Professional Drivers…. Your Country Needs You
Professional Drivers Your Country Needs You.
This current health crisis has never been seen in our time. How we react the advice being promoted by your government is essential to slow down the spread of the virus. This strategy will give health services time to put resources in place to deal with a significant increase in hospital admissions. We are acutely aware of the pressure that hospitals were under prior to Covid 19. Implementing the advice on this matter will give the health services time to save lives.
The essential needs of the public will have to be serviced in this time of need. HGV drivers and Coach drivers will have to move goods and people. It is vitally important at this point that our professional drivers take extra care of themselves to ensure that they are available to support our communities.
Key components to managing your health are;
Sleep and Rest.
It is important to ensure that you get plenty of sleep rest. Let those who you share your home with know that your sleep is very important. If you are on nights, let your friends and neighbours know that you are sleeping during the day. International Drivers using cross channel ferries or trains should take extra care. Avoid sleeping in cabins with other drivers. Take your sleeping bag and find a place on the vessel where you can sleep without being in the same breathing space as a stranger. Be mindful of the dangers of sleeping in your truck cab while a ferry is underway. Weather can be changeable and rough seas can cause serious damage to vehicles on vehicle decks.
Food
Skip the fried food for the moment. Eat plenty of soft fruits (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries etc..), fruits and vegetables. All of these foods a rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Ensure not to skip meals. Bring a packed lunch rather than buy deli food. Avoid eating food that is not packaged, like pastries and bread.
Hygiene
Social distancing will reduce the risk of contracting the virus. Keep at least one meter from other work colleagues. Wear gloves, wash hands regularly and use alcohol wash and wipes. Common sense will be required to reduce the risk of contracting the virus when working.
Action
Professional Drivers have a responsibility to ensure that they act in a professional manner at all times. If you do feel unwell and have the symptoms of the virus do contact your transport manager. Do not come back to your transport office. Park your truck at your base. Lock the vehicle and take further instruction from your line manager or boss.
Remember this is the season for the common cold. So a runny nose and sneezing may be just that. However, take all necessary precautions not to spread germs. Sneeze into your sleeve or tissue. Dispose of the tissue into a waste bin. Wash your hands regularly and don’t touch your face with your hands.