Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic endangered thousands of lives around the globe, people have been taking serious health measures to prevent the spread of the virus in their communities. According to research, COVID-19 can be transmitted through person-to-person contact and inhalation of infected respiratory droplets. But recent studies also show that people can get infected by touching any object or surface infected by the virus and then touching the nose, eyes, and mouth.
As people discover the different modes of virus transmission, companies are taking precautions when handling shipment and package delivery. Close contact with a delivery recipient or staff with COVID-19 can endanger plenty of employees and customers. This can be very dangerous, especially if your business involves processing deliveries and shipments.
Most companies these days are already observing safety measures in deliveries by using packaging protection such as layered cardboard boxes, poly bubble mailers, and polyurethane bags. So if you are managing a delivery or online business, it is your responsibility to keep your workforce and customers safe from the threats of COVID-19. With this in mind, here is a guide about proper packaging and delivery guidelines to reduce COVID-19 exposure for your workers and customers.
Operations
Workers who handle deliveries are largely at risk of COVID-19 exposure because of continuous contact with delivery recipients and co-workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing face coverings (i.e., surgical masks or cloth face coverings) provided by the employer and observe social distancing measures, especially in high-risk areas.
Workers with COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, must stay at home and follow quarantine measures until their doctor permits them to return to work. In the workplace, employers must implement strict distancing practices for customers, clients, and workers. There should also be sanitizing supplies and cleaning equipment, where employees can wash their hands, clean vehicle interiors, and disinfect packages and surfaces.
Employers should also establish a response plan for the safety of their employees against COVID-19. The employer must also ensure that coworkers remain updated about proper health measures in line with CDC’s business guidance. These include implementing supportive health policies, providing alternatives for contactless deliveries, and encouraging sick employees to stay at home.
Packaging
Since deliveries of essential packages increased during the pandemic, delivery companies must exert more effort to observe health measures when handling packages. Packaging is very critical in online businesses since it provides a great impact on sales and reputation. That is why a great packaging is an important factor for customers when picking a delivery service.
For example, a personalized and well-crafted packaging will leave a good impression on whoever opens the parcel. More importantly, good packaging provides peace of mind to the customer, knowing that their package remains safe throughout the delivery.
Packages come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Businesses must be careful when choosing shipment materials since packages go through several hands during the delivery. Friction and rough handling may cause ruptures and product contamination. To ensure the safety of the package, it is important to consider the weight, size, shape, fragility, and value.
Since you will handle a huge volume of deliveries during the pandemic, find ways to simplify delivery operations. Do this by making fewer box sizes or streamlining the packaging so delivery trucks can handle the optimum number of parcels and packages in a short time.
For safety measures, provide access to hand sanitizers, tissues, clean water, soap, and drying materials in delivery vehicles and shipment sites. Employees should also undergo training in handling packages, cleaning commonly touched areas, following hand hygiene, and other precautions to promote infection control.
Technology
Maximizing the benefits of technology can help your business reach its peak efficiency. These include barcodes, RFID, route-optimization, and delivery management platforms. These types of devices and systems can help you gain more control over your business and adapt superior logistics service.
Real-time tracking helps enhance customer engagement to keep customers aware of the status of their package throughout the delivery process. This strategy is very helpful in boosting the brand image and customer retention. During lockdowns and delays in shipment, customers can use the live chat option and real-time tracking to track their deliveries wherever they are.
During this pandemic, delivery companies must rethink their efforts to adapt to the new normal. They can do this by identifying safety and health standards to protect their workers and customers. By following the steps above, employers are doing their part in helping reduce COVID-19 cases in the workplace and community.
