Over 58 million parcels were shipped across the U.S. each day during 2022, according to an annual parcel shipping index published by the global shipping and mailing company Pitney Bowes Inc. This is equivalent to the nation’s 1.6 million delivery drivers transporting 58.2 million parcels per day, or 674 parcels per second.
As consumer demand in this industry continues to rise, so do the challenges of creating an effective delivery driver safety and health program. A Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows that in 2022, 1,218 delivery drivers died and more than 32,000 were seriously injured on the job. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for eliminating all hazards, the following measures can reduce delivery drivers’ risks and help ensure incident-free deliveries.
1 Prioritize driving training.
Employers can reduce work-related transportation deaths and injuries by developing specific driving policies as part of an Occupational Driving Safety Workplace Program. Employers should communicate these policies with employees at orientation and annually, enforce a strong vehicle maintenance program, and review driving safety tips regularly.
2 Share tips on crime and violence prevention.
Employers can help reduce thefts, armed robbery, and assaults by tracking drivers and deliveries, equipping drivers with an alternative way to communicate in emergencies, and avoiding scheduling employees late at night. Management should also regularly remind delivery drivers to:
- Remain aware of their surroundings and avoid poorly lit areas.
- Pay attention to vehicles that might be following them. If followed, drivers should not exit the vehicle, but lock the doors (if available), and call the police.
- Never deliver to a location that looks vacant or to a hotel room. The customer can meet the driver in the hotel lobby, or the driver can leave the parcel with guest services.
- Park as close to the delivery location as possible and stay in plain view.
- Keep an arm’s distance from the public.
3 Protect drivers from heat and cold exposure.
The Texas summer heat and the winter cold can cause injuries and illness for delivery drivers. To reduce these risks, employers should:
- Ensure drivers are aware of the risks, signs, and management of heat illnesses and hypothermia.
- Acclimate new or returning workers to weather extremes slowly.
- Encourage the use of clothes that release heat in the summer and trap heat in the winter.
- Allow breaks as needed to maintain the body’s core temperature.
- Train employees to monitor their body functions and remain hydrated.
- Encourage drivers to call a supervisor or 911 for help if they show signs of weather-related injuries or illnesses.
4 Prevent slips, trips, and falls.
In regular training meetings remind workers to:
- Wear shoes with good support and slip-resistant soles.
- Avoid spills, slippery or uneven surfaces, and obstacles.
- Use handrails on stairs whenever possible.
- Carry a flashlight.
5 Provide training on avoiding muscle strain.
Delivery drivers are at risk for injuries such as back, shoulder, and neck strains, ligament and tendon tears, and muscle sprains. Encourage employees to:
- Use material handling equipment, such as a dolly, to move heavier items from the truck to the delivery site.
- Promote self-care, such as adequate rest, regular stretching, proper lifting techniques, and avoiding repeated movements.
For more information, download DWC’s free Delivery Driver Safety Fact Sheet or Delivery Driving Safety streaming video. DWC safety instructors and consultants are also available to help meet your training and OSHA-compliance needs at 800-252-7031, option 2, or www.TXSafetyAtWork.com.