Best Practices for Truck Drivers

April 20, 2020 Casey Nighbor

In light of recent events, maintaining a healthy and safe workplace is more important than ever. Regardless of exposure risks, following good practices can help drivers stay healthy and safe.

Learn some best practices on cleaning, social distancing, worker protection and more for drivers.

Cleaning & Sanitation Practices:

  • Require drivers to clean all high-touch points including: trailer back door latch, door handles, steering wheel, seatbelt buttons, eye glasses, cell phone, credit cards, etc.
  • Consider hiring extra cleaning staff to sanitize terminals, trucks and equipment
  • Provide drivers with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% ethyl alcohol and disinfecting sprays or wipes prior to being dispatched
  • Provide drivers with their own supplies of personal items such as pens to avoid unintentional contamination
  • If possible, provide gloves or cloth masks to drivers with instructions on proper use
  • Keep your truck well-ventilated

Social Distancing Protocols:

  • Reduce meetings and trainings to under 10 people and ensure 6 feet of separation
  • Add markers on floors of any office or gathering space to ensure people follow proper social distance of 6 feet
  • Drivers should stay within their cab when possible and encourage the use of electronic receipts for fueling, deliveries, and other tasks when possible

Driver Protection:

  • If a driver shows up with an elevated temperature, send them home immediately with no penalty or points
  • Encourage drivers to stay at home if they are showing symptoms of any kind
  • Practice proper infection control and sterilization measures
  • Frequently wash hands with soap and water; if soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home when you are sick, and see a doctor immediately to be evaluated for COVID-19
  • Employees who have traveled to areas with heightened levels of exposure should inform their employers immediately
  • Adopt a temporary “no handshake” policy and nod or wave instead
  • Maintain files for drivers who have reported symptoms that includes where they’ve been, who they have been in contact with and customers they have visited recently
  • Develop a communication plan to quickly alert drivers to any changing regulations or critical information
  • Create a procedure for alerting drivers and customers if anyone tests positive and risk exposure
  • Encourage drivers to bring food from home or utilize restaurants offering drive-thru options
  • Make materials available to drivers with CDC recommendations and proper protocols

Staffing Procedures:

  • Conduct daily meetings with your driver staffing provider and have frequent check-ins throughout the day to monitor any is
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