Delivery drivers, personal shoppers face job hazards, too

Consumers increasingly have turned to online shopping as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With social distancing now the norm, not as many people venture out to shop. This development has led to a boon for shopping and delivery companies.

More and more of these companies have hired additional drivers and employees to fulfill consumer orders. Every day, you will see these workers hustling and bustling in stores as well as driving delivery vehicles throughout neighborhoods. While having steady employment is a good thing, workers in these jobs must understand that they also are susceptible to a variety of workplace injuries.

From slip and fall injuries to COVID-19

Whether continuously being on your feet and scrambling to fulfill a customer’s grocery order or sitting down for lengthy periods of time while driving a delivery truck, you face potential workplace injuries. Here are some of the common injuries faced by delivery drivers and personal shoppers:

• Slip and fall injury: This can occur in any retail store due to wet floors, uneven floors and cracks in floors. Delivery drivers face similar hazards while going from the truck to the residence.
• Back injury and muscle strains: Personal shoppers and delivery workers often lift heavy objects that can lead to permanent injuries. Back injuries also happen to drivers due to sitting in place for long periods of time.
• Repetitive motion injuries: Such injuries also occur from lifting objects, frequent bending and turning your head.
• COVID-19: You are out amongst the public, and this is definitely a current work hazard.
• Injuries related to motor vehicle accidents: A crash can occur while attempting to make a delivery.
• Dog bites: Just like mail deliverers, grocery and retail package deliverers face the hazard of neighborhood and stray dogs.

Be grateful that you are working during the current health crisis. But understand that you still face a workplace injury as a personal shopper or deliverer. Applying for workers’ compensation is essential. However, if you are an independent contractor working in such jobs, you may not be eligible.