attempt to gather details that could compromise your safety.
Must-Have Personal Safety Devices and Apps
Safety tools are important in today’s gig economy, and technology makes it easier to stay connected and protected. Here are some must-have devices and apps that can make all the difference:
Personal Safety Devices
Personal safety devices like panic button keychains, necklaces, and bracelets are really useful tools for gig workers.
Compact and easy to carry, keychain devices attach to your keys or bag, giving you instant access to help with a single press. For a more discreet option, safety necklaces and bracelets blend easily into your outfit, offering hidden panic buttons that can alert emergency contacts or authorities in seconds.
Whether you’re delivering food late at night or meeting new clients somewhere unfamiliar, these wearable devices provide protection when you need it most.
Safety Apps
When you’re working alone or in a high-risk area, safety apps like Noonlight and bSafe can be really useful.
These apps let you share your real-time location with trusted contacts, giving them a live view of where you are. With just one tap on the SOS button, you can immediately trigger an alert, sending out your exact location to emergency contacts or authorities in seconds. bSafe takes it up a notch by letting you record audio or video as soon as you hit the alert.
Dash Cameras
Dash cameras are your silent but ever-watchful co-pilot. As you hit the road for deliveries or rideshare jobs, these cameras record everything happening inside and outside your vehicle.
In the event of an accident or confrontation, your dash cam footage serves as undeniable proof, helping you clear up disputes, submit insurance claims, or even assist law enforcement. Some models even offer night vision and motion detection, so your car is protected around the clock, whether you’re driving or parked.
GPS Trackers
Imagine having someone watch over you every time you step out for work—that’s the power of a GPS tracker. These are standalone devices you can clip to your bag or app integrated with your phone, and they let your loved ones follow your location in real time.
Great for long shifts, late-night gigs, or venturing into new areas, GPS trackers keep you connected with just a tap. Some trackers even allow you to set geofence alerts, meaning if you stray outside of a pre-defined area, your contacts will be notified immediately.
Mental Health Matters in Gig Work
It’s not just about physical safety—your mental well-being matters too. The gig economy can be isolating, and without regular social interaction, the constant hustle can lead to stress, burnout, and anxiety.
According to a study in Safety Science, the precarious nature of gig work, such as zero-hour contracts, negatively affects workers' work-life balance. Studies show that long hours and low pay lead to mental burnout, reducing control and satisfaction in their careers, and excessive working hours limit workers' ability to pursue other endeavors, causing significant career and psychological strain.
Setting clear boundaries is one way to combat the mental strain. Schedule your work hours and breaks so that you have time to recharge. Don’t be afraid to take time off when needed, even if your job feels non-stop.
Finding a support network can help too. Connect with other gig workers through online communities or apps. Knowing that others are going through the same challenges can reduce feelings of isolation and provide valuable advice.
Building Your Personal Safety Routine
Safety doesn’t happen by accident—it’s something you can plan for. Developing a routine that fits your gig work can help keep you protected day in and day out.
Start by sharing your schedule with a trusted friend or family member. Let them know where you’ll be working, especially if your job involves traveling to new places or meeting clients.
Next, assess your surroundings before you start working. Whether you’re driving, meeting someone new, or working remotely, being aware of your environment can help you spot potential risks before they become problems.
Read: 7 Expert Tips to Stay Safe as a Woman
Legal Protections and Insurance
One of the biggest challenges gig workers face is the lack of traditional workplace protections, but there are still ways to protect yourself legally and financially.
It’s important to know your rights. Depending on where you live, gig workers may have specific legal protections. For instance, in some areas, you may qualify for workers' compensation if you’re injured on the job. It’s a good idea to research the laws in your region and understand what protections are available to you.
Beyond legal rights, consider investing in personal liability or accident insurance. Many gig platforms offer insurance options for their workers, but if yours doesn’t, finding your own coverage can help protect you from unexpected accidents.
ResQ Jewelry: Your Partner in Gig Worker Safety
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, gig economy workers often report greater satisfaction with job flexibility compared to traditional employment. This flexibility allows workers to choose when and where they work, but it can come at the cost of job security and benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans. Gig workers may also experience more volatility in income, depending on the demand for their services.
We understand the unique challenges of working in the gig economy, and we designed our safety jewelry tailored to these types of situations, helping you stay protected wherever the job takes you.
Our wearable panic buttons offer an easy, stylish way to stay safe on the job, giving you peace of mind whether you’re driving, delivering, or freelancing!
Stay safe while you work—explore our full line of products and start building your personal safety routine today.