Kwickaz Online Induction

Step 1 - Introduction

Kwickaz is committed to health and safety and this manual outlines the organisations code of behaviour for all independant Contractors. This manual may be amended from time to time at the company’s discretion.

Introductory Statement

This company compliance manual has been compiled to assist independant contractors in learning about many important issues and aspects of the workplace. The issues and aspects discussed are broad and have direct impact on safety, environment, property, public liability, security, emergency management, human resources and quality performance. As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz you will be expected to take responsibility for and comply with these issues and aspects.

Step 2 - OH&S Statement

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY PROCEDURES

Kwickaz places the highest emphasis on Health & Safety in conducting its daily business. The company is committed to the risk management process and ensuring as far as reasonably practicable, all employees, contractors, visitors and the public are adequately informed and trained, and shall work in an environment that is free of hazards that may cause personal injury.

The Company believes this key objective will benefit all people involved in Kwickaz's activities and it will only be achieved through the constant promotion and improvement of safe working practices, control of hazards, safety awareness and commitment to safety on the part of each and every person involved including that of independant contractors employing the services of Kwickaz.

To achieve these objectives, Kwickaz shall:

1. Maintain as far as reasonably practicable a safe environment at all Kwickaz locations.
2. Ensure safety practices and procedures are implemented and maintained throughout the Company that are relevant to the operational activity, comply with statutory requirements and promote the involvement of all personnel in the maintenance of a safe working environment.
3. Ensure appropriate emergency procedures exist in all Kwickaz work locations and that all personnel understand the procedures relevant to their location.
4. Provide the training, instruction and supervision, dissemination of information and necessary resources to support Occupational Health & Safety in the various areas of Company activity.
5. Ensure appropriate procedures are maintained for the reporting and review of all safety incidents and situations likely to be hazardous to a safe working environment.

All independant contractors have a responsibility to follow all OH&S policies and procedures and to report any hazards.

This OH&S Policy will be reviewed every two years (or such other period as may be decided by the company) as part of Kwickaz's Occupational Health and Safety Management System Review.

Step 3 - Responsibilities and duties

As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz you must comply with the following requirements:

• To know all the requirements of all the relevant Acts, Regulations, Standards, Codes of Practice etc. relating to the independant contractor's provision of service
• To comply with all relevant risk management systems relevant to work performance.
• To ensure all necessary approvals, permits, licenses and insurances are obtained and adhered to and evidence of such is provided to Kwickaz prior to employing the services of Kwickaz.
• To assess all risks the intended work poses to the health and safety of themselves, others, to property and the environment prior to commencing all such work:
• To document hazards and control measures as required;
• To induct all independant contractor’s employees;
• Adhere to all site specific rules, procedures and requirements at all times. For example, safety plans, environmental management plans (on road map):
• Advise Kwickaz if any breach or contravention of rules and requirements occurs:
• Apply the environmental principles REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE as required.

Step 4 - CHAIN OF RESPONSIBILITY

WHAT IS THE CHAIN OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Chain of Responsibility means that anybody, not just the independant contractor who has control in a transport operation can be held responsible for breaches of road rules and may be legally liable.

In other words if you use road transport as part of your business, you share responsibility for ensuring breaches of road rules do not occur. So if a breach of road transport law occurs due to your action, inaction or demands you maybe legally accountable.

WHO IS COVERED BY THE CHAIN OF RESPONSIBILITY

As an independant contractor, employing the services of Kwickaz, if you are involved in any of the following road transport activities (or such other activities as may be applicable) you may be held responsible for breaches of road laws.
Consigning, - commissioning the carrying of goods
Packing - Placing goods in packages, containers or on pallets
Loading - Placing or restraining the load on a vehicle
Driving - The physical act of driving a commercial vehicle.
Operating - Operating a business which controls the use of a commercial vehicle
Receiving - Paying for goods/taking possession of loads.

CORPORATE AND MANAGEMENT LIABILITY
ENFORCEMENT POWERS

On the 1st July, 2003, new inspection and search powers where introduced in Victoria to support the enforcement of the Chain of Responsibility.

TRANSPORT COMPANY – INDEPENDANT CONTRACTOR

As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz your responsibilities include ensuring that:

• Driving Hour regulations are adhered to
• Required rest breaks are taken
• Records of your driving hours are kept
• Your vehicle does not exceed mass limits or dimension limits
• Your load is appropriately restrained
• You do no exceed the speed limit
• You do not tamper with any equipment required to be fitted to the vehicle.

These responsibilities may vary. It is your responsibility as an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz to ensure that you are aware of and comply with all relevant laws, regulations, standards of practice etc. As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz you need to make sure that your conduct does not compromise road safety or involve breaking the law.

VEHICLE LOAD/DISPATCH

Under new legislation, loaders will have a responsibility to ensure that vehicle loads do not exceed dimension limits, do not
cause vehicle mass limits to be exceeded, and are placed so they do not move or fall off the vehicle.
These responsibilities may vary. As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of and comply with all relevant laws,regulations, standards of practice etc.

OPERATORS/MANAGERS

The responsibilities of an independant Operator/Manager of a business employing the services of Kwickaz involved in road transport include:

• Vehicles do not exceed mass or dimension limits
• Restraint equipment is provided
• Records of driver’s activities are recorded

These responsibilities may vary. It is your responsibility as an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz to ensure that you are aware of and comply with all relevant laws, regulations, standards of practice etc. as required

Step 5 - ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Kwickaz is committed to being an environmentally responsible company. Legal compliance is regarded as a minimum standard and actions beyond statutory regulations, which conserve or protect the environment and support business goals are encouraged.

As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz, the independant contractor must be particularly mindful of the effect of heavy vehicles on the environment, hence promoting a policy of regular maintenance and monitoring of emissions for the independant contractor's vehicles.

EMERGENCIES

Independant contractors employing the services of Kwickaz must ensure they familiarize themselves with all emergency procedures at all customer & supplier premises. Independant contractors employing the services of Kwickaz are required to be familiar with the location of emergency spill containment, