OSHA Issues Alert to Keep Package Delivery Workers Safe During COVID-19 Pandemic

April 13, 2020 Roberta Garthwait

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an alert listing safety tips employers can follow to help protect package delivery workers from exposure to coronavirus.

Safety measures employers can implement to protect employees in the package delivery industry include:

• Establishing flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts) where feasible.
• Minimizing interaction between drivers and customers by leaving deliveries at loading docks, doorsteps or other locations that do not require person-to-person exposures.
• Promoting 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 disinfectants and disposable towels workers can use to clean work surfaces, including vehicle interiors.
• Allowing workers to wear masks over their nose and mouth to prevent them from spreading the virus.
• Using Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals from List N or that have label claims against the coronavirus.
• Encouraging workers to report any safety and health concerns.