Coronavirus Advice for HGV Drivers
During these difficult and unprecedented times, the COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way that HGV drivers operate. At Drive Personnel, we take the wellbeing of our drivers seriously and want to ensure that all of our team are fully protected whilst completing their day-to-day deliveries.
If you or a member of your household is displaying coronavirus symptoms, please follow NHS guidance of self-isolation and social distancing.
For updates on coronavirus regulations and the UK’s response, please visit the government’s website.
Am I a key worker?
According to UK government guidelines, key workers include those who are involved in food distribution and delivery, and those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example hygienic and veterinary medicines). If you are unsure whether you should be going to work or not, check the latest government guidance.
How can I keep my hands clean?
With the NHS advising individuals to wash their hands as often as possible, staying clean is a big concern. Whilst on the road, washing your hands is not always possible, so we advise carrying a hand sanitiser with you containing at least 60% alcohol. Washing facilities are available at rest stops for drivers all over the country, and you can use this Truck Stop Finder by UK Haulier to plan your journey.
In association with Public Health England, the RHA have rallied for access to washroom facilities for commercial drivers during the COVID-19 outbreak following several incidents of denied access. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you have the right to show this letter as proof of access rights.
Will my working hours be affected?
Regarding the temporary relaxation of Drivers’ Hours during the COVID-19 crisis, RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said:
“This is a blanket relaxation covering all sectors and recognises how integrated and inter-dependent supply chains are across the whole economy. The sector is working as efficiently and as quickly possible. This relaxation improves resilience in a way that ensures all goods can reach the area where they are needed. Shortages are not the problem at the moment – the problem lies with supplying the current excess demand for goods caused by panic buying. This just creates bottlenecks that undermine efficient delivery schedules.
The relaxation in hours will not reduce the levels of enforcement of the drivers’ hours. It is vital that companies only use these relaxed rules when needed and companies must monitor drivers to ensure they do not drive tired or in any way unfit. The need to comply with the rules is absolute. This relaxation must be used wisely, not abused recklessly.”
For more information about Drivers’ Hours, visit our dedicated blog.
About Drive Personnel
Drive Personnel is a specialist driver recruitment agency based in Southampton. We support our drivers and help them to maximise their earning potential by providing training and professional development including further HGV Driver Training, Driver CPC Training, ADR, Moffett, HIAB and other advanced training. The team at Drive Personnel are experts in placing drivers in a range of temporary and permanent roles throughout Eastleigh, Southampton, Portsmouth, Fareham and Winchester. If you’re a driver looking for work or a client looking for a driver agency that can provide top-quality logistics staff, call us on 02380 695 600 or send us an email.