4-minute read
Along with the release of its 50-page guidance document, the government has provided a series of FAQs for specific areas of the workforce. Here, we’ve picked out relevant guidance for self-employed people and small business owners who work in or from vehicles. This group includes van drivers, on-site transit, couriers and mobile workers, among others.
The coronavirus guidance on gov.uk says business owners should work out sensible measures to control the risks in their workplace. If you’re self-employed or your small business has fewer than five employees or workers, you don’t need to write down your Covid-19 risk assessment, but you need to make sure you know what the risks are and how to manage them.
Find out more about how to carry out a health and safety risk assessment for your small business.
The government's guidance says that you should “maintain social distancing wherever possible between individuals when in vehicles”.
You can do this by:
If you have no choice but to work less than two metres away from another person, the government advises reducing the risk of passing on the virus by:
You can also work in a ‘fixed pair’ so you’re working in the vehicle with the same person all the time. The advice to keep the vehicle clean and open a window to increase airflow is intended to reduce the chances of passing on the virus if your have it.
The government’s guidance says that you should “maintain social distancing and avoid surface transmission when goods enter and leave the vehicle”.
The advice goes on to clarify that this is especially important if a high volume of goods are being picked up or dropped off – for example, at a distribution centre or despatch area.
You can do this by:
The government’s guidance says that safety needs to be prioritised if there’s an accident or incident. In an emergency situation like a fire or a break-in, the two metre rule doesn’t need to be followed.
Stay up-to-date with the latest from the Simply Business coronavirus support hub.
Sign up now to get guides, resources and offers.
Your email address will be used by Simply Business so that we can send you the latest guides, offers and tips. You can unsubscribe from these emails at any time. For more information, check out the Simply Business Privacy policy.
Anyone helping others during an accident or incident should be mindful of hygiene and wash their hands immediately afterwards.
The government’s guidance says to keep the workplace clean and prevent transmission caused by touching contaminated surfaces.
You can do this by regularly cleaning everything you use for work inside and outside of your vehicle. You can use your regular cleaning products, making sure you include things like door handles, keys and fuel pumps.
In line with the government’s general guidance for everyone, it’s important for people who work in or from a vehicle to wash their hands regularly too. Make sure you keep enough hand sanitiser or wipes in your vehicle to use after each delivery or pick up.
You’re also advised to clear belongings and waste from the vehicle at the end of each shift. This is important if the vehicle is shared with other workers.
The government advice says: “Where you are already using PPE in your work activity to protect against non-COVID-19 risks, you should continue to do so.”
According to gov.uk, a face covering only needs to cover your nose and mouth and can be very simple. It’s something that can be worn in enclosed spaces where you can’t socially distance yourself from other people.
PPE includes the face masks that healthcare workers use, like surgical masks or respirators. The term is also used to describe the protection people wear to limit dust and spray exposure in industrial workplaces.
The government guidance says: “Supplies of PPE, including face masks, must continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace, such as health and care workers, and those in industrial settings like those exposed to dust hazards.”
You can read the full government guidance on working safely in a vehicle during coronavirus on the government website.
Do you have any tips for minimising risks while driving for work during coronavirus? Let us know in the comments section below.
As the UK's biggest business insurance provider, we know the importance of covering your tools. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored tool insurance quote?
Start your quoteWe create this content for general information purposes and it should not be taken as advice. Always take professional advice. Read our full disclaimer
Keep up to date with Simply Business. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and follow us on social media.
Subscribe to our newsletter6th Floor99 Gresham StreetLondonEC2V 7NG
Sol House29 St Katherine's StreetNorthamptonNN1 2QZ
© Copyright 2021 Simply Business. All Rights Reserved. Simply Business is a trading name of Xbridge Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Registration No: 313348). Xbridge Limited (No: 3967717) has its registered office at 6th Floor, 99 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7NG.