Keeping your drivers safe has always been a priority. As the country faces the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic, safety has never been so vital. Companies need to adopt strategies that ensure their essential workforce is protected.

While this may seem challenging, it doesn’t have to be. By focusing on the right areas, you can make significant headway fast. If you don’t know where to begin, OSHA COVID guidelines can be an ideal starting point. Here’s a look at changes you can make to adjust to the new reality created by the pandemic.

Take Sensible Precautions

When it comes to combatting COVID-19, common sense can go a long way. Begin by ensuring that workers remain home if they exhibit any symptoms or have had any contact with an individual diagnosed with the coronavirus. If possible, adjust your leave policies to make this process easier, giving your drivers a degree of protection and certainty during these unprecedented times.

Additionally, create opportunities for social distancing. If possible, use flexible schedules and stagger arrival times at facilities to limit contact and ensure enough space is available to remain six feet apart.

Minimize exposure by embracing contactless processes whenever possible. Consider using call-in approaches to manage pickups and drop-offs. Rely on radios for conversations instead of gathering in person.

If possible, implement paperless systems to reduce the need for contact. For example, electronic invoicing is an ideal alternative, limiting interactions while still creating reliable records.

Promote Hygiene and Safeguards

Encourage your drivers to embrace good hygiene practices. Ensure that soap is available for handwashing and that drivers have access to hand sanitizer when washing isn’t practical.

Provide drivers with disinfectants that they can use on common surfaces and vehicle interiors. Choose options that work on steering wheels, seat belts, arm and headrests, turn signals, and other controls they use during their day.

As for safeguards, encourage workers to wear masks when they are interacting with others. If possible, provide your drivers with washable cloth masks to ensure they have access to one. That way, you can require they be worn when the drivers interact with other employees or arrive on client sites. Similarly, you can make them mandatory when there is team driving or ride along, ensuring everyone is suitably protected.

Also, discourage drivers from sharing items, like tools or equipment. You may also want to recommend that they pack their own food and beverages to bring with them, eliminating the need to stop and head into a store for snacks, drinks, or a meal. This limits the risk that they’ll come in contact with a contaminated surface.

Ultimately, adjusting for COVID-19 is a necessity, and it may be that way for the long-term. By using the tips above, you can increase safety, ensuring risk to your drivers is minimized.

Safe Drivers Isn’t an Option

At Premium Transport Staffing, we only provide the safest drivers for your transportation needs. When you need a driver on-demand, Contact PTS®, and speak with one of our driver safety specialists.