A delivery business is one of the most pandemic-proof businesses out there. There will always be people in need of having their goods delivered or even having their tasks ran for them. But at the same time, there are also many cons to prepare for: First, you will be risking your own health and safety since being a delivery person entails interacting with lots of people. Second, you also need to ensure that you and your vehicle are protected from accidents and other untoward incidents like a robbery or other crimes.
If you’re thinking of going into the delivery business, here are some health and safety measures you can take to ensure your physical well-being.
Make sure your vehicle is equipped.
Handling customers’ precious cargo is a trust and a privilege that we need to take seriously. If you’re only planning on doing small-scale deliveries, any small or car will do. But if you’re thinking of going into heavy-duty deliveries, you might need a pickup truck, a box truck, or a cargo van.
All this is to ask, is your vehicle equipped to handle the job? Here are some basic materials you will need on top of your car:
- A dolly (or two)
- Ratchet straps sets or other tools to make sure that the cargo is always secure
- A professional phone—your personal phone will do, but having a separate phone just for business keeps everything more organized.
Aside from this equipment, you might also want to consider adding additional security upgrades to your vehicle, especially if you’re delivering items of value. Some examples include reverse cameras, blind-spot alert systems, and other emergency tools like a police siren, especially if your state allows it.
Abide by WHO’s public health and social measures.
World Health Organization (WHO) released a list of public health and social measures we can take in the era of COVID-19:
- Keeping a mask on at all times. Because you will be interacting with many people at any given time, you have to do your part in ensuring everyone’s safety and protection. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) recommends using masks to help curb the spread of the infection. The kind of masks they recommend include those with two or more layers of fabric, preferably those that are washable and reusable. It should also cover your mouth and nose, fit properly over your face, and not have gaps. A nose wire is also recommended to help keep air from leaking out. Leave extra masks in your car at all times to ensure that you have backups if you lose your first one.
- Keeping a safe distance from others. At least six feet or one meter will do.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after doing public errands, like doing groceries, signing documents from other people, or handling cash. If you have no access to a sink or a toilet, an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 70 percent alcohol content is an adequate alternative. Make sure you always have a small bottle in your pocket. Take note, however, that leaving a bottle of alcohol in your car is not the safest option since isopropyl alcohol is flammable. Just bring your alcohol with you whenever you leave your car.
- Don’t go on delivering errands if you’re not feeling well. Even if you don’t have COVID-19 and you’re just sick with other infections, your immune system would be low, and it might cause you to be more vulnerable. If you have any symptoms or other discomforts, stay home and wait until you’ve recovered fully.
Other Safety Measures
Here are other safety measures you can take to ensure your safety and that of the cargo you’re delivering:
- Stay vigilant about your surroundings. Ensure no one is following you in certain locations, especially if you’re handling a ton of cash or expensive packages.
- Make a habit of scanning the location before you exit your car. Make sure no one is around to jump you, especially if you’re in a neighborhood with a higher crime rate.
- If you’re delivering at night, make sure you use your car lights to light up the house and your surroundings.
Taking these health and safety precautions is not about being paranoid; it’s employing effective tools and strategies to ensure that you and your employees stay safe and that your deliveries will be a success. So if you’re starting a delivery business during the pandemic, keep these safety guidelines in mind. Be mindful and stay safe out there!
