4 Tips For Truck Drivers to Protect Themselves From COVID-19 While on the Job

These are challenging times as the novel Coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, infecting over a million worldwide. 

As nations clamp down with varying confinement measures, truck drivers are still moving vital supplies over the road to keep food, pharmaceuticals and water stocked on the shelves.

How can truck drivers prepare and protect themselves? It’s important to sanitize properly by washing hands frequently and keeping truck cabs and trailers disinfected.

Here are 4 tips to maintain good hygiene while making deliveries.

Wash with soap and water

Wash your hands multiple times throughout the day using soap and water. If you don’t have access to these materials, have hand sanitizer readily available as a backup.

Masks & gloves

Get the proper gear in order, like masks and gloves. The important thing to remember with these items though, is how to use them. Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 can be transferred by touching the nose, eyes or mouth after having contact with a contaminated surface. You need to always wash your hands first before putting on a mask or gloves. Once you’ve worn them, don’t reuse them. You’ll need to safely dispose of used gear, then wash your hands again.

Stay informed

Truck drivers are traveling across different county and state lines all of the time. The virus is more prominent in some areas than others. As well, the regulations regarding the virus might be different. Stay abreast of all news updates in the areas where you’ll be traveling.

Distance Yourself

Social distancing and Isolation is another preventative measure since the virus is believed to pass via human-to-human contact. Staying at least 6 feet away from others to maintain safety. Try to stay away from places with crowds or situations where contact is imminent, unless you absolutely have to. If you have to cough or sneeze, do it into a tissue or the crook of your elbow. Wash your hands immediately after.