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 help centre article. This resource is designed to provide guidance to courier partners delivering via the Stuart on best practice regarding operating safely and responsibly. While Stuart can provide recommendations, each courier is ultimately responsible for complying with their own health and safety obligations.
As a self employed independent courier, you are carrying out business in your own name and have an obligation to prioritise the safety of yourself and others. This includes compliance with:
Road Traffic legislation
National road/traffic codes specific to your location
Local traffic and site rules when delivering to clients.
Compliance
📄 Insurance
As a partner courier, you use your own vehicle. If you use a car or motorbike, it's your responsibility to maintain adequate business use insurance coverage.
💳 Driving licence
Couriers driving a car or motorbike should possess a current and valid driving licence. Ensure you can produce it upon request. We recommend carrying your driving licence and insurance details with you while on the road.
Getting started on the road
As a courier, you are responsible for driving safely and being aware of your surroundings. Here are some practical tips to ensure safety:
🚗 Cars and motorbikes - vehicle check
Completing a simple 6 FLOWER checks before your journey can ensure you 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 - Ensure you have enough fuel for the day.
Lights - Verify that your brake lights, indicators, and headlights are in working order.
Oil - Check your vehicle's oil levels when it's cold. Top up if necessary.
Water - Confirm appropriate water levels for smooth vehicle operation, including fluids and coolants.
Electrics - Verify that your vehicle's battery is functioning correctly. Delayed starts may indicate a battery issue.
Rubber (Tyres) - Ensure tires are inflated to the correct pressure and have sufficient tread depth for grip, especially in wet or icy conditions.
🚲 Bikes - vehicle check
Tyres: Ensure tires are correctly inflated.
Brakes: Verify that your brakes are firm and effective.
Chain: Make sure the chain is properly in place and lubricated. Clean it if covered with grease or grime.
Always wear a helmet and ensure it's properly fitted.
🎒 Equipment check
Before heading out, we recommend that you check your equipment:
✅ Ensure your thermal bag is clean.
✅ Dress appropriately for the weather.
✅ Wear a helmet and hi-vis gear if using a bike or motorcycle.
✅ Carry a first aid kit and hand sanitizer.
✅ Bring a portable phone charger.
Delivering
📦 Package Handling
Handle packages with care and transport them safely, we recommend:
Cleaning thermal bags before loading new packages to avoid contamination.
Ensuring proper temperature control when delivering food and returning packages if the cold chain is compromised.
Securing packages in your bag to prevent sliding during transport.
🧍 Posture and handling loads
Maintain proper posture and handling techniques, we recommend:
Checking for obstacles before picking up packages.
Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Bending your knees to squat down, avoiding strain on your back.
Using both hands to grasp the package securely.
Distributing weight evenly.
Lifting the package close to your body and standing up slowly.
🔐 Security
To prioritise security while delivering, we recommend:
Never leaving your engine running or keys in the ignition during a delivery.
Locking your vehicle and removing keys.
Keeping mobile devices out of sight in vehicles.
For bikes and motorcycles, using secure locks when parking.
Installing an approved vehicle tracker or dashcam.
That you call emergency services immediately if you encounter a threat or suspicious activity.
🚦 Journey management
Safety comes first, we recommend:
Prioritising safety over speed.
Avoiding driving when fatigued and taking regular breaks.
Not using handheld mobile phones or electronic devices while driving.
Carrying weatherproof clothing, a first aid kit, drinking water, and emergency repair tools.
☁️ Adverse Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions can present unique challenges for couriers. We recommend prioritising your safety during these conditions:
Rain and Snow: Consider reducing your speed and increasing your following distance. We recommend ensuring your vehicle's wipers and defrosters are functioning properly. We recommend taking extra care to protect packages from moisture and to use waterproof bags or covers as needed.
Icy Roads: Consider driving cautiously and avoiding sudden manoeuvres. Consider use winter tires if necessary and carrying traction aids.
Extreme Temperatures: We recommend being prepared for extreme cold or heat. Carry extra clothing, blankets, or cooling supplies depending on the weather.
Visibility: We recommend ensuring your lights and indicators are clearly visible during fog or heavy rain.
🦺Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency, accident, or breakdown, we recommend that you follow these procedures:
Contact the Emergency Services: In case of a medical emergency or accident, call the local emergency number. Have your exact location ready to provide.
Report Incidents: Report any accidents during a Stuart platform delivery to support - more information can be found here.
Safety Reflectors: Carry reflective triangles or cones to set up a safe perimeter around your vehicle when needed.
🗺️ Route Planning and Navigation
Efficient route planning is key to a successful delivery. Consider the following:
Navigation Tools: Using a reliable GPS navigation system to plan routes. Update your maps regularly to avoid inaccuracies.
Rest Stops: Planning for rest stops and breaks during long journeys to combat fatigue.
👋 Customer Interactions
Professional and respectful interactions with clients and end-customers are important for a positive courier experience. We suggest the following:
Communication: Maintain clear and polite communication with clients and end-customers.
Conflict Resolution: In the event of a dispute or conflict with a client or end-customer, remain calm and professional. Contact support if you need help.
Personal Boundaries: Maintain personal boundaries when interacting with clients and end-customers during delivery and respect their privacy.
Avoid sharing any personal information or engaging in inappropriate conversations with end-customers.
Security: Be vigilant about your personal safety. We do not recommend that you enter a customer's residence at any time.
🤝 Anti-harassment
Stuart aims to create a harassment-free environment in accordance with the Stuart Courier UK Equal Opportunities Policy. You are encouraged to:
Report harassment, bullying, or threatening behaviour within the courier community to us by reaching out to support.
Not engage in or encourage harmful behaviour, as it may result in termination of your Stuart courier account or police involvement.
all emergency services immediately if you or someone's life is in danger.
Health
❤️ General health
Couriers should prioritise health and safety. You should not:
Go onto the platform under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Drive when you are not physically or mentally fit.
🧼Hygiene and Sanitation
Maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation is very important for you and your clients, especially in the context of health and safety. We recommend the following:
Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after handling packages. Carry hand sanitizer for use on the go.
Package Sanitation: Clean your delivery bags and packages regularly with a sanitising solution to prevent contamination.