Tag: health

Trucking With Pets

Trucking With Pets: What Fleets Need To Know

Posted on | by Victoria Gole | Leave a Comment on Trucking With Pets: What Fleets Need To Know

Long haul trucking is often perceived as a lonely job as commercial truck drivers drive long hours to deliver goods over the course of hours, days or even weeks. With the monotony and morale being important concerns, many fleets are looking at how they can make long haul trucking a little more enjoyable. One of the best ways to alleviate these concerns is trucking with pets.   

With a multitude of benefits, nearly 40% of long haul commercial motor vehicle drivers are already taking pets with them on the road. This growing trend is something fleet businesses are continuing to review.

 

Fleet Pet Policy

Whether you’re a fleet owner or driver, it’s important to review current policies when looking into drivers bringing pets on the road with them. On one hand, fleets must readjust their policies to reflect new values, and on the other hand, fleet companies have not clarified their positions on whether bringing pets would be welcomed. Fleet businesses must constantly review policies, including old and outdated ones, and better adapt to the constantly changing needs of their employees. 

 

 Old or Outdated Pet Policy 

If your fleet has a pet policy but the language is outdated, it’s important to address it and make the necessary policy modifications. Companies should ensure that old policies do not conflict with new values. Updating the policy on pet companionship in fleets will help companies specifically clarify their position and what is encouraged throughout the company. 

It is critical that your policies reflect the current values of your fleet and adapt to changing needs.

 

No Pet Policy 

If there is currently no pet policy – it’s time to make one! While some fleets may be strict about not allowing pets to travel with drivers, many are open to it. 

If your fleet is looking to enforce a new pet policy to allow trucking with pets – there are a few things to consider:

  1. What are the associated fees for bringing a pet along for the ride may be? Typically, fleets require drivers to provide a $200 – $1,500 deposit for insurance in case there are any damages to company property, which includes damages to vehicles, equipment, cargo etc. 
  2. Whether there is a maximum pet weight limit, breed or type for animals, drivers can travel with. Typically, fleets set a weight limit between 25 and 35 pounds, which engenders a variety of common breeds such as dachshunds, pugs, terriers, chihuahuas and more.
  3. The completion of an internal training course to review all aspects of bringing a pet on the road. The course will cover what are the best practices to follow with your travelling pet, how to set up your vehicle to support an animal and proper health requirements of animals.

 

Benefits Of Trucking With Pets 

For fleets who encourage drivers to bring their pets along for the ride, there are a multitude of benefits that are associated with having pets travel with their owners.

Fleets can expect for drivers to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol and better overall cardiovascular health, as studies show that having a pet companion can improve health. Drivers can also stay active and reach health goals as they will be required to take daily 20-30 minute walks – which is perfect for truck stop breaks! 

Medical professionals even claim that driving with an animal can reduce stress and anxiety levels as well as provide drivers with a better outlook on life. Since they have a companion on long isolated trips, drivers are less at risk for thinking or feeling negative. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology states that pet owners reported fewer doctor visits than non-pet owners. Meaning fleets can even expect healthier drivers, which results in less sick days.

Pets can also reduce fatigue driving and accidents, which are related to driving tired. This is because animals will require drivers to frequently pull over to allow the animal to relieve themselves and stretch their legs. Furthermore, having pets on board can even deter potential theft.

With an estimated 3.5 million truck drivers on U.S. roads, fleets cannot afford to overlook the benefits that trucking with pets drives. 

 

What Drivers Need To Be Aware Of 

Checking your fleets pet policy isn’t the only factor that drivers need to consider. Apart from checking with management, drivers should ensure the following: 

  • Their pet fits the proper pet sizing to travel comfortably with them
  • The vehicle is pet-proofed with a separate space set aside for the animals call their own 
  • Tools and/or equipment such as; a crate, leash, pet bed, various toys, animal cleaning supplies, adequate food and treats
  • The animal is properly trained be comfortable with being in a moving vehicle, while the driver is focused on the road, and is well socialized
  • The animal is up to date with vaccinations and drivers are up to date and/or researched veterinary inspection laws, as they vary from state to state 

 

What Fleet Managers Need To Know 

Changing the policy speaking to pet companions may seem fun and exciting, but management must take the proper steps to keep the drivers, organization and animals happy. While this includes refining pet policies, fleet managers should also consider the following: 

  • What should be included in company training material pertaining to travelling with pets? 
  • Whether drivers would be accepted to register pets as a service or companion animal to ensure animals are never left unattended for too long (this is specific to in-store visits)?
  • What are the possible legal ramifications if there is an accident where the animal is hurt, if the animal caused the accident or if the animal hurt someone? 

With all policy shifts, there are pros and cons. When it comes to the growing trend of trucking with pets, more fleets are realizing that new policies should reflect current values.

