For the nearly 1.5 million delivery drivers across the U.S., the holiday season brings a surge of online shopping and package shipments. These steps can help employers reduce the risk to delivery drivers and ensure packages arrive without incident.
1Keep delivery vehicles properly maintained.
For delivery drivers, the vehicle and road are an extension of the workplace. While employers have no control over many roadway hazards, they can help drivers stay safe by making sure vehicles are properly maintained.
2Make driving training a priority.
About two Texans die each day in work-related transportation incidents. Employers bear the cost, lost productivity, and liability of work-related transportation injuries. Create specific driving policies for your company, communicate those policies at orientation and annually, and review driving safety tips regularly to help reduce incidents.
3Provide tips on crime and violence prevention.
Delivery drivers have contact with the public, work alone, work late at night, deliver valuable goods, work in high crime areas, and may exchange money—all risk factors for violence. Encourage safe behaviors, like parking close to the delivery location and keeping an arm’s distance from the public. Make sure drivers carry a first aid kit and a cell phone.
4Protect against the weather.
Many delivery trucks, cargo areas, and loading facilities have no heat or air conditioning. Review the dangers of heat and cold environmental exposure and ways to prevent and treat them.
5Prevent bodily injuries.
Delivery drivers are at risk for injuries including back, shoulder, and neck strains; ligament and tendon tears; and muscle sprains. Encourage employees to get adequate rest; stretch regularly, use proper lifting techniques, avoid repeated movements, and use days off for self-care.
For more information on delivery driver safety this holiday season, download DWC’s free Delivery Driver Safety Fact Sheet or contact a DWC Safety Training Specialist at safetytraining@tdi.texas.gov or 1-800-252-7031, option 2.