The ongoing COVID-19 has taken the whole world by storm. Many businesses all over the world are suffering due to the government-sanctioned coronavirus lockdowns in different countries. The day to day operations of most businesses have hit a snag so much so that they have closed down their physical locations and directed their employees to work from their homes.
With that said, there are still many businesses that are continuing their daily operations with some adjustments. Fleet drivers are still out on the roads quite regularly. This significantly increases their chances of contracting the COVID-19 virus because you have to interact with other people and touch various surfaces that they have been in contact with.
This is why it’s critical for a fleet driver or even a roadside technician who has to interact with other people to take proper coronavirus safety measures outlined by the Center for Diseases Control and other such organizations. Following these measures will help you reduce your chances of being exposed to COVID-19.
So, let’s take a look at the most important steps that a fleet driver needs to take to ensure their safety and protection from the novel coronavirus.
Wash Your Hands Before, Throughout, and After Your shift
According to the American Automobile Association, the most important step starts even before you begin your shift. Before you leave your home in the morning, wash your hands as thoroughly as possible. Make sure to wash them at the sink for a good 20 seconds at the very least with soap and water. Don’t forget to clean the spaces between your knuckles and fingers and the beds of your fingernails as these are the places where the virus can easily hide.
Moreover, wash your hands in the same manner during the day as well as when you step out of the washroom, have to eat something or touch something that was not disinfected. Wash your hands after your shift ends as well.
Keep a Hand Sanitizer With You
When you step out of your house, make sure to keep a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content on you at all times. When you don’t have access to water and soap, thoroughly rub the hand sanitizer on your hands to keep them clean throughout the day.
Disinfect Your Equipment
Throughout your shift, whenever you touch any tool or equipment, use a disinfectant spray to spray the equipment before touching it. Alternatively, you can wipe the equipment clean with disinfectant wipes. This will help you avoid the risk of contracting the virus from these tools and equipment.
Avoid Using Driver Lounges
An important step in preventing the spread of coronavirus is to avoid social gatherings and staying in public places. This is why the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) has advised its members to avoid using driver lounges. Moreover, they have also advised against accepting food or beverage hospitality at different stops on route.
Wear Nitrile Gloves
When you are on the road, make sure that you have a pack of nitrile gloves on you. You need to wear gloves before starting every job during the day. This will significantly reduce the chances of contracting the virus.
Maintain Social Distance and Wear a Cloth Face Mask
Even though as a fleet driver your job demands you to be on the road, the least that you can do to protect yourself is to maintain social distance.The best way to do that is to avoid shaking hands with other drivers or technicians and anyone else that you meet at job sites. Also, stay 6 feet away from people at all times. Moreover, when you are on the job, make sure to wear a cloth facemask to give yourself some extra protection against the virus.
Call Ahead When Entering a House or a Building
If you’re required to step inside someone’s building or a house, then always call ahead to inquire if anyone has been sick or exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 in recent days. If they confirm that someone is sick, then as CLDA recommends, inform them to get back to you regarding the delivery at least two weeks after the individual has fully recovered.
Don’t Accept a Package from Someone’s Hands
When you have to accept a delivery package, avoid accepting it from the person’s hands. Instead, ask them to place the package at a safe distance and then wait for them to step away before you go to pick it up.
Clean and Disinfect Your Vehicle
After the completion of your shift, use spray disinfectant or disinfectant wipes to clean the vehicle. Make sure to clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces. These include the seats, wheels, handles, dashboard, doors and all other exposed surfaces. Use the right products to thoroughly disinfect your vehicle.
Dispose of Your Cleaning Wipes and Gloves
According to the AAA, you need to dispose of the gloves, wipes, or towels that you use during the day and afterward to clean your vehicle. Throw them all in a small trash bag and dispose it in a covered bin at the end of your shift.
Wear Gloves When Handling Specific On-Job Items
A few items that you handle daily could be potential carriers of the virus and you might not even know it. These items include your corporate fuel card, credit card, and even cash! These are all items that are exchanged regularly. So, make sure to wear gloves when handling all of these items.
The Bottom Line
As a fleet driver, you need to be extra careful as your job requires you to travel to different locations, which puts you at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19. The key to fighting COVID-19 and saving yourself from unnecessary exposure is to stay vigilant and practice the aforementioned guidelines.
We hope you stay safe and responsible during these trying times to protect yourself and those around you.
Source:
https://www.automotive-fleet.com/353542/tips-to-reduce-fleet-driver-exposure-to-covid-19
