CANADA COURIER OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY PROGRAM

PART A: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITMENTS

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this document is to establish and maintain an effective OHS program for independently contracted couriers. Skip is committed to implementing a structured approach to occupational health and safety in order to achieve a consistently high standard of safety outcomes. 

2.0 OHS Policy

The Statement of Commitment and the Implementation of Policy Commitment provide the overarching direction Skip will follow in pursuit of occupational health and safety outcomes. 

2.1 Statement of Commitment

Skip will take all reasonably practicable measures to eliminate or minimize risks to the health and safety of independently contracted couriers.

Skip is committed to ensuring compliance with its obligations under applicable workers’ compensation and occupational health and safety legislation and regulations, including any other relevant legislation, applicable Codes of Practice and relevant Canadian Standards.

2.2 Implementation Commitment

Skip is committed to implementing all health and safety policies and procedures that are contained within this OHS Program. This will be achieved by: 

  • The provision of safety information 
  • Engaging in communications between couriers and other duty holders, on health and safety matters to maintain effective and co-operative relationships
  • Reviewing, through appropriate mechanisms, the effectiveness of the safety procedures

Skip’s commitment to providing safe and healthy environments for couriers using its network includes: 

  • Notifying couriers of reasonably foreseeable hazards they may encounter whilst performing deliveries
  • Providing relevant, up-to-date OHS information to all couriers on matters such as safety and their responsibilities 
  • Providing assistance in OHS matters where necessary
  • Providing access to coaching and/or training in work processes where appropriate
  • Developing and implementing strategies which include risk assessment, hazard identification and appropriate remedial action to eliminate or control hazards
  • Implementing and maintaining appropriate information, reporting and statistical systems. 

3.0 Definitions

TerminologyDefinition
AppThe mobile application that a Courier uses to access the Skip Platform.
CourierAn independent contractor that utilises the Skip platform to accept delivery offers (business activities).
CustomerA person or persons that place an order with a Partner on the Skip Platform. 
PersonnelAn individual that has been subcontracted or engaged by a Courier to conduct deliveries. 
Electrically Power Assisted Cycle (Ebike)Pedal cycles with an electric motor that has a maximum continuous rated power output of 500 watts. The power-assistance progressively reduces as the speed increases and cuts off once a top speed of 25 kilometres per hour is reached. Ebikes require the rider to pedal to access the power.
Skip PlatformA marketplace where customers, couriers and restaurants accept or reject offers for products or services
Near Miss or High Potential IncidentAn unplanned event that does not result in an injury/illness or damage but had potential to do so.
Reportable IncidentA reportable incident is when a person experiences a serious injury or illness, and there is an obligation to notify regulatory authorities.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Equipment worn to minimise exposure to hazards. 
PartnerA Partner is a business that engages with the Skip Platform in order to procure delivery services from a Courier.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)The management of risks to health and safety in a working environment.

4.0 Responsibilities

Both Skip and Couriers have responsibilities under applicable OHS legislation.

4.1 Responsibilities of Skip

In some provinces, Couriers are classified as workers for the purposes of the applicable OHS legislation. As such, Skip has obligations to:

  • Comply with all OHS provisions, regulations and applicable orders
  • Identify reasonably foreseeable hazards that could give rise to risks to health and safety;
  • Provide couriers with the information, instruction and training necessary to ensure their health and safety
  • Communicate OHS provision to couriers in order to facilitate compliance  s, where reasonably practicable
  • Make couriers aware of their rights and duties under the OHS provisions and regulations

4.2 Responsibilities of a Courier

Under the applicable OHS legislation, Couriers have obligations to:

  • Take reasonable care to protect their own health and safety, and the health and safety of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work
  • Comply with all OHS provisions, the regulations and any applicable orders

Couriers must comply, so far as they are able, with any reasonable policy or procedure which relates to occupational health and safety.  

