Distribution Industry

Comprehensive COVID-19 response

Covid-19 resources for the food industry

Distribution Industry Guidelines

Focus on people, premises, processes, products, and procedures even as you implement a COVID-19 risk management plan. Coronavirus survival in low temperature is enhanced, take special care when receiving incoming products, storing them, and distribution after retrieving them from cold storage.

Continue operating your contamination prevention program (cleaning, contamination), disinfecting and sanitizing trucks, work equipment and surfaces, as well as all high-touch surfaces, will kill most viruses, including the Coronavirus family of viruses.

Avoid crowding and maintain social distancing.
Stagger Breaks – not having breaks together.
Basic Introduction training for Covid–19 (symptoms, precautions).
Hand washing is extremely important.

Food workers must wash hands:

  • before starting work
  • before and after handling food
  • after handling waste
  • after cleaning duties
  • after using the toilet
  • after eating, drinking or smoking
  • after coughing, sneezing or blowing nose
  • if possible increase the areas of hand washing stations
Food manufacturing operator washing hands

General workplace guidelines

  • Personnel Precautions
    Wash hands often and wear PPE while working.
  • Vigilance
    Clean often using appropriate cleaning agents.
  • Contact Tracing
    If required, setup the capability to record your customers details.
  • Positive Environment
    Optimistic environment helps best practice adherence.
  • Social Distancing
    Ensure 6 feet or 2 meter distance between workstations.
  • Educate
    Reinforce best practices for personal hygiene and sanitization plans.
  • Daily Symptom check
    Monitor staff for symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Stay up to date
    Stay current with industry and government updates.

Operational Personnel guidelines

  • Personal Hygiene
    Wash hands frequently, wear PPE before entering work areas.
  • PPE or Uniforms
    Don fresh set of PPE gear before entering back into work areas.
  • Symptom check
    Check for symptoms – fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath.
  • Breaks
    Stagger break timing so social distancing is
    maintained.
  • Deliveries
    Deliveries and dispatches managed in a contact-less fashion.
  • Stay up to date
    Stay current with new work guidelines and health announcements.

Helpful resources