Health Policy

Title: Transport Operations
Document Number: Health-Policy-001
Effective Date: 25/06/2024
Revision Number: 1

 

Health Policy for Vehicle Operations

1. Purpose

This Health Policy outlines the procedures and responsibilities to maintain the health and safety of all personnel involved in vehicle operations. The policy aims to prevent health-related risks, ensure compliance with British Retail Consortium (BRC) standards, and maintain the highest levels of safety and hygiene within our logistics operations.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all personnel, contractors, and visitors involved in vehicle operations, including driving, loading, unloading, and maintenance activities. It covers health monitoring, the use of protective measures, the management of illness, and the procedures for returning to work after illness or travel abroad.

3. Definitions

  • Health Monitoring: Regular checks and assessments to ensure that employees are fit to carry out their duties safely.

  • Blue Plasters: Special plasters that are easily detectable, used to cover any cuts or wounds to prevent contamination.

  • Return to Work: The process employees must follow after being ill or traveling abroad, including health assessments and approvals.

  • BRC Accreditation: A certification by the British Retail Consortium, recognising compliance with global standards for safety in logistics and transportation.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Operations Manager:

    • Ensure the implementation of this Health Policy across all vehicle operations.

    • Conduct regular health audits to ensure compliance with BRC standards and identify areas for improvement.

    • Oversee the return-to-work process for employees after illness or travel abroad.

  • Fleet Manager:

    • Monitor the health and fitness of drivers and vehicle maintenance staff.

    • Ensure that all staff are aware of and adhere to the health-related protocols, including the use of blue plasters and the 48-hour rule.

    • Coordinate training on health and hygiene practices for all relevant personnel.

  • Employees:

    • Adhere to the Health Policy at all times, including the use of blue plasters for any cuts or wounds.

    • Report any illness immediately and refrain from returning to work until at least 48 hours have passed since the last symptoms of illness.

    • Complete the return-to-work process after illness or travel abroad, including health assessments as required.

    • Participate in regular training on health and hygiene practices.

5. Health and Hygiene Control Measures

  • Health Monitoring:

    • Conduct regular health checks for all employees involved in vehicle operations to ensure they are fit for duty.

    • Employees must report any symptoms of illness, especially those that could affect their ability to operate vehicles safely or handle goods.

  • Use of Blue Plasters:

    • Employees must use blue plasters to cover any cuts, wounds, or abrasions while on duty. This ensures that any dislodged plaster is easily detectable and prevents contamination.

    • Maintain a supply of blue plasters in all first aid kits and ensure they are readily available in all vehicles and work areas.

  • Illness and 48-Hour Rule:

    • Employees who become ill, especially with symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea, must take at least 48 hours off work from the last occurrence of symptoms to prevent the spread of illness.

    • Employees must inform their supervisor immediately upon becoming ill and follow the company’s sick leave procedures.

6. Return to Work Procedures

  • After Illness:

    • Before returning to work, employees must undergo a health assessment to ensure they are fit to resume their duties.

    • A return-to-work form must be completed and approved by the Operations Manager or designated health officer.

    • Employees returning from illness must ensure they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours before resuming work.

  • After Traveling Abroad:

    • Employees who have traveled abroad must complete a health assessment upon return, even if they do not show symptoms of illness.

    • The return-to-work process must be followed, including any necessary quarantine or testing procedures as per company policy or public health guidelines.

7. Incident Response Procedures

  • Immediate Action:

    • Employees must report any health incidents or breaches of hygiene protocols immediately to the Fleet Manager or Operations Manager.

    • Isolate any affected areas or individuals to prevent the spread of illness or contamination.

  • Containment and Clean-up:

    • In the event of illness or injury, follow the company’s clean-up procedures, including the use of appropriate disinfectants and protective equipment.

    • Ensure that any areas potentially exposed to contaminants are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised.

  • Reporting and Documentation:

    • Complete a detailed incident report for any health-related incidents, including the nature of the illness or injury, the actions taken, and the outcomes.

    • Report the incident to senior management and, if necessary, to relevant health authorities.

8. Training and Awareness

  • Employee Training:

    • Provide comprehensive training on this Health Policy, including the use of blue plasters, illness management, and return-to-work procedures.

    • Conduct regular refresher courses to ensure ongoing compliance and awareness among all staff.

  • Visitor and Contractor Awareness:

    • Inform all visitors and contractors of the Health Policy upon entering the facility or vehicles, including hygiene expectations and the requirement to report any health issues immediately.

9. Review and Continuous Improvement

  • Policy Review:

    • Review the Health Policy annually or after any incident to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with BRC accreditation requirements.

    • Update the policy as necessary to reflect changes in vehicle operations, health guidelines, or regulations.

  • Continuous Improvement:

    • Use incident reports, audit findings, and employee feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.

    • Implement changes that enhance health and hygiene practices within vehicle operations.

This policy is essential to maintaining a safe, hygienic, and compliant working environment within our logistics operations. All staff are required to familiarise themselves with and adhere to the procedures outlined in this policy to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved