July 13, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we work across all industries. As the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation, we protect over 70,000 businesses in Texas and their 1.5 million workers, including numerous drivers delivering goods across industries. Our team of safety experts work closely across all industries to ensure we provide you with resources to prevent workplace incidents, and that service is more important than ever. Depending on local mandates, many Texas businesses are starting to reopen or are operating at limited capacity, while others with the ability to conduct work from home continue to do so. Essential businesses, like those delivering goods on a small or large scale, cannot operate without the majority of employees on-site or behind the wheel.

In this article series – Working safely during COVID-19 – we’re providing safety tips for industries with employees working on-site.

From food deliveries to bulk goods, drivers are busy making sure customers get their orders and shipments. Because of that, they’re also more likely to be in contact with people and common surfaces. When it comes to COVID-19, the primary exposure to drivers delivering goods is having contact with individuals while making a delivery. It is possible to spread the virus by handling items that an individual with COVID-19 has touched and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes, although this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. To help protect yourself while making deliveries, be mindful of social distancing guidelines and limit contact with people and frequently touched objects.

Limit or avoid contact

The first line of defense is avoiding contact with people or items that may have been handled by others.

• If you’re delivering items directly to a customer, practice contactless delivery by leaving items at the recipient’s doorstep or their front office to help limit your contact with others.
• When possible, maintain a distance of 6 feet when verifying receipt of an order.
• The CDC recommends wearing a face covering over your nose and mouth when in public settings where 6 feet of distance may be difficult to maintain.
• Wear gloves or use your foot, elbow, hip or shoulder to open doors or ring doorbells whenever possible.
• Limit contact with surfaces such as countertops, doors or elevator buttons.
• Avoid sharing pens or other items with customers.

Wash and sanitize throughout the day

Cleaning and disinfecting are vital preventative measures you can take to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

• Ensure you have hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray or disposable wipes, and a trash bag in your vehicle.
• Sanitize commonly touched items such as your car door, steering wheel and scanner before and after each shift.
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after making a delivery or pumping gas.
• When you arrive home, wash your hands, shower and change your clothing as soon as possible.

Don’t forget about ergonomics

Delivery options and the availability of certain goods, like cleaning products, are in high demand, which likely increases your workload. Throughout the day, make sure you’re following ergonomic practices to keep your body healthy.

• Adjust your driving set-up so that you can reach the pedals without moving away from the backrest and don’t have to overreach for the steering wheel.
• Lift with your legs, not your back.
• Don’t twist your body while moving or lifting items.
• Take a few minutes to stretch when you have a break from driving.

General preventative measures

Basic hygiene practices are crucial for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.

• Avoid touching your face with unclean hands.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds before eating and drinking.
• If soap is not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
• Stay home if you have any symptoms of illness.

Please be aware that the COVID-19 pandemic is still developing. The details provided here are based on information available at the time of development. For the most up-to-date information regarding the virus and safety precautions, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Current events should not overshadow basic workplace safety. Health and safety are everyone’s responsibility and should be prioritized each and every day. Texas Mutual is committed to this message and helping our policyholders get their employees home safely each day. For more resources, visit our Coronavirus Resources page or contact our safety services support center at 844-WORKSAFE (967-5723).