Park in well-lit areas and avoid driveways that require backing-up. Always lock vehicles when parked and never leave them running unattended.

Handle cash with caution by keeping it as concealed as possible, and limit how much cash you carry. Avoid making bank deposits alone.

Require customers to provide a phone number, and verify it before leaving to make a delivery. Only make deliveries at well-lit front doors—and refuse any orders that seem suspicious.

Don’t make deliveries in areas that feel unsafe—such as dark alleys or rear entrances—and avoid icy walkways or snow hazards.

Always be aware of the weather conditions such as heavy rain and floods.

•  Manual handling

Try to identify your route and remove any obstacles between you and your customer. This includes litter, tools, and other debris that could be a potential hazard. If it is a long route from the van to the customer, you could take a time-out halfway and try changing your grip for maximum comfort. Also, consider using manual handling aids that can improve safety such as a:

Delivery dolly

Pump truck

Power stacker

When lifting items try to keep them close to your waist with the heaviest side towards you. Keep a sturdy posture with your feet apart to keep your balance. Make sure to wear the correct footwear and clothing too! Unsuitable attire could also put you at risk of injury. Examples of safety clothing include:

Ripstop trousers

Safety goggles/glasses

Steel toe cap safety boots

Gloves with improved grip

• Lift loads sensibly

When lifting always keep your shoulders forward. To reduce the risk of injury, avoid the following:

Flexing

Stopping abruptly

Twisting, especially your back

Bending your back when picking the item up

Straining your muscles by holding the item too high or too low

If you must change direction turn by using your feet instead of your body. A torn muscle or misaligned disc can be extremely painful and could put you out of work whilst you recover. Also, failing to follow correct manual handling could result in damage to the goods before they reach the customer. This can lead to returns and potentially a complaint.

Special Safety Steps for Delivery Drivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During outbreaks of highly communicable illnesses—such as COVID-19—your drivers will be at increased risk of infection through personal contact or handling of products so additional precautions should be taken to protect them, as follows:

Clean and disinfect vehicles and equipment.
Vehicles and equipment should be routinely cleaned and disinfected, with an emphasis on frequently touched surfaces such as steering wheels, door handles and touch screens.

Wash hands often.
Encourage delivery drivers to frequently and thoroughly wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. If running water and soap are not available, provide drivers with hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask and gloves.
Make sure all drivers have a facemask and gloves and wear them consistently when making deliveries and handling packages and equipment.

Don’t handle cash.
If possible, delivery drivers should avoid handling cash; there are many contactless payment methods that can be used instead.

Maintain social distancing.
Delivery drivers should stay 6 feet (2 meters) away from other people, including customers. Great care should be taken in collecting signatures; devices used to collect signatures should be sanitized after use.