U.S. Department of Labor Issues Alert for Rideshare, Taxi And Car Service Safety During Coronavirus Pandemic

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an alert listing safety tips to help reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus in the car service industry.

Safety measures include:

• Allowing drivers to wear masks over their nose and mouth to prevent them from spreading the virus;
• Providing alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol for both drivers and customers;
• Limiting the number of passengers transported at a single time and installing plexiglass partitions between driver and passenger compartments where possible;
• Routinely cleaning and disinfecting vehicle door handles and inside surfaces with Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals from List N or that have label claims against the coronavirus;
• Lowering vehicle windows to increase airflow; and
• Encouraging drivers to report any safety and health concerns.

The new alert is available for download in English and Spanish.

Visit OSHA’s Publications webpage for other useful workplace safety information.

The alert is the latest effort by OSHA to educate and protect America’s workers and employers during the coronavirus pandemic. OSHA has also published Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, a document aimed at helping workers and employers learn about ways to protect themselves and their workplaces during the ongoing pandemic.

Visit OSHA’s COVID-19 webpage frequently for updates. For further information about coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.