On a day-to-day basis, this includes: 

  • following all laws and rules of the road as they pertain to the province they provide services in;
  • following all reasonable and lawful OHS policies that Skip have; and
  • report all hazards, accidents and incidents as soon as possible to Skip 

It is acknowledged that, in accordance with the Regulation, a Courier may cease or refuse to carry out an order or business activity if they have a reasonable concern the order or business activity would expose them to a serious risk to their health or safety. Skip requires Couriers who cease a delivery or business activity to notify the relevant Skip team that they have ceased as soon as practicable after doing so. 

4.2.1 Personnel

As courier’s are independent contractors, they are able to sub-contract or engage personnel to perform deliveries. Where a courier engages a subcontractor or personnel, the courier is responsible for:

  • Ensuring the subcontractor or personnel follows all laws and rules of the road as they pertain to the province they provide services in;
  • Making the subcontractor or personnel aware of any and all OHS policies, as determined by Skip;
  • The provision of safety information or coaching as required by relevant OHS legislation and regulations; and
  • Any acts or omissions made by the subcontractor or personnel, as they pertain to OHS on the Skip network

5.0 Communication 

Open communication between Couriers and Skip is important to ensure a safe delivery platform. Therefore, Couriers are encouraged to: 

  • Ask questions relating to OHS 
  • Bring up safety concerns 
  • Make recommendations regarding OHS 
  • Give regular feedback 

Couriers can help shape Skip OHS policies, by:

  • Reporting any hazards that they encounter whilst using the Skip Platform
  • Notifying Skip of any injuries/incidents that are reportable in nature
  • Reporting any ‘near misses’ or high potential incidents
  • Responding to any surveys that Skip may send

6.0 OHS Risk Management

OHS risk management is a systematic process of hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control with the aim of providing information and actions to Couriers to help them conduct deliveries and business activities in a safe manner. 

Skip has adopted a risk management approach to underpin its Occupational Health & Safety Program. This approach involves Skip identifying hazards, assessing and prioritizing risks, implementing control measures and reviewing how effective the control measures are. 

All Couriers are responsible for assisting in managing the particular risks associated with their specific work environment. Risk management strategies used include: 

  • risk assessments of various courier delivery methods;
  • risk assessments for any change to work processes;
  • hazard, injury, incident reporting procedures; and
  • incident investigations (where it is deemed appropriate or is required by the applicable OHS legislation).

6.1 Risk Management Process

OHS risk management should be undertaken for courier activities where there is the potential for harm, including: 

  • before activities commence; 
  • before the introduction of new procedures or processes; and
  • when procedures or processes are modified. 

To view the full Just Eat Takeaway Risk Management Methodology, click here.

Step 1: Identify the Hazard 

A hazard is a source or potential source of injury, ill health or disease. Hazard identification is the process of identifying all reasonably foreseeable situations and events that could cause injury or illness by examining an area/task for all threats which are ‘inherent to the job’. 

Step 2: Assess the Risk 

Assessing the risk from a hazard determines its significance.

Firstly, Skip considers the consequences should something happen. For example,will it cause a serious injury, illness or death or a minor injury to the physical or mental health of the person/s involved

Skip uses the high end case of the average outcomes range as a reference point.

Secondly, Skip considers how likely this is to occur. Some points of consideration include: 

  • how often is the task undertaken
  • how frequently are couriers near the hazard 
  • how many people are near the hazard at a particular time 
  • has an incident happened before 
  • have there been any ‘near misses’ 

Step 3: Identify the Risk Level

After determining the consequences and likelihood of a hazard, using the table below, a risk level is assigned.

Step 5: Determine the Control 

 After Skip has determined the risk rating, the hierarchy of hazard controls is used to determine the optimal solution to eliminate or reduce the risk as far as is reasonably practicable. Please see Appendix 1 for an explanation of the hierarchy of hazard controls.

Step 6: Reviewing Controls

Finally,  Skip identifies who, how and when the effectiveness of controls will be checked and reviewed. 

