New OSHA Package Delivery Guidelines

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released new guidelines to help businesses promote employee safety as the US economy slowly begins to open. In addition to the general guidelines, OSHA published industry-specific worksheets for a range of industries, including package delivery. These tips are an important starting point to ensure the safety of your employees and everyone who relies on you for package delivery. Stay safe!

COVID-19 Guidance for the Package Delivery Workforce (Via OSHA)

1. Encourage workers to stay home if they are sick.
2. Establish flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts) where feasible.
3. Practice sensible social distancing and maintain six feet between co-workers where possible.
4. Minimize interaction between drivers and customers by leaving deliveries at loading docks, doorsteps, or other locations that do not require person-to-person exposures.
5. Encourage respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
6. Promote personal hygiene. If workers do not have access to soap and water for handwashing, provide alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol. Provide tissues, as well as disinfectants and disposable towels workers can use to clean work surfaces, including vehicle interiors.
7. Allow workers to wear masks over their nose and mouth to prevent them from spreading the virus.
8. Discourage workers from using other workers’ tools and equipment.
9. Use Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals from List N or that have label claims against the coronavirus.
10. Encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns.

For more information, visit www.osha.gov/coronavirus or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).