23 Mar Safety Tips and Precautions for Fleet Drivers during COVID-19

As the number of coronavirus cases in the United States continues to rise, many companies are stepping up to educate their drivers on being safe, while rushing to meet the run on consumer items that is happening in some areas of the country as people try to prepare for a worst-case scenario. To help minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19 and spreading it to others, follow these tips and precautions.

Stay home if are sick. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

Frequent handwashing. Wash your hands with liquid soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If this is not readily available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to disinfect your hands.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Your hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash or closed bin immediately after use, and wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub. If you don’t have a tissue within easy reach, couch or sneeze into your elbow.

Clean and disinfect your vehicle. It is important that you clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your vehicle. If surfaces are dirty, clean them – use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. This includes the steering wheel, door handles, shift lever, any buttons or touch screens, wiper and turn signal stalks, passenger and driver door armrests, grab handles, and seat adjusters. You should employ standard cleaning practices at the end of each shift, as part of good hygiene practice.

Avoid touching surfaces with fingertips. Your fingertips are the part of your hand most likely to transmit a virus, because they’re the part most often used to touch your nose or mouth. Carry a pack of tissues for use to open a door or grab a handrail.

Maintain personal distance. The American Red Cross recommends maintaining at least 6 feet distance between yourself and other people.

Clean your hands before touching your smartphone. Mobile phones may not be public surfaces, but studies have shown that they too can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other germs.

Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning. Ventilation with outdoor air is vital to diluting airborne contaminants and decreasing disease transmission rates.

For up to date information and more tips on how to protect yourself visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website here.