PART B: GENERAL OHS INFORMATION

1.0 Hazard/Injury/Incident Reporting

Hazard/injury/incident reporting is a requirement under OHS legislation. As a result, Skip requires that a process is followed regarding all hazards/injuries/incidents. 

1.1 reportable Incidents

reportable incidents can be split into three (3) categories:

  1. Death of a person
  2. The serious injury or illness of a person
  3. A dangerous incident

Couriers are required to report to Skip the following incidents:

  • Incidents which caused a serious injury 
  • Incidents which caused injury or death to another person, including customer, restaurant staff, other motorists or the general public
  • Incidents that could have caused a serious injury or death to the courier (but did not)
  • Incidents that could have caused a serious injury or death to another person (but did not)

Skip has an obligation to notify Worksafe BC if a reportable incident occurs. Skip investigates all reportable incidents.

1.2 Non-Emergency (Not reportable) Incidents

Although certain incidents are not reportable to Worksafe BC, Skip still requires couriers to report them. Couriers are encouraged to contact the Courier Success Team through the chat function on the app, or to send an email detailing the particulars of the incident to [email protected]

1.3 Incident Investigations

All OHS incidents are investigated where possible.Incidents are categorised by type and severity, which determines the form that any investigation will take.

1.3.1 Level 0 & 1 Incidents

For the aforementioned categories of incidents, Skip will conduct an investigation based on the use of emails. Courier team members will communicate with the courier using predetermined macros, and will formulate a ‘red flag’ ticket containing the responses. 

1.3.2 Level 2 Incidents

Where the aforementioned incidents occur, the Courier contact centre will create a ‘red flag’ and escalate immediately to the Skip incidents team for investigation. The investigation for these incidents consists of statements from the affected courier (by either phone or email), as well as any other stakeholder involved in the incident (where possible).

1.3.3 Level 3 Incidents

Where the aforementioned incidents occur, the Courier contact centre will create a ‘red flag’ and escalate immediately to the Skip incidents team for investigation. The investigation for these incidents consists of interviews with the affected courier, as well as any other stakeholder involved in the incident (where possible). 

As these incidents are reportable to the applicable workplace safety body, an interim report will be produced within 48 hours of Skip becoming aware of the incident. The interim report will contain:

  1. Statements (where possible) from any relevant parties
  2. Any conditions or hazards which impacted the incident
  3. Any relevant interim controls to reduce risk to couriers on the Skip Platform

A final report will be prepared that contains:

  1. All elements of the interim report
  2. Any actions taken as a result of the incident, including any controls introduced as a result of the investigation

Final reports will be provided to the joint health & safety committee (or equivalent) for consideration. Records related to any report shall be kept for a period of five (5) years. For more information on reportable incidents, see appendix 2. 

2.0 Safety Information and OHS Coaching

Couriers offering services via the Skip platform will have access to multiple channels of OHS information. These include:

  • OHS coaching/training at the point of onboarding
  • OHS information that is specific to their vehicle type
  • Inside Track safety blog that has various articles relating to OHS
  • Quarterly Safety Bulletin,with current or updated safety content

2.1 Safety Information/Training Prior to Commencement

Skip has committed to provide access to safety information/training at the time of onboarding for all couriers. Before offering delivery services, a courier will be provided access to information related to their safety.

The safety information topics will include (but not limited to):

  • Road safety customised to the type of vehicle being used
  • Access to the road rules relevant to British Columbia
  • personal protective equipment – how to select the correct PPE and how to use it appropriately
  • vehicle pre-start / maintenance checks
  • common road hazards and situations
  • load balance
  • adapting to road conditions
  • Impairment and fatigue management
  • Safe and compliant use of delivery equipment, including thermal bags and mobile phones
  • Any other information from time to time that any regulatory body wishes to disseminate

2.2 Ongoing OHS Information

Skip, through the use of the Inside Track website, provides various pieces of information related to OHS issues and topics relevant to couriers and their business activities. Couriers are encouraged to visit the website when they have questions about OHS. Information provided will be updated on a regular basis as conditions change. Safety Information provided is also translated into different languages (enabled through google translate) where appropriate.

