As schools are shut down to students during the COVID-19 pandemic, school districts are making lunch deliveries to students that may have no other access to a healthy meal. This service is important and beneficial to students, however, this activity presents safety hazards that are important to address. In addition to following all school bus and traffic laws, consider the following safety tips to remain safe while serving others.
Preventing the Spread of Disease
- Stay home if you are sick
- Avoid contact with others and maintain a distance of at least six feet at all times
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use hand santizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Wear gloves, especially after handling items others may have touched
- Wear a protective mask in accordance with CDC recommendations (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html)
Avoiding Slips, Trips, and Falls
- Exercise caution when exiting vehicles and visually examine the area for potential safety hazards (examples: walkways, sidewalks, curbs, and driveways/parking lots for cracks, holes, and uneven surfaces)
- Wear shoes with good tread, no slick or worn soles, and avoid flip flops and sandals
- Avoid areas that are wet or slick from water, oil, grease, mud, or other fluids
- Be careful around door or floor mats, especially if they are worn
- Exercise caution while walking on sloped areas or ramps
- Use handrails when negotiating steps or ramps
- Ensure your vision is not obstructed when carrying objects
- Slow down, proceed with caution, do not rush (walk, don’t run)
Safe Lifting
- Obtain assistance if an item is too heavy, large, bulky, or awkward to handle
- Use carts and dollies to assist as needed
- Lift with your legs, not your lower back muscles
- Keep the load close to your body when lifting
- Keep a firm grip on the load while lifting or carrying it
- Keep your upper back straight as you lift and avoid leaning
- Push objects, do not pull on them
- Avoid twisting your back while lifting and lowering the load
Other Considerations
- Be aware of animals such as biting dogs
- Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor/manager
