OTA Dispatch Issue 2 2020

32 Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch Driver Safety and COVID-19 By Adam Williamson, OTA’s Director of Training & Development THE COVID-19 GLOBAL pandemic has literally turned the world upside down in 2020. Everything has changed and continues to change as each one of us struggles to keep up with the current state of the virus and corresponding fall out in our communities. Few have not had to make significant changes in their day to day lives as they adapt to everything going on around them. To be sure, the whole idea of safety (both in general and in the workplace especially) has taken on new meaning. Our drivers have not been immune (no pun intended) from this upheaval either. Deemed essential workers transporting essential commodities, drivers have stepped up to make sure that communities continue to have access to products they need on a daily basis. We owe our drivers a debt of gratitude for their willingness to “keep on trucking” even at the risk of possibly exposing themselves to the virus. With the sacrifices many of our drivers have made, it is important that we do not take them for granted and that we work to provide as much support as possible for them during these uncertain times. While it would be impossible to eliminate all risk of COVID-19 exposure, carriers should be working diligently with their drivers to greatly reduce the possibility of exposure. There are reasonable precautions that can be taken in this regard with respect to social distancing, hygiene, etc. The Center for Disease Control regularly updates citizens with current recommendations in these areas. Drivers of commercial motor vehicles often face unique challenges though when it comes to following social distancing protocols. Scenarios involving driver training, team drivers, or vehicles with multiple occupants are not unusual and present logistical challenges to maintaining three to six feet distance between individuals. In such cases, protocols should be reviewed to determine if having multiple occupants in the same vehicle is necessary to begin with. If it is deemed necessary, then precautions should be taken (face masks, possible in-cab divider, avoiding recycling air through the conditioner, etc.). At this stage, it should go without saying that individuals with any symptoms of illness should not share a vehicle. Over the road drivers also have unique challenges related to limited restroom access, lodging, and food services (at the time of writing, all restaurants in Oregon are take-out only). Drivers may be uncomfortable with using even the limited services available as doing so could possibly elevate their exposure risk. In general, drivers may find it useful or even necessary to carry their own food, hygiene products, and personal protective equipment with them to limit their exposure to other people and locations. Carriers should communicate with drivers about their needs and, when possible, provide safety related items. This can be difficult as previously common items such as toilet paper, sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes remain in short supply. These times are stressful for everyone. We should not be surprised if our drivers have fears, anxieties, and general concerns about their safety and that of their families. Some may not feel that they can continue driving under current conditions due to being in a high-risk group. Carriers should be sensitive to these concerns and communicate measures that are being taken to reduce risk so that drivers can make informed decisions about their work environment. If there is one positive that may come out of this health and economic crisis, it could be that many in the general public are coming to realize—perhaps for the first time—just how essential our drivers and the trucking industry is to supporting our way of life. We should be proud of our truck drivers. They have represented our industry well. SAFETY