A “deadly recipe” is putting delivery drivers at elevated risk, according to Transport Workers Union secretary Michael Caine.

A 27-year-old delivery driver was killed in Port Melbourne on Tuesday night, after being victim of an alleged hit-and-run.

Mr Caine told Jacqui Felgate drivers were being pressured by food delivery companies to work at set hours as part of an algorithm-based system.

Click PLAY to hear Michael Caine unpack the issues with Jacqui Felgate on 3AW 

“There is a large cohort of workers on student visas,” he said on 3AW Drive.

“They are working to look after themselves while they’re here and of course they’re terribly exposed. They have to do the delivery in the timeframe that’s been asked of them to maintain their work, otherwise the algorithm kicks them off the app.”

Image: Nine