The nature of courier work is independent, meaning that daily duties are frequently carried out alone. At Skip, we recognize that this often classifies as “working in isolation.”
It is vital for all couriers to understand what working in isolation involves, how to minimize risks, and the correct protocols to follow should an emergency arise.
What is Working in Isolation?
Working alone or in isolation is not simply defined by being by yourself in a vehicle. It is determined by the availability of help. You are considered to be working in isolation in situations where assistance would not be readily available in the event of:
- An emergency
- Injury
- Ill health
Emergency Protocols
Knowing who to contact and when is the most critical aspect of your safety plan.
- Life-Threatening Emergencies If you find yourself in isolation and encounter an emergency situation, your first priority is your immediate safety. You should contact emergency services in the first instance by dialing 911.
- Non-Emergency Support If you require assistance but the situation is not an emergency, do not hesitate to reach out to the Courier Support Team. You can contact them directly via the chat function within the Skip app.
Reducing the Risk
Safety is a shared responsibility. Skip is committed to minimizing the risks associated with independent work, but couriers also play a vital role in maintaining a safe environment.
How Skip Supports You
We endeavour to reduce risks for couriers working in isolation by:
- Education: Providing safety information regarding reasonably foreseeable hazards you may encounter.
- Connection: Use our live chat function to connect with an agent when you have an accident or concern
- Gear: Recommending appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for use.
How You Can Protect Yourself
Couriers can significantly reduce the severity and likelihood of safety incidents by following these three guidelines:
- Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is maintained in good working order to prevent breakdowns in isolated areas.
- Utilize PPE: Always make use of the recommended Personal Protective Equipment.
- Trust Your Instincts: Do not take unnecessary risks. If a situation feels unsafe, cease the delivery activity immediately and make contact with Skip support.
By working together and staying prepared, we can ensure that working alone doesn’t mean being unsafe.