Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out clear, practical COVID‑19 safety measures tailored to transport operations across Australia, from depot to delivery point. It helps transport businesses protect drivers, passengers, loaders and customers while demonstrating due diligence under WHS and public health requirements during and beyond pandemic conditions.

COVID‑19 has fundamentally changed how transport services must be planned and delivered in Australia. Drivers, depot staff, loaders and passengers often work in confined spaces, interact with multiple workplaces in a single shift, and share vehicles, equipment and amenities – all of which increase the risk of transmission if not properly controlled. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, transport‑specific approach to COVID‑19 risk management, covering freight, passenger and mixed‑use operations.

The document translates evolving public health advice and WHS obligations into clear, day‑to‑day practices for transport environments. It sets out how to manage physical distancing where practicable, implement hygiene and cleaning regimes for high‑touch surfaces, handle pick‑up and delivery interactions, and respond when a worker or passenger is suspected or confirmed to have COVID‑19. By adopting this SOP, organisations create consistent, auditable processes that protect workers, reassure customers and regulators, and help keep vehicles on the road and services running safely during outbreaks, seasonal surges or future respiratory disease events.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, defensible approach to COVID‑19 risk management across all transport routes, depots and vehicle types.
• Reduce the likelihood of workplace transmission events that can sideline drivers, disrupt schedules and damage client relationships.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS duties and alignment with Australian public health directions specific to the transport sector.
• Standardise cleaning, disinfection and vehicle handover practices to protect drivers, loaders, passengers and customers.
• Improve worker confidence and customer trust through clear communication protocols and visible safety measures.

Who is this for?

• Transport Operations Managers
• Fleet Managers
• Logistics and Distribution Managers
• Bus and Coach Operators
• Taxi and Rideshare Operators
• Heavy Vehicle Drivers
• Rail and Light Rail Operators
• Maritime and Port Operations Managers
• Depot and Warehouse Supervisors
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• HR and People & Culture Managers in Transport
• Contractor and Subcontractor Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to airborne respiratory droplets and aerosols in enclosed vehicle cabins and passenger compartments
• Contact with contaminated high‑touch surfaces such as steering wheels, handrails, seatbelts, door handles and payment terminals
• Close contact during loading, unloading, ticketing, fare collection and customer interactions
• Transmission risks in shared amenities including depots, lunchrooms, toilets and change rooms
• Inadequate isolation and response when a worker or passenger is symptomatic or COVID‑19 positive
• Psychosocial stress for drivers and staff arising from fear of infection and changing work practices

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (including COVID‑19 related terminology)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, officers, supervisors, drivers, contractors)
• 4.0 COVID‑19 Risk Assessment for Transport Operations
• 5.0 General Infection Prevention and Control Principles
• 6.0 Vehicle Cleaning, Disinfection and Ventilation Requirements
• 7.0 Driver and Staff Health Screening and Fitness for Work
• 8.0 Physical Distancing and Contact Minimisation Procedures
• 9.0 Pick‑up, Delivery and Customer Interaction Protocols
• 10.0 Passenger Management (seating, boarding, disembarking, ticketing)
• 11.0 Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hygiene Supplies
• 12.0 Management of Suspected or Confirmed COVID‑19 Cases
• 13.0 Communication, Training and Consultation with Workers
• 14.0 Management of Contractors, Subcontractors and Third‑Party Sites
• 15.0 Recordkeeping, Contact Tracing Support and Privacy
• 16.0 Psychosocial Risk Management and Worker Wellbeing
• 17.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
• 18.0 References, Legislation and Supporting Resources
• 19.0 Appendices (Checklists, Cleaning Schedules, Sample Notices and Forms)

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and equivalent state and territory regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Work-related exposure to COVID-19: Work health and safety guidance
• Safe Work Australia – National Guide for Safe Workplaces – COVID-19
• National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) – COVID-19 information for industry
• Passenger Transport (various state and territory) COVID‑19 safety directions and guidelines
• AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still widely referenced)
• ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems