Safety Actions For Delivery Drivers
by Sumona Business Development 25 January 2023
Being a delivery driver is a role that presents its own set of hazards. If you’re on a motorbike or pushbike, this level of risk increases. And if you’re driving at night, you must be even more vigilant.
Whether you’re new to being a delivery driver or you’ve been in the role for a while, it’s essential that you know how to keep safe.
Keeping safe
We’ve always relied on delivery drivers to get what we want to where it needs to be. But in recent years, it’s become apparent just how important they are in terms of keeping everything moving.
During the pandemic, as we stayed indoors and shops were closed, we came to depend on food and parcel deliveries. And this led to a flurry of interest in world-be drivers trying this career prospect out for themselves.
It’s the responsibility of your employer to make sure you’re safe when you’re out doing deliveries. They have to ensure you’re trained up, that you know how to drive safely, and that you’re in a vehicle that’s in perfect running order.
As the driver or courier, you also need to practice workplace safety. Here are some tips to help you keep focused:
1. Practice safe driving
Driving safely is crucial at any time, but as a delivery driver, you’re under a different level of pressure than other motorists. This is because you have delivery times to meet and targets to reach.
Therefore, it’s essential that you take breaks when you’re tired, be extra vigilant when driving at night, and plan your route so that you don’t lose track of where you’re heading and get stressed about trying to find the delivery address.
Check your blind spots, stick to the speed limit and adjust your driving for the weather, too. Also, make sure you’re carrying cargo and parcels safely – it’s possible that you could damage your back if you’re not handling goods properly.
Accidents do happen, however. If something does go wrong and you’re in the hospital for treatment, that can be hard, especially if you’re only paid when you work your contracted hours. Should you have injured yourself at work and you’ve not received the treatment you need to get you back on the road, you might be eligible for compensation.
2. Limit cash
If possible, try to keep as little cash on you as possible and hide any money you are carrying. While it’s likely you’re only stopping at an address for a short time, there are opportunists who might try their luck.
Similarly, be aware of anyone who’s watching as you unload your truck and close the doors as soon as you can. As well as attempting to take money from you, potential thieves might try to take what’s in your van.
3. Carry a flashlight
Keep a torch with you so that you can see where you’re going if you have to walk to the back of a building in the dark. This is also useful should your van break down and you need to see what you’re doing.
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