Transit Systems

How Transit Services Employees and Passengers Can Protect Themselves From Health Risks

Workers in the public transit industry face unique challenges in protecting their passengers from the health risks they face, including during their travel and at transit system stations and stops.

Due to the high volume of passengers that public transit systems service each day and the constant use of shared seating and facilities, workers must take advanced precautions to reduce the ongoing spread of illnesses and diseases like COVID-19. Additionally, passengers should understand how to limit their risk when using public transportation services.

Protecting Against Ongoing Health Risks for Transit System Workers And Passengers

Our Healthier Workplaces guidance documents offer practical advice for how transit services workers can protect themselves and passengers from the evolving health risks they face. The guidance borrows from the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advice and expert counsel from leading health, government, and industry organizations.

In the below “Resources By Type,” you will find our Healthier Workplaces and Schools eBook, guidance document, and other websites and industry organizations to learn about:

• Ventilation considerations for transit vehicles and waiting areas, including how to position pedestal or hard-mounted fans

• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices for commonly used items and high-touch surfaces like seats, handrails, door handles, and window latches

• Ways to enable physical distancing, including vehicle configuration recommendations

• Strategies for limiting the number of passengers on board and within stations

Keeping Transportation Industry Employees Safe

In addition to transit system workers, millions of other freight transportation industry employees—including trucking, railway, and air or water vehicle employees—face unique hazards when transporting materials.

Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) experts partner with teams to identify and mitigate the health and safety risks associated with their unique work environments, including potential exposure to hazardous materials and environments.

In the below ‘Resources by Type,’ you will find more information about how OEHS professionals help transportation industry employees. If you’re ready to partner with an OEHS expert to safeguard your team, find a consultant through AIHA’s Consultant Directory.

Additional Safety Resources For Transit System Employers

To access more help and resources to understand and avoid the ongoing health risks of mass transit systems, we recommend you explore the following resources and networks.