If you’re looking for more insight about how you can create the proper training course to ensure drivers are trained on new trucking with pets policies contact us today! Our online training platform ZenduLearn is a customizable training solution that can accompany any training topics specific to your fleet.

Keeping Commercial Transportation Personnel Safe During COVID-19

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on Keeping Commercial Transportation Personnel Safe During COVID-19

On March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. Due to the uncertainty and fast spread of the virus, numerous community and country-wide initiatives were put into place. This included but is not limited to, the closure of borders, city-wide lockdowns, social distancing and the temporary closure of businesses. However, even though many businesses have been closed or employees are working from home, some organizations are essential during these times. For example, commercial transportation is essential at the moment as drivers are helping to provide communities with relief by delivering supplies and equipment. Something that many cities and towns can’t go long without. But what does this mean for those within the transportation sector? It means that now, more than ever before, we must work tirelessly to keep commercial transportation personnel safe. 

 

Recommendations To Keeping Commercial Transportation Personnel Safe

 

Since commercial transport drivers are still required to travel and come in contact with numerous individuals, it’s important for fleets to do what they can to ensure that team members remain healthy. Recently, Transport Canada has released information on how this can be successfully completed because if a driver does not take the right precautions, they may not only contract the virus, but they could unknowingly spread it. Some of the recommendations by Transport Canada and the CDC (the US Department of Health and Human Services, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) include focusing on vehicle cleaning, personal hygiene, social distancing and health status monitoring. 

 

Health And Safety Tips

 

Thoroughly Cleaning Vehicles And Equipment 

 

Throughout the outbreak of COVID-19, it has been stressed more and more to continuously clean and disinfect the spaces or items that we come in contact with. This not only includes the homes we live in, but even the vehicles and equipment we are using – especially for drivers in the transportation industry. In fact, Transport Canada recommends for regular cleaning of equipment and vehicles to keep commercial transportation personnel safe. This means drivers should not only have access to the right supplies to complete continuous cleaning tasks, but guidance in what should be disinfected daily. Below are some reminders and tips.

 

What Drivers Need To Complete Cleaning 

 

  • Personal protective equipment such as gloves
  • Disposable paper towels and absorbent materials
  • Disposal bags 
  • Cleaning agents and disinfectants

 

What High-Touch Surfaces Should Be Cleaned

 

  • Keys or fobs 
  • Starter buttons
  • Door and grab handles 
  • Pads, armrests, seats and seat adjusters, glove compartments, pickup tailgate handles, and sleepers
  • Steering wheels and shift levers
  • Consoles, dashboards, touch screens, power window and power door lock switches, as well as radio and climate control buttons
  • Turn signals and wiper stalkers

 

Maintaining Personal Hygiene 

 

In addition to properly cleaning vehicles, fleets are also directed to stress more importance on personal hygiene to keep commercial transportation personnel safe. This focuses on limiting the risk of an individual unknowing spreading the virus as well as unknowingly contracting the virus. As the virus can be contracted by an individual simply touching their face or eating food without cleaning their hands, this is something that can’t be forgotten about. The following are some personal hygiene reminders.

  • Cover mouths and noses with a tissue or with a sleeve when coughing or sneezing
  • Limit the sharing of personal items to stop the spread the virus 
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – especially when touching objects such as door handles or even cargo
  • Not touching faces with unwashed hands 
  • Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%-95% alcohol if water and soap is not available to wash hands with 

This is essential for drivers who are travelling as they could be coming in contact with individuals who have the virus or surfaces where the virus is. 

 

Take Part In Social Distancing 

 

Even though drivers in the commercial transportation industry are unable to practice social distancing as much as others, it is still recommended for them to do what they can to participate. Social distancing is the act of creating distance and space between individuals in an attempt to curb the spread of germs and viruses. This works under the theory that with more space between each other, there will be less contact made, and thus, less of a possibility of a virus being spread among the public. With this being said, drivers should be reminded to limit the physical contact that they may have with other team members, receivers or other personnel on their routes, as well as their family members or roommates when they are at home. This can not only limit a driver possibly contracting the virus while they are on route, but spreading it to others regardless of if they are working.

 

Health Status Monitoring 

 

The CDC recommends for individuals to limit the spreading of illness by conducting health status monitoring. This type of monitoring focuses on having individuals who may come in contact with the virus to watch for possible symptoms over 14 days (or more if they are continually at risk for exposure). This is critical for drivers to take part in as they could come in contact with the virus during their daily routes.

 

Watching driver health speaks to looking for obvious signs of sickness and infection. When speaking about COVID-19, the most common symptoms are similar to the cold or flu, however also include fever, cough, difficulty breathing as well as pneumonia. While new information is developing regarding COVID-19 and some cases have been noted to have unusual symptoms, it’s important to stay up-to-date with news from health officials. 

