What are the occupational risks associated with working as a delivery driver?

Working as a delivery driver is one of the most in-demand jobs in our economy, particularly given the exponential growth of e-commerce and home delivery services. However, this profession is not without danger. Every day, delivery drivers face a variety of occupational risks, ranging from road accidents to musculoskeletal disorders, as well as situations of intense stress. For these reasons, it is essential to understand these risks in order to better anticipate and reduce them, thereby ensuring employees’ health and safety.

Due to the nature of their duties, delivery drivers are particularly exposed to road accidents. According to the Ministry of Labour, 30 % of fatal accidents occurring at work in 2022 were road accidents. For this reason, it is essential to implement active prevention measures and adopt a stronger health and safety policy for this profession.

The main occupational risks associated with working as a delivery driver

Delivery drivers face a range of occupational risks, from road accidents to physical disorders caused by manual handling. 

1. Road accidents

Fatigue is one of the main risks for delivery drivers. Long hours of driving without sufficient breaks considerably increase the likelihood of an accident. In addition, the pressure associated with delivery deadlines may lead drivers to maintain high speeds and take risks on the road, thereby increasing the likelihood of incidents. Finally, difficult weather conditions such as rain, snow and ice, as well as road conditions that may be slippery or full of potholes, also represent major dangers.

2. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

Delivery drivers often have to lift and carry heavy loads, which can cause muscle and joint pain. Poor posture when loading and unloading goods is also a factor that increases these risks. For example, repeating the same movements, particularly when transporting several parcels in one day, can cause chronic pain in the back, shoulders or wrists. In fact, according to Ameli, nearly 95 % of recognized occupational diseases in the transport and logistics sector are related to musculoskeletal disorders.

3. Falls and slips

Among the occupational risks associated with working as a delivery driver are slips and falls. Indeed, frequently getting in and out of the vehicle can cause these incidents, especially if the truck steps are slippery or poorly maintained.

In addition, during deliveries, uneven or wet surfaces, such as sidewalks in poor condition or wet floors, increase the risk of slipping and consequently the risk of serious injury.

4. Psychosocial risks

Although physical risks are the most obvious, it is important to consider the mental aspect of working as a delivery driver. Stress is ever-present in this profession due to tight schedules, traffic jams and the pressure to meet delivery deadlines. In addition, the isolation associated with spending long hours alone on the road can also affect delivery drivers’ well-being. Finally, conflicts with dissatisfied customers or other road users are additional sources of stress.

What prevention strategies can be implemented to limit the occupational risks associated with working as a delivery driver ?

Effective measures are available to reduce the occupational risks faced by delivery drivers. Adopting appropriate safety practices and providing suitable equipment are essential for improving working conditions.

Training and psychological support

Road safety training is essential for raising delivery drivers’ awareness of road hazards, particularly driver fatigue. Awareness sessions on good manual-handling practices are also crucial for reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Learning techniques for lifting loads correctly or using material-handling tools can also help prevent the risk of injury.

It is also important to train drivers in stress management. Learning to recognize the signs of mental fatigue and taking regular breaks can greatly contribute to their well-being. Employers must also ensure that they create a work environment where delivery drivers feel heard, by providing spaces for discussion or offering psychological support. This can, among other things, help identify and address stress or other psychosocial issues.

Vehicle maintenance

In a job where deliveries follow one another at a fast pace and the miles driven quickly add up, a vehicle in good working order is not only a guarantee of efficiency, but also protection against avoidable accidents. Regular vehicle maintenance is therefore crucial for preventing breakdowns that could endanger delivery drivers. With this in mind, particular attention must be paid to the brakes, tires, headlights and other essential components to ensure safe driving. Adding equipment such as GPS devices can also help reduce the stress drivers experience when navigating and save time on journeys.

Personal protective equipment

Finally, personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for delivery drivers. This includes safety footwear, which offers workers the following benefits :

• Protection against injuries in the event of a fall or slip : when loading and unloading goods, delivery drivers are exposed to the risk of injury. Using slip-resistant safety footwear helps reduce these risks and protect workers’ health and safety
• Foot comfort : safety footwear provides proper foot support and comfort through the use of reinforced cushioning and high-cut uppers. Among other benefits, this helps reduce the risk of muscle fatigue during working days.
• Protection against crushing injuries : protective toe caps that are resistant to impact protect the feet if a heavy load falls.

Wearing high-visibility clothing is also recommended, especially when deliveries take place in hazardous areas. This allows other drivers and pedestrians to spot delivery drivers more easily, thereby reducing accidents.

Working as a delivery driver involves a range of occupational risks, including road accidents, musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial risks. It is therefore essential to implement appropriate prevention strategies. Among the most effective solutions, using personal protective equipment such as safety footwear is essential. So if you want to equip your employees with suitable safety footwear, we invite you to browse our catalogue SFC to find the most appropriate models, or to contact our experts at Shoes For Crews, the leader in slip-resistant footwear since 1984, who can guide you according to your needs.