As a result of the pandemic, online sales became an essential alternative for business survival. This necessitates careful attention to delivery procedures to protect customers and employees. Therefore, at Hispanos Emprendedores, we offer this guide to safe home deliveries to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
General recommendations for package deliveries
Many retail and restaurant businesses have found a way to survive the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic by turning to the internet. In these cases, the issue of logistics and how to make safe deliveries arises.
Basic preventive measures against the disease include maintaining hygiene and disinfection habits, social distancing and the use of protective equipment such as masks and gloves. These recommendations should be followed in the workplace and during home deliveries.
Below are some basic instructions provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other organizations such as the FDA.
- Encourage the use of masks during the work day and in places where they have to interact with other people. For example in areas where packages are distributed or in vehicles.
- Have flexible hours as much as possible, especially to give delivery drivers time to disinfect vehicles.
- Demarcate zones in pickup areas to maintain a six foot distance between workers.
- Disinfect surfaces that come in contact with packages. Use covid-19 approved cleaning products.
- Promote personal hygiene in workers. If they do not have the possibility to wash their hands frequently, provide disinfectant towels and gel alcohol.
- All the equipment they use must be for the exclusive use of each worker.
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During deliveries
- Disinfect vehicle interiors and all contact areas after each delivery route.
- To the extent possible, use electronic receipts.
- In shared vehicles use disposable seat covers.
- Disinfect all electronic devices used during home delivery services.
- Inform customers through text messages or calls that the package is available for delivery.
Safe home delivery guide: food
The digitization of restaurants has increased food delivery to people's homes. Even after restaurants reopened, some people still prefer to order food for delivery.
As in normal situations, established food safety practices must be respected . These include temperature control, cooking times, proper storage, avoiding cross-contamination, etc.
In addition, hygiene measures must be increased. Workers are recommended to wash their hands more frequently: after coughing and sneezing, when opening doors, among other situations. Likewise, surfaces that have contact with food must be disinfected more often.
Employees responsible for preparing food should wear masks and gloves.
Finally, the preparation area must be separated from the delivery area and social distance must be respected.
What should the dealers do?
Delivery drivers must comply with hygiene regulations . If the restaurant hires an external company for deliveries, it must ensure that they adhere to the protocols.
In addition, they must follow the following instructions:
- Have specific areas for collecting food.
- When collecting the packages, keep the distance between the delivery people.
- Use appropriate wraps that prevent food contamination.
- Disinfect the coolers and thermal bags used for food delivery.
- Use appropriate containers for hot and cold food.
- Disinfect the interior of the vehicle with appropriate products, especially the areas of greatest contact.
- Use gel alcohol or another recommended product to disinfect your hands after each delivery.
- At the time of delivery avoid contact with the customer. To do this, you must agree with this how and where you will leave the food.
How to safely receive packages
The client must also fulfill its role in security protocols. In this case it applies both for food and any type of purchase you receive at home.
The main recommendation is to respect contactless delivery whenever possible. You can agree with the delivery person on how the delivery will be made. For example, the package can be left on the stairs or at the front door.
The delivery man must keep his distance from the customer. To ensure this, you can notify the delivery via the phone or the bell. In the latter case, remember to disinfect your hands afterwards.
You should also avoid sharing pencils and other items with customers.
The digitization process should also include enabling new online payment methods , through the website, proprietary apps, or third-party apps. This aims to reduce the possibility of contact between the customer and the delivery person. Likewise, tips should also be made electronically, avoiding the use of cash.
Apply these recommendations to make safe home deliveries and protect your workers and customers.