 

One important part of health status monitoring is temperature monitoring as a fever is typically a sign of illness. As some individuals can spread coronavirus without showing any concerning symptoms of the virus, many are turning to body temperature monitoring to watch for fevers that the individual may not be aware of. When a fleet enforces a temperature monitoring policy among their team, it is important for the following steps to be properly communicated so accurate readings are recorded. This is recommended to be completed during the pre-trip inspection as well as periodically throughout the day as required by management. 

 

The following are steps to successfully complete temperature monitoring: 

  • Turn a clean thermometer on 
  • Place the tip of the thermometer (where it reads your body temperature) under your tongue 
  • Hold it until the device beeps 
  • Review the temperature 
  • Record it in a logbook along with whether there are any symptoms 
  • Clean the thermometer to disinfect it 

Image Source: CDC; CARE, Check and Recovery Everyday

 

If the thermometer records a high temperature or a fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), it is recommended that the individual stops working immediately and calls their fleet manager. At this point, next steps can be discussed (typically stopping all work duties until the fever resides or further testing is completed). As well, drivers should continue to maintain proper personal hygiene, monitor for additional cold, flu or virus symptoms, and participate in social distancing.

 

For additional information regarding symptoms, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/symptoms.html

To take the self-assessment tool offered by the Government of Canada, please visit: https://ca.thrive.health/ 

 

Electronically Monitoring Health Status

 

When discussing health status monitoring, many fleets want to have more visibility of the temperatures and possible symptoms of drivers. In times like this, electronic logbooks are a great option. Free apps like GoFleet Health Check act as a digital recording tool for drivers to input their daily temperatures and overall health status to help ensure they’re not showing common symptoms of coronavirus (such as a cough or fever). Drivers simply record their temperature with a thermometer, input the reading as well as whether there are additional symptoms, then continue with their route if there is no risk of being sick. If a high temperature or numerous symptoms are inputted, the health status monitoring solution will alert the driver that they are at risk and prompt them to stop all work, contact their manager, and take part in safety practices to reduce possible spreading of the virus. 

gofleet, health check, zenducheck, symptom monitoring,

For more information about using the app for free, please contact [email protected]

 

As concerns surrounding the virus continue, it’s important for management to do everything they can to keep commercial transportation personnel safe as they are essential to providing relief to many communities. For further tips on how to reduce exposure and spreading of the virus, be sure to follow government health officials as information is always changing.

GoFleet Update: Implementing Remote Work Initiatives

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on GoFleet Update: Implementing Remote Work Initiatives

For years, work has typically consisted of employees entering an office to complete their job. However, as technology has advanced to provide consumers with great gadgets or services, it has also advanced to make the workplace more accessible. This speaks to the use of new tools to allow for remote work opportunities to be possible in countless organizations. Recently, due to recent concerns of the COVID-19 outbreak, we felt the need to protect our team and others by encouraging them to participate in social distancing by implementing remote work initiatives. 

 

Remote Working From Home

 

As GoFleet is a provider of tools and technology, we see first-hand how innovation is changing businesses. As part of this, our team has always utilized innovative tools to help us better help our customers. Luckily, this technology has also allowed for remote work to be an option for staff. Investing in portable devices and communication software has previously provided us with the means to always complete the highest level of work, regardless of the task. This includes providing team members with laptop computers, laptop accessories such as headsets or mouses, workflow management systems, as well as internet-based conference meeting accounts.

 

Technology Is Changing And So Are We: Our Remote Work From Home Initiatives 

 

Due to recent events and the spread of COVID-19, the GoFleet team has elevated its remote working policy to protect the health and safety of team members. By making remote work from home a default for our employees, we are doing our part in attempting to stop the spread of the virus through social distancing. As mentioned before, we believe that our innovative nature and the tools that our team has available can help us remain productive while we practice social distancing. 

 

How Our Team Is Staying Productive 

 

Like many other organizations, maintaining productivity and quality work is a top priority during times of remote work. So, prior to encouraging our team to work from home, we did vigorous research to see how else we could help them succeed while they were remotely working. We implemented the following: 

 

  • The act of scheduling regular meetings to maintain communication and reduce isolation or miscommunication 
  • A policy regarding what a proper work environment would consist of – a quiet room that has a clear work space, minimal distractions in addition to a proper internet connection 
  • Clear project deadlines via workflow management systems so work does not fall behind and schedules can be organized accordingly 
  • Open discussions to speak about and address work blockers

 

Since much of the effects that COVID-19 will have on work spaces are still unknown, it is important for organizations to continue to research how they can help their team. Not only by encouraging a safe and healthy workplace, but by providing them with guidance about how they can remain successful at this time.

Do you have some tips for teams who are new to working remotely? Comment below!