Technically speaking, delivery drivers aren’t always alone on the job. The roads are packed with other motorists and pedestrians that they’re not entirely isolated. In case something happens, they can get help from other motorists. They can also call roadside assistance during emergencies.
However, delivery drivers are still generally considered as lone workers. While some delivery drivers work with a companion, there are still more instances where they are required to work alone. Those who deliver food, for one, are often required to go on runs without someone else. A lot of long-haul drivers also tend to spend their trips alone.
The type of isolation of those who work in this area of the transport industry is also unique. Not only are they required to complete tasks by their lonesome but they can also be put in dangerous locations.
In fact, even the safety measures put in place for some of these workers’ type of work can put them in graver danger. Long-haul drivers are required by the law to take breaks every four to five hours during their 9 to 10-hour shifts. For this, they’ll need to find haulage parking areas so they can rest.
These required breaks are designed to help drivers to rest their bodies from the tiring act of driving. Operating large vehicles for extended periods of time can be seriously exhausting. And if a driver is knackered, there’s a higher chance of accidents happening.
With the size of the vehicles they operate, delivery drivers really need to take appropriate safety measures. By resting every couple of hours, they can be refreshed and stay alert while they’re on the road. This can keep them and other road users safe.
Unfortunately, it can be hard to find a secure haulage parking areas. So while the idea of stopping every four hours or so can help minimize the risks of road accidents, it can, on the other hand, put drivers at risk of violent attacks.
According to the British Security Industry Association, the lone workers in the transport sector are highly at risk of physical violence, armed robbery, and verbal threats. All of these can seriously harm an individual, much so a lone worker.
Organized crime is also an imminent threat to delivery drivers. Because of the value of their cargo and the fact that they do not have a security team with them, they can be easy targets for criminal groups. This adds more reasons for employers to execute a foolproof lone worker safety policy on their drivers.
The Challenge of Protecting Delivery Drivers
Unfortunately, it can be quite challenging to protect delivery drivers who work alone. The distances they travel can add another hurdle for employers to set a safety measure in place. However, with today’s technology, it’s not impossible to do this anymore.
One of the most reliable and popular options would be the mobile devices that lone workers can use to discreetly send distress signals to their home base and alert an emergency response team. With a single press of a button, these devices can let the lone worker ask for immediate assistance to where they are. It can help save them from dangerous situations or provide immediate assistance during emergencies.
