The boom in ridesharing, food delivery and parcel delivery services has led to more cars on our roads for work purposes. In fact, last year online retail sales grew by 63 per cent, and food delivery services rose 12 per cent. Combined with the 12 per cent increase in work-vehicle-related fatalities from 2018 to 2020, there has never been a more important time for franchise businesses to reduce risks among their drivers when the road is their workplace.Organisations need to recognise that increased demand for deliveries can put drivers at risk of fatigue, burnout and, ultimately, accidents. They have a responsibility to provide safety education and refresher training to their workforce, particularly when time is spent on the road. Ultimately, good safety is not just about rules – it is about our people arriving home safely – and driver health and safety requires a top-down approach within the company. A Guide to Boosting Franchisee Driver Health and Safety When Their ‘Workplace’ is the Road
Phil Reid is COO at CouriersPlease (CP), Australia’s leading franchised courier service. He has more than 25 years’ experience in logistics and transportation, and leads a team of more than 1200 people across the CP franchisee network and support staff. Phil’s achievements during his time at CP, include reducing Lost Time Injuries by 70 per cent through a targeted safety approach and leading the largest franchisee conversion in Australia, with 650 contracted drivers converting to a franchise model.
