Policy statement
K.A.Z Carriers takes its responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and supporting regulations seriously. Safety is not a paperwork exercise for us — it is how we keep drivers home in one piece and customers' goods intact.
We aim to:
- Prevent accidents and injuries before they happen
- Keep vehicles, equipment and tools in safe, roadworthy condition
- Provide safe working practices and clear instructions for every job
- Comply with all applicable UK health and safety legislation
- Review this policy at least once a year, and after any significant incident
Responsibilities
The company director holds overall responsibility for health and safety. Day-to-day duties are shared with drivers, who are closest to the work and best placed to spot hazards in real time.
Driver responsibilities
Every K.A.Z Carriers driver is expected to:
- Carry out a daily walk-around vehicle check before starting work
- Report defects and near misses promptly — no blame, no delay
- Wear appropriate PPE for the job (high-visibility vest, safety footwear, gloves)
- Drive within the law, the speed limit and the limits of the conditions
- Take adequate breaks and never drive while fatigued
- Refuse any task that they reasonably believe is unsafe
Vehicle safety
All vehicles operated by K.A.Z Carriers must:
- Be fully taxed, MOT'd and insured
- Be serviced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer
- Carry a first-aid kit, warning triangle and high-vis vest
- Have functioning lights, brakes, tyres, mirrors and wipers
- Be fitted with appropriate load restraints, straps and protective blankets
Manual handling
Drivers are trained to assess each lift, to keep loads close to the body and to use sack trucks, straps or a second pair of hands rather than risking an injury. We do not accept jobs that require lifting beyond safe practical limits without prior agreement and appropriate equipment.
Personal protective equipment
Standard PPE provided includes:
- High-visibility clothing
- Safety footwear
- Work gloves
- Eye and respiratory protection where the job requires it
Incident reporting
All accidents, near misses, vehicle damage and dangerous occurrences are reported the same day and recorded in our incident log. Reportable incidents under RIDDOR are notified to the Health and Safety Executive within the statutory timeframe.
Lone working and fatigue
Most courier work is carried out by a single driver. We manage the associated risks through scheduled check-ins, route planning, sensible shift lengths and a culture that treats taking a break as the right call.
Review
This policy is reviewed annually, after any significant incident, or when legislation changes. Comments and suggestions from drivers and customers are always welcome at info@kazcarriers.com.