Delivery Worker Injury Claims Up Fivefold Since 2020, Data Shows | Be Korea-savvy

Delivery Worker Injury Claims Up Fivefold Since 2020, Data Shows


Industrial accident claims from delivery service workplaces increased dramatically last year. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

Industrial accident claims from delivery service workplaces increased dramatically last year. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Korea Bizwire) — Industrial accident claims from delivery service workplaces increased dramatically last year, reaching approximately 1,500 cases – nearly five times the number reported in 2020, according to new government data. 

The figures, released on January 20 by the Korea Workers’ Compensation & Welfare Service and analyzed by Rep. Kim Wi-sang of the People Power Party, show that delivery industry workplaces recorded 4,501 total accident claims and 4,163 approvals over the past five years. 

The annual number of workplace injury claims in the delivery sector rose sharply from 326 cases in 2020 to 1,556 cases in 2024, marking a 4.8-fold increase. Approved claims similarly jumped from 296 in 2020 to 1,424 in 2024.

Among the total claims filed during the five-year period, accidents accounted for the majority with 3,808 cases, of which 3,665 were approved. Illness-related claims numbered 519, with 338 receiving approval, while commuting incidents comprised 174 cases, with 160 approved. 

The data also revealed 64 death benefit claims filed during this period, with 53 receiving approval. A majority of the fatalities, 45 in total, were attributed to illness, primarily cardiovascular or heart conditions commonly associated with overwork. Workplace accidents accounted for 12 deaths, while seven occurred during commuting. 

The number of fatal cases has remained relatively stable, averaging 12 to 14 cases annually from 2020 to 2024.

“It’s time to reassess whether current industrial safety systems and regulations adequately protect e-commerce workers,” said Kim. “We must swiftly implement measures to improve health protection for delivery workers and other specially employed workers, including mandatory special health examinations.”

M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)  

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