PART C: SPECIFIC OHS INFORMATION

1.0 Courier Transport OHS

Couriers are solely responsible for obtaining, using and maintaining all equipment required to provide services. These can include a motor vehicle if services are provided as a Vehicle Courier, or an Ebike if  services are provided as a Bicycle Courier.

1.1 Vehicle Standards and Driver Requirements

1.1.1 Motor Vehicles

If services are provided as a Vehicle Courier:

  • The courier must have access to a registered motor vehicle or motorcycle which will be used to provide the Services;
  • Couriers must have a valid driver’s licence that is accepted in the province in which the courier will be providing services;
  • Couriers must ensure that the vehicle is in good operating condition and meets the industry safety standards for a motor vehicle of its kind;
  • if the courier is using a motorcycle, they must wear a compliant helmet that meets the following standards:
    • FMVSS 218 (49CFR571.218)
    • Snell M2005 or Snell M2010: certification
    • ECE Regulation No. 22
  • The courier will be solely responsible for any and all liability which results or is alleged as a result of the use of the vehicle including, but not limited to property damages, damages to their vehicle, injuries or death to other persons;
  • The courier will obey all laws related to the provision of the services and will be solely responsible for any breach of applicable laws;
  • The courier must obtain appropriate vehicle insurance.

1.1.2 Ebike/Bicycle

If services are provided as Bicycle Courier:

  • The courier must have access to an electronic (pedal assisted) bicycle that the courier will use to provide the services;
  • the Ebike must be in good operating condition and meet the required standards for an Ebike in the couriers region;
  • The courier must wear a Canadian Standards Association (CAN/CSA D113.2-M89 – Cycling Helmets) compliant bicycle helmet;
  • The courier will be solely responsible for any and all liability which results or is alleged as a result of the use of the vehicle including, but not limited to property damages, damages to their vehicle, injuries or death to other persons;
  • The courier must obey all local laws related to providing services and will be solely responsible for any breach of the laws.

1.2 Pre Start Checks

It is the responsibility of the Courier to ensure that their vehicle type is in good working condition. As such, couriers are encouraged to conduct regular pre-start checks. 

1.2.1 Motor Vehicles

Skip encourages couriers that use motor vehicles to deliver on the Skip Platform to perform regular pre-start checks on their vehicle. This should include (but is not limited to):

  • Checking the odometer reading, and how long until the next service is due
  • Checking fluid levels, including oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid and auto transmission fluid
  • Checking tyres for wear, damage and inflation levels
  • Checking if the horn works correctly
  • Checking if the handbrake works correctly
  • Checking that the seatbelts in good condition
  • Checking the window is free from obstructions and cracks
  • Checking the windscreen wipers are working correctly and are in good repair
  • Checking the lights and gauges are working correctly

1.2.2 Motorcycle/Scooters

Skip encourages couriers that use motorcycles/scooters to deliver on the Skip Platform to perform regular pre-start checks on their vehicle. This should include (but is not limited to):

  1. The odometer reading and how long until the next service is due
  2. Brakes are functioning well
  3. Clutch and throttle are working smoothly
  4. Cables are lubricated
  5. Tyre pressures are correct and look for tyre wear
  6. Chain is lubricated and adjusted
  7. Lights, indicators and horn are all in working order
  8. Mirrors are clean and properly adjusted 
  9. There is sufficient fuel and oil 
  10. Coolant levels are sufficient 

1.2.3 Electronic (pedal-assisted) Bicycle

Skip encourages couriers that use Electronic (pedal-assisted) Bicycles to deliver on the Skip Platform to perform regular pre-start checks on their Bicycle. This should include (but is not limited to):

  • Checking if there is any damage to the Ebike
  • Checking that the battery is fully charged
  • Checking that the charging cable and sockets in good condition
  • Checking for any faults with the control functions (brakes, steering, accelerator, indicators, wipers or gear selector)
  • Checking for any faults with reverse beeper, lights or horn
  • Checking tyres for wear, damage and inflation levels

