Work safety investigation request follows fatal accident involving food delivery rider at Rockdale

Both Uber Eats and the Transport Workers' Union (TWU) contacted the work safety authority following the death of Bijoy Paul, 27, a Bangladash national.

Mr Paul was hit by a car about 11am on Saturday at the intersection of the Princes Highway and Lister Avenue.

He was treated by an off-duty paramedic before being taken by ambulance to St George Hospital, where he died that afternoon.

The driver of the car, a woman, 20, was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Mr Paul came to Australia in 2019 and studied for a masters in information technology at the University of Technology, Sydney.

A spokeswoman for Uber Eats said, "our hearts go out to the family and friends of Bijoy Paul".

"Over the weekend our law enforcement team engaged with NSW Police to offer our full assistance and notified SafeWork NSW," she said.

"We have also been in contact with our insurance partner and have reached out to his family to pass on our condolences."

"In Australia, Uber Eats delivery-partners are covered by a support package designed specifically for them, which includes insurance should an accident or injury occur while they're on a trip."

The spokeswoman said road safety was "a major focus for our business and we are continuing to work with delivery-partners, stakeholders and governments to help make sure those who deliver with the platform can do so safely".

The TWU, which has been seeking government action on the food delivery industry, says Mr Paul is the fourth food delivery rider to have been fatally injured in Australia in three months.

TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said it was another devastating blow for riders. "Our hearts go out to the family of this rider and we know this will send shockwaves throughout the delivery rider community," he said.

"We have notified SafeWork NSW that this should be investigated as a workplace death, and they are appointing an inspector." A SafeWork NSW spokesman said "inquiries are ongoing".