Welcome
Welcome to the courier health and safety centre!
On this page:
Compliance
Getting started on the road
Delivering
Health
👋 Introduction
Welcome to the courier health and safety centre; this hub should act as a resource for our courier partners to help them operate safely and responsibly.
Any recommendations provided are for illustration purposes, as ultimately it is each courier’s responsibility to ensure that they comply with their own health & safety obligations. This said, please let any one of the Stuart operations team know of any incidents or safety concerns to assist Stuart to comply with its own obligations.
As an independent courier, you (or your substitute) have an obligation to take all reasonable care for yourself and others.
This includes complying with:
Road Traffic legislation
National road/traffic codes (e.g. the Highway Code in the UK)
Local Business and other site traffic and visitor rules whilst at a client’s site.
Compliance
📄 Insurance
As a partner courier, you (or your substitute) use your own vehicle. If you use a motorbike or car, you are responsible for maintaining your own business use insurance cover.
💳 Driving licence
Drivers should have a current valid driving licence and be able to show it at short notice. We recommend having your insurance details and licence with you whenever you’re on the road.
Getting started on the road
You (or your substitute) are responsible for driving safely and being aware of others around you. Here are some practical tips to help you keep yourself and others safe whilst on the road.
🚗 Cars and motorbikes - vehicle check
Completing a simple 6 FLOWER checks before your journey can ensure you (or your substitute) are safe on the road. We recommend doing these checks at the start of your day.
FLOWER stands for Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics, Rubber.
Fuel - Check you (or your substitute) have enough fuel for the day.
Lights - Your lights help other road users to see you (or your substitute). Make sure your brake lights, indicators and headlights are all working properly.
Oil - When your vehicle is cold, check your oil levels. Top it up if it is too low before heading off.
Water - Check your vehicle’s water levels to ensure it runs smoothly. This includes water fluid levels and coolants.
Electrics - Battery issues are one of the most common reasons for a breakdown. Check your vehicle’s battery is fully functioning. If your vehicle takes longer to start, it could be a sign that you (or your substitute) might have a battery issue.
Rubber (Tyres) - Ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and check your tyres have sufficient tread depth to maintain a grip on the road. This is especially important during wet or icy weather conditions.
🚲 Bikes - vehicle check
Tyres - Check your tyres are fully inflated to the correct pressure. You (or your substitute) can do a quick check by pressing firmly on the top of the wheel, and how much the tyre bulges against the ground. For a more accurate check, use a pump with a pressure gauge.
Brakes - Ensure your brakes are firm and hold without slipping or squealing.
Chain - Ensure your chain is correctly in place and is lubricated. If the chain is
covered with grease or grime you (or your substitute) can use an old toothbrush to give it a clean.
It is an offence to ride a bicycle without two effective brake systems, one operating on the front wheel and one operating on the back wheel, both independent from each other.
Please remember to wear a helmet and ensure that it is properly fitted.
🎒 Equipment check
✅ Thermal bag is clean
✅ Suitable clothing (dependant on the weather)
✅ Helmet and hi-vis (for bikes and motorcycles)
✅ First aid kit and hand sanitiser
✅ Portable phone charger
Delivering
📦 Food or package damage
All packages need to be handled with care and transported safely.
Clean thermal bags with a wet cloth and soap before taking new packages to avoid cross-contamination of food or of getting packages dirty.
Drop-off times when delivering food are important. Ensure proper temperature control is maintained and return the package if the cold chain has been broken.
Make sure that packages are secured for transit. Organise your bag in a way that does not let the package slide easily while you (or your substitute) are transporting it.
🧍 Posture and handling loads
Check the position of the package. Is there anything in the way for you to pick it up? Is the path for moving it clear of hazards?
To start, position your feet shoulder-width apart.
Squat to the floor by bending your knees. This way you will avoid using your back.
Take hold of the package firmly, make sure you use both of your hands.
Distribute the weight evenly.
Begin standing up by straightening your legs, keeping the package as close to your body as possible. This way you will not hurt your back and you will only use your leg muscles.
Raise up slowly until you are fully standing. Now you can proceed walking with the package to your vehicle.
🔐 Security
Never leave your engine running or keys in the ignition when making a delivery. Make sure you (or your substitute) remove your keys and lock your doors.
Don't leave mobile devices visible or unattended in vehicles.
For bikes and motorbikes, ensure you (or your substitute) have parked safely, and have locked your bike with secure locks.
Consider fitting an approved vehicle tracker or installing a dashcam.
If you (or your substitute) feel something does not look or feel right or there is a threat to your life or someone else's life, call 999 immediately.
🚦 Journey management
Prioritise safety over delivery speed. A successful journey is getting there safely!
Avoid driving when tired and take regular breaks.
Handheld mobile phones and other electronic devices should not be used on moving vehicles.
Carry weatherproof clothing with you to be prepared if weather conditions worsen.
Carry a first aid kit and drinking water with you. Consider carrying a torch and appropriate emergency repair kit as well).
In the event of an accident or breakdown, carefully assess risks to determine the best course of action.
In the event of an accident follow this protocol.
🤝 Anti-harassment
At Stuart, we aim to create an inclusive environment free from harassment, bullying and threatening behaviour.
If you (or your substitute) have experienced or witnessed any such behaviour from the courier community, we encourage you to report it to us by email: partners.uk@stuart.com.
If you (or your substitute)experience any form of harassment whilst delivering we encourage you (or your substitute) to report it through the Service Desk Portal here. Select the option “Drop off feedback / Pick up feedback”.
Don’t participate in or encourage poor behaviour. We will investigate reports of harassment, bullying and threatening behaviour which can lead to partnership termination. If we find evidence of violent acts, this will be escalated to the police.
If you (or your substitute) feel there is a threat to your life or someone else’s life, call 999 immediately. Police reports help Stuart identify people who commit violent behaviour.
We take the welfare and safety of the members of our community seriously. Please ensure that respect and courtesy are shown to other couriers and those you (or your substitute) interact with whilst delivering.
ℹ️ Related article: Equal Opportunities Policy
Health
❤️ General health
Couriers should not log on to the Stuart platform under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
More broadly, couriers should ensure that they are physically and mentally fit to drive and if not fully confident should seek advice from a medical professional.
Stuart demands high standards of safety and reliability from all its stakeholders and takes your safety very seriously. Please let us know of any incidents or safety concerns.