2.0 Safe Driving and Riding

At all times while couriers are driving in the course of providing services via the Skip Platform, they should:

  • Ensure that they are familiar with and understand all relevant provincial road rules, whether they are driving a car, riding a scooter/motorbike or Ebike.
  • Couriers shouldn’t rush. There is never a need to rush when on a delivery run as there is never a set time or “deadline” for couriers to carry out a delivery. However, Skip do expect couriers to make best efforts to promptly complete a delivery without unnecessary delay or detours
  • Obey all road signs and directions
  • Comply with the signposted speed limits
  • Only park in lawful, authorized spaces
  • Respect other road users and be careful when passing other vehicles (taking note of any potential blind spots)
  • Not drive whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Not touch a mobile phone whilst driving. Skip strongly recommends a mobile phone cradle be used at all times whilst operating a vehicle, motorcycle/scooter or Ebike
  • Not engage in “road rage” or any other unsafe driving behaviour
  • Wear high-visibility clothing, including waterproof and windproof jackets with reflective panels on the front, back and sleeve.

In the event of an incident, the Courier Contact Centre is available at all times via the chat function of the Courier App. In the event of a serious incident or emergency, couriers should contact Emergency Services on 911 immediately.

3.0 Driver Impairment 

Driver impairment is a significant risk for couriers. An impaired courier increases the likelihood of a crash or incident occurring. Operating a vehicle whilst being impaired is prohibited under Skip’s courier agreement and is also a criminal offence with significant legal consequences.

3.1 Alcohol/Drug Use

Skip has a zero-tolerance approach to couriers conducting deliveries whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Couriers must ensure:

  • They are not impaired by alcohol or drugs while operating on the Skip Platform
  • They do not consume alcohol or drugs whilst operating on the Skip Platform
  • That they report any charges related to Driving Under the Influence

3.2 Medication/s

Some medications can negatively affect a Courier’s ability to drive or perform deliveries. 

Couriers who are required to take medication are notified to ensure the medication does not cause drowsiness or have any other effect on the courier’s driving ability. If it does have a negative impact on a courier’s ability to perform deliveries, they should not engage with the Skip Platform until such time as they are no longer affected.

3.3 Fatigue 

Fatigue is a serious risk whilst operating motor vehicles, motorcycles/scooters and Bikes. Due to this, Skip recommends that Couriers monitor their fatigue levels before and during their delivery activities. 

There are several reasons that couriers may experience fatigue. Some of these reasons are:

  • Lack of quality sleep – deep sleep versus broken sleep
  • Length of business activities – for instance, the length of time that a courier is operating consecutively
  • The time of day – a courier’s circadian rhythm (biological clock) can influence what time of day fatigue is at its highest point.

Warning signs to be aware of are:

  • Yawning
  • Difficulties concentrating
  • Sore eyes
  • Slow reaction time 
  • Daydreaming
  • Oversteering

If a Courier becomes aware of any of the above warning signs, they should take a break or conclude their deliveries and get some rest. 

For more information on fatigue management, please click here.

4.0  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment is a key component in the mitigation of risk for couriers on the Skip Platform. Skip encourages compliance with the minimum standards that are set out in this document. 

4.1 Couriers Using Motor Vehicles 

There is limited PPE that is recommended for the delivery using motor vehicles, though it is recommended that the Courier:

  • Uses non-slip enclosed shoes
  • Carry a flashlight for dimly lit or dark areas
  • Mobile phone cradle

4.2 Couriers Using Motorcycle or Scooter

Personal protective equipment is a key component in reducing risks associated with the use of motorcycles and scooters.

