Restaurant Safety Matters

Mitigating Violence During Food Deliveries

Delivery drivers who transport takeout food to restaurant customers must have direct contact with the public as part of the job. While this is a necessary component of being a delivery driver, it also increases the risk of becoming a victim of violence. In fact, crime and violence in the workplace are some of the primary causes of job-related deaths. According to OSHA, about 1.7 million people are victims of workplace violence each year in the United States.

Delivery drivers may face physical violence, harassment, intimidation, threatening behavior, theft, armed robbery, assault and homicide while on the job. As a delivery driver, it’s important to take the following steps to protect yourself against these risks:

• Be aware of your surroundings and be alert for suspicious people loitering around the areas of your deliveries.
• Avoid areas that are not well-lit.
• Be aware of any vehicles that may be following you.
  • Stay in your vehicle, lock your doors, keep driving and call the police if you notice you’re being followed.
• Do not flash cash during transaction and don’t carry more than $20 in cash during deliveries.
• Park as close as possible to the door of the delivery destination.
• Park under a streetlight.
• Lock your vehicle and keep your keys with you while making deliveries.
• Ensure your vehicle is in proper operating condition.
• Never deliver to a house that appears to be vacant.
• Carry a flashlight to illuminate dark areas and walkways.
• Always have your cell phone with you.
• Dial 911 and wait for the police to arrive if an emergency occurs.

By taking precautions, you can help minimize the risk of being a victim of violence while making deliveries.