You should always exercise good business judgement when offering delivery services to ensure your safety and those of other Canadian residents!

Winter can be a busy period for couriers, so it is important you understand some of the essential pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) and vehicle requirements to be successful. 

Stay Warm!

Whether you’re driving a car or riding a bike, staying warm is essential during the colder months. Carleton University gives these tips to stay warm:

• Wear layers of clothing. 
• Avoid excessive exposed skin. Choose the right type of fabric. Add other accessories, such as scarves, beanies and gloves. 

Visibility is the key!

If you are on a motorcycle, scooter or bike, it is important to stay visible to other road users. It is recommended that you choose a brightly coloured helmet and clothing. It is also recommended that you use a high-visibility outerwear piece. This can be a vest which goes over the top of your clothing with retro reflective strips and fluorescent colouring to make you more visible to other road users. High-vis vests are also relatively cheap, making them an inexpensive investment in your safety on the roads.

Avoid slipping on wet or icy surfaces

Investing in good quality footwear is a great way to reduce your risk of slipping over. Try to aim for shoes that are enclosed, have a non-slip grip and also have some water resistant qualities to avoid nasty falls on icy or slippery surfaces.

Vehicle Essentials 

Your vehicle is key to ensuring your safety in winter. It is important to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the challenges of the winter conditions. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety recommends the following:

1. Make sure the vehicle’s electrical system is in good repair. 
2. Ensure your brakes are working properly. 
3. Use the tyres that are appropriate for the conditions. 
4. Check your exhaust system. 
5. Ensure the heating/cooling system is in good condition. 
6. Ensure you have enough fuel/charge for your delivery run.

Winter tires

• Winter driving can be challenging even for the most experienced drivers. If you are in a region that experiences winter conditions such as ice, slush or snow, consider the following:
• Various brands of all-season and snow tires meet the requirements to be considered snow tires. Please check with local tire retailers for further details
• Ensure all 4 tires are matched. Matching winter tires with summer or all-season tires can affect the overall operation of your vehicle.
• Ensure you have the proper tire pressure for all weather conditions. Improperly inflated tires are prone to irregular wear, poor handling, traction loss and reduced tread life. Your recommended tire pressure is located on the edge of the driver’s door, or inside the glove box.
• Ensure your winter tires are stored appropriately and examined prior to each winter season. Please check with your local tire retailers or tire specialists for an annual safety review.

It is recommended that you have a mechanic perform these checks as part of your regular car maintenance scheme.

Remember, common sense is your best defence in harsh conditions. If you encounter health and safety issues on a delivery run, chat with our courier team via the app for assistance.