Trucking Industry Adapts to Coronavirus Pandemic with New Safety Measures
The high-contact job faced challenges at the beginning of the pandemic, but has now developed systems to help keep employees safe.
- By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
- Sep 17, 2020
A review by Transport Topics reported that private trucking companies are integrating digital and paperless tools to accommodate social distancing and prevent the spread of coronavirus during work activity.
This new system of working comes after an adjustment period for the trucking industry at the onset of the pandemic when drivers were struggling to find sanitary rest stops and warm food to eat without being at risk of infection.
Companies like McLane Co. in Temple, Texas and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in Florida and Illinois have adopted practices that are in line with OSHA’s recommended guidelines for workplace behavior during the pandemic. At McLane Co., drivers are provided with gloves, masks and hand sanitizer before being dispatched.
“We disinfect the tractor, handheld scanners, driver bags and dollies after each trip,” said Jim VonAchen, director of transportation support at McLane.
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits altered their text message system to prompt drivers to fill out a health questionnaire two hours before their shifts begin. They also started using thermal scanners to check employees’ temperatures and sanitizing trucks and break rooms.
About the Author
Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.