Keeping Delivery Drivers Safe Near Railroads
Nonprofit Operation Lifesaver, Inc., published PSAs about train and rail safety.
- By Alex Saurman
- Nov 18, 2022
With the holidays around the corner, there’s no question that online shopping is likely to increase. In 2021, Adobe reported that from November 1 to December 31, $204.5 billion was spent on online sales. That’s an 8.6 percent increase from 2020.
More online spending will lead to more deliveries, meaning more delivery drivers on the road or longer shifts for these workers. At Amazon, delivery contractors, or “Delivery Service Partners,” were injured at a rate of 18.3 per 100 workers in 2021, according to a report from the Strategic Organizing Center.
Delivery drivers need to be keep an eye out for many types of hazards, including trains. Although this hazard wasn’t listed among the top five causes of injury for DSPs, train and vehicle collisions result in numerous accidents every year.
To help keep many types of delivery drivers, including package and food, safe this season, Operation Lifesaver, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to “rail safety education,” published public service announcements (PSAs) in both English and Spanish.
Each of the PSAs focus on a different aspect delivery drivers may encounter, like needing to rush on deliveries or being distracted by music. They also provide tips on how to stay safe around railroad tracks.
The videos aimed at package delivery drivers, available in 50-, 30- and 15- second increments, include tips like “always expect a train,” “never try to beat a train” and “cross legally and safely.” The 30-second PSA for pizza drivers discusses what to do if your vehicle gets stuck on the railroad tracks—get out and leave everything behind.
In a news release, OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh said, “Delivery drivers are crucial to our economy every day of the year, but with the busy holiday package delivery season upon us, it’s imperative that these drivers make the safe choice around railroad tracks…Whether you are delivering holiday gifts, groceries or someone’s dinner, you are more important than your delivery.”
About the Author
Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.