For all Couriers using motorcycles or scooters, the following PPE is recommended:

  • Couriers must wear a compliant helmet that meets the following standards:
    • FMVSS 218 (49CFR571.218)
    • Snell M2005 or Snell M2010: certification
    • ECE Regulation No. 22
  • High visibility vest to meet Canadian Standards (CSA Standard Z96-15)
  • Gloves with knuckle protection
  • Protective jacket and pants
  • Non-slip enclosed shoes, ideally over-the-ankle boots with a strengthened instep with shin and toe protection
  • Mobile phone cradle
  • Light wristbands
  • A Thermal backpack, properly fitted with the relevant straps or attachments
    • Please note NSW couriers must use a compliant backpack provided by Skip when completing deliveries

For more information on the use of motorcycles and scooters please click this link.

4.3 Couriers Using Electronic (pedal-assisted) Cycle (Ebike)

Personal protective equipment is a key component in reducing risks associated with the use of Ebikes.

For all couriers using Ebikes, the following PPE is recommended:

  • A Canadian Standards Association (CAN/CSA D113.2-M89 – Cycling Helmets) compliant bicycle helmet
  • High visibility vest to meet Canadian Standards (CSA Standard Z96-15)
    • Please note NSW couriers must wear a vest provided by a Food Delivery Platform when completing deliveries for Skip
  • Non-slip enclosed shoes
  • Mobile phone cradle
  • Light wristbands
  • A Thermal backpack, properly fitted with the relevant straps or attachments

For more information on the use of e-bikes, please click this link.

5.0 Mobile Phone Use

Mobile phones are considered a key piece of equipment to a courier, as they are the way a courier interfaces with the Skip platform. Skip, though, encourages couriers to follow the road rules and not engage in the use of mobile phones while driving or riding.

Couriers are encouraged  to ensure that:

  • Mobile phones are kept in a cradle whilst driving or riding
  • Setting up of the GPS on a phone is done prior to driving
  • Any interactions with the App is done while safely pulled over to the side of the road

It is important to note that there are different rules for mobile phone use which are dependent on the class of licence that the courier possesses. For more information on mobile phone use, please refer to The Canadian Centre of Occupational Health & Safety for driving and cell phone use in Canada.

6.0 Hazards at Restaurants

Couriers can encounter hazards and risks when picking up orders from Skip Restaurant Partners.

6.1 Abusive Behaviour Towards Courier 

Couriers may (on rare occasions) encounter abusive behaviour. In these instances, Skip recommends:

  • Couriers move a safe distance away from the aggressive person
  • Couriers should remain calm and not engage in aggressive behaviour in retaliation
  • At the first available moment, the courier should notify Skip of the incident

Skip takes abusive behaviour seriously and it is not tolerated by any stakeholder in Skip’s business. It is imperative that couriers report this behaviour. 

For more information on hazards at delivery addresses please click this link.

6.2 Heavy Loads

Lifting/carrying heavy loads incorrectly can cause injury if not done correctly. When lifting or carrying a heavy load, couriers should ensure that:

  • They do not attempt to lift by bending forward. Couriers should bend their hips and knees to squat down to the load, keeping it close to their body, and straighten their legs to lift.
  • They never lift a heavy object above shoulder level.
  • They avoid turning or twisting their body while lifting or holding a heavy object.

7.0 Hazards at Customers Location

There are many hazards and risks to safety that can be encountered at a personal residence. Couriers are encouraged to complete quick hazard assessments at a customer’s residence if they are concerned about a potential hazard. Appendix 3 is Skip’s preferred hazard assessment method, which is the ‘Take 5’ method. 

For more information on hazard mitigation, please click this link,

7.1 Slip, Trip and Fall Hazards 

Slip trip and fall hazards can occur frequently at private residences. This can be caused by weather conditions, debris or poorly maintained pathways. To avoid this, couriers should use PPE:

  • Flashlight/Torch to check the path in dimly lit areas/night time
  • Non slip shoes – to mitigate against slippery surfaces

It is recommended that Couriers complete a quick hazard assessment when they arrive at a residence of the path that they will need to take to complete the delivery.

For more information on slip, trip and fall hazards, please click this link.

