Driving safety forward: Are your delivery drivers at risk?

Your delivery drivers are a vital link between your company and your customers, shaping your reputation with every run. With far-reaching roles spanning everything from vehicle loading to lone working, your drivers need an extra level of health and safety support. 

We’ve tapped into decades of industry experience to examine the key risks facing delivery drivers in the builders merchant industry – and provide straightforward solutions to protect your people, on site and on the road. 

Vehicle loading and unloading 

Poor loading techniques can cost lives. Reduce accident risks by adhering to best practice procedures: 

• Plan each load: Ensure heavier items are placed at the bottom of the load to maintain balance and prevent materials from moving during transit.
• Secure all goods: Packaging alone doesn’t do the job, so prevent movement by employing straps, nets, or load restraints.
• Prevent work-at-height injuries: Where possible, use platforms, steps, or mechanical aids to load or unload from ground level.
• Establish pedestrian-free zones: Segregate people and vehicles with barriers and signage, keeping pedestrians clear of loading/unloading areas. 
• Carry out visual checks: Train your team to check their vehicle’s condition and inspect all goods, materials, and securing equipment before setting off. 

Safe loading: Key questions for your drivers:  ‍

• Am I working in a designated safe zone during unloading and loading?
• Am I wearing the correct PPE for the job, such as a hi-vis vest, safety boots, and hard hat?
• Have I checked the site safety rules for my destination? 
• Is the load safe to move? 
• Will I need to use lifting aids, and have I received the correct training? 
• Do I need to ask for help? 

‍Lone working 

If your delivery drivers work alone, it’s your responsibility to assess their lone working and implement appropriate controls to keep them safe. These measures might include:  

• Regular contact: Use a tracking app to stay informed about your workers’ locations and maintain communication with check-in calls at agreed intervals. 
• Lone worker training: Teach your team to assess risks and handle incidents independently. Training could cover recognising unsafe sites, administering basic first aid, or approved one-person lifting techniques.  
• Emergency procedures: Provide clear guidance on what to do if they face aggression, accidents, or breakdowns.
• Vehicle safety checks: Ensure drivers can identify and report vehicle faults before they get behind the wheel. 
• Delivery site assessments: Encourage drivers to evaluate sites on arrival and avoid unsafe conditions.

Lone working: Key questions for your drivers:  ‍

• Do I know the location and safety procedures for my scheduled drops? 
• How will my team know where I am? Is my phone charged and are tracking apps working? 
• Is the load secure and is my vehicle in good working condition? 
• Do I know when and where to take a break, if applicable? 
• Am I trained in emergency protocols? Do I know how to report accidents or near misses? 

‍Route planning 

A clear, direct delivery route not only maximises efficiency, but also keeps your drivers out of harm’s way. Here’s how to map out compliant journeys that run like clockwork: 

• Define safe delivery zones: Focus on routes that avoid high-risk areas, restricted roads, or difficult access points.
• Factor in vehicle restrictions: Use up-to-date mapping tools that account for weight limits, low bridges, and loading bans.
• Give drivers enough time: Schedule drop times to allow for comfort breaks, traffic congestion, and safe, methodical unloading.
• Have a backup plan: Always give your team a contingency by preparing alternative routes for road closures, bad weather, or last-minute site changes.
• Keep route details accessible: Ensure drivers have printed or digital access to clear instructions, contacts, and site-specific safety notes.

Route planning: Key questions for your drivers:  ‍

• Have I planned the most efficient route, considering roadworks, restrictions, and peak traffic times?   
• Is my sat nav up to date and suitable for my vehicle type? 
• Do I have a Plan B route in case of delays or obstructions? 
• Do I know the access point for each destination? Are there any special delivery instructions? 
• Have I built break times into my schedule? 

Supporting your drivers 

Delivery drivers can spend hours away from site, so it’s important to create a sense of belonging when they’re back at the yard. Consider ways to support staff wellbeing with regular communication, team training, and comfortable welfare facilities. 

• Keep drivers in the loop: Ensure drivers know where to access the latest company announcements and safety information – either through onsite noticeboards, shared software, or team talks. Offer confidential feedback channels and use drivers’ ideas and insights to improve working conditions and employee experience. 
• Deliver regular refresher training: Provide flexible training options to help drivers continuously expand their skillsets. A blend of online and in-person courses allows drivers to fit training into their non-traditional schedules, while still strengthening team relationships. Key content should include health and safety topics, evolving industry legislation, and specialist road skills.  
• Create a welcoming work environment: While most builders merchants offer basic facilities like toilets and handwashing stations, going above and beyond can make a significant difference to your delivery drivers – especially lone workers or those on longer shifts. At the very least, provide clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated welfare areas, as well as hygienic, fully stocked rest spaces and toilets. These added efforts demonstrate your commitment to health and safety and show your drivers that their wellbeing matters.  

Opus Safety provides expert advice on all aspects of driver safety, compliance, and wellbeing. To chat through your safety programme with an experienced sector specialist, get in touch on 0330 043 4015 or email hello@opus-safety.co.uk.