Delivery drivers: slip, trip, and fall prevention

Delivery drivers walk all day on a variety of terrains, including stairs, decks, roads, and sidewalks. Slips, trips, and falls are a high exposure because surfaces may be wet, uneven, or broken. Here are several tips for preventing a slip, trip, or fall: 

• Wear appropriate shoes
• Slow down
• Stay alert for uneven surfaces
• If moving between vehicles, watch for curbs and potholes
• Assume there is ice if it’s near freezing and walk like a penguin
• When ascending/descending stairs:
  • Take one step at a time
  • When possible, keep one hand free and use the handrail
  • Never walk backwards when descending stairs
  • Avoid running up or down stairs
• Shift the load so you can see your walking path 
• Pay particular attention when moving from even terrain to uneven terrain
• Keep your eyes on your path and not on electronic devices

Takeaways

• Slow down and keep your eyes on your path
• Assess the area you will be traveling
• Depending on the terrain, consider adjusting your stride
• Pay extra attention when taking stairs and moving from different terrain

For more on this topic, visit saif.com/deliverydrivers.