7.2 Pet Interaction   

Couriers from time to time will encounter pets. Animals can be unpredictable, and as such should be treated with caution. If a Courier is not confident in dealing with a pet, they should make contact with the customer so that the pet can either be secured or the delivery can be completed outside of the area immediately near the animal.

It is recommended that couriers complete a quick hazard assessment when they arrive at a residence of the path that they will need to take to complete the delivery.

For detailed information on Pet Interactions, please click this link.

8.0 Food Safety

Skip takes the health and safety of customers seriously. As such, dealing with food products in a hygienic manner is a requirement of all couriers. These safety process include the following rules:

  1. Never work while sick
  2. Use thermal bags while delivering to maintain the food products at a safe temperature
  3. Never handle unpackaged food
  4. Regularly sanitize their hands, particularly after bathroom breaks
  5. Not smoke in their delivery vehicle
  6. Car and thermal bags should be regularly cleaned and in a hygienic state whilst delivering 

9.0 Communicable Disease Precautions for Couriers

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), customers have the option to select contact free deliveries on the Skip Platform. Skip provides this option so customers are able to take precautionary measures to reduce perceived health risks. 

10.0 Working Alone

Couriers’ duties are such that would be carried out ‘alone’ or in ‘isolation’. Working alone or in isolation is determined to occur where assistance would not be readily available:

  1. In case of an emergency
  2. In case a courier is injured or in ill health

Couriers who find themselves in isolation and encounter an emergency situation should contact emergency services in the first instance on 911. Where it is not an emergency situation, couriers can make contact with the Courier Support Team via the chat function on the app. 

Skip endeavours to reduce risks to couriers working in isolation by:

  1. Providing safety information to couriers on reasonably foreseeable hazards
  2. Providing communication channels for couriers
  3. Recommending PPE for use
  4. Providing couriers with information on their rights and responsibilities under the applicable OHS legislation

Couriers can reduce the severity and likelihood of an incident by:

  1. Maintaining their vehicle in good order
  2. Utilising recommended PPE
  3. Not taking unnecessary risks – if a situation feels unsafe, cease the delivery activity and make contact with Skip

11.0 Psychological Hazards

Through a risk management process, Skip seeks to identify psychosocial hazards as they pertain to:

  1. Job design
  2. Courier support channels
  3. Interactions with stakeholders

Skip provides safety information through a variety of channels which aims to upskill couriers to deal with conflict, as well as provide the best way to notify Skip of a specific hazard that has arisen. 

If a courier has been exposed to a psychosocial hazard, Skip aims to assist the courier by making available an assistance package. The assistance package consists of five (5) free counselling sessions, as well as other support services. This is made available at the time of reporting. 

PART D: REVIEW AND AUDIT OF OHS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

As part of Skip’s commitment to continuous improvement in regard to OHS, there will be various mechanisms to review and audit OHS related policies, procedures and content. 

1.0 Safety Review Meetings

Each calendar year quarter (or where a serious incident/significant change to the regulatory framework has occurred), Skip will conduct a safety review meeting to consider current incidents, policies, procedural changes and regulatory changes.

This safety review meeting does not constitute a joint committee.

2.0 Policy Documentation and Risk Assessment Review

Policy documentation and risk assessment reviews are necessary to maintain current controls and to measure their effectiveness. 

2.1 Risk Assessments

Risk Assessments will be reviewed every six (6) months, or if a significant change/incident takes place. This review will be documented on the risk assessment, with version histories recorded.

2.2 Policy Documentation

Policy documentation will be reviewed every twelve months (12) months, or if a significant change/incident takes place. This will be documented on the relevant policy document, with version histories recorded.

3.0 OHS Incident Report

Skip will keep an incident report of all OHS related incidents. This report will record details such as:

  • Date of the incident
  • A description of the incident
  • Any outcomes from the incident

This report is not intended to be a substitute for notifying Worksafe BC in the case of a reportable incident.

Appendices

Appendix 1 – Hierarchy of Controls Explanation

Appendix 2 – Reportable Incidents

Appendix 3 – Take 5 Hazard Identification Method