As cities and states continue to take measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 this summer, CDC guidelines for truckers have been released.
Since the virus hit, the roads and highways around us have stayed relatively quiet. Normally gridlocked roads in places like Chicago, D.C., and Los Angeles have seen much better traffic in recent months as residents in these cities have stayed home from work and from going out for dining and entertainment.
However, stay-at-home orders don’t really apply to our nation’s truck drivers who spend most of their time behind the wheel, driving hundreds of miles per day to move the emergency supplies that have kept our country running during the time of the coronavirus. The virus has laid a blow to our nation’s supply chain, but emergency medical supplies, such as masks, ventilators, and soap need to be transported from manufacturers to medical locations, and grocery shelves need to continue to be restocked with toilet paper, food, paper towels, and other essentials.
Trucker Safety in Light of COVID-19
So, what does this mean for employee safety in the trucking industry? Trucking social distancing may be hard to maintain when it comes to loading and unloading shipments or eating at a rest stop. However, new CDC Safety Guidelines have been released to help boost the safety and well-being of trucking professionals.
Here’s a better look at what those guidelines are and how they’re helping to keep truckers safe on the road.
Physical Distancing
According to the CDC, truckers should limit time spent outside the truck cab, keep their truck well-ventilated, and use paperless invoicing when available. When speaking with clients, truck drivers should always wear gloves and masks and do their best to keep at least six feet in distance and avoid shaking hands.
Cleaning & Disinfecting
Truck drivers can end up spending multiple days in their cabs. Thus, making sure it’s as clean and safe as possible is key. Truckers should clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the cab and the sleeper berth on a regular basis. If a third party is allowed inside the truck, request that they clean and disinfect the truck before turning it back over.
Ride-Alongs
Sometimes, truckers share the road by sharing their cabs. When team driving is mandatory or ride-alongs are required, like in training purposes, it’s important to wear cloth face coverings inside the truck and avoid sharing bedding in the sleeper berth.
Hand Hygiene
The coronavirus has acted as a complete refresh course on basic hygiene, including washing our hands. Truck drivers should practice proper hand hygiene by washing their hands regularly and keeping hand sanitizer with them at all times, including in their cabs. Drivers should wash for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer that’s made from at least 60% alcohol. The best times to clean hands include before entering and leaving the cab, loading and unloading of cargo, rest breaks, fueling, eating, and deliveries.
Furthermore, the CDC’s guidelines also include information on how employers in the trucking industry can protect their drivers. This comes in the form of virtual training methods, in-vehicle monitoring systems, limiting ride-alongs, and much more. While not all risks can be completely avoided, it’s important to be proactive and diligent about these measures in order to keep truck drivers as healthy and safe as possible.
About Western Truck Insurance Services
Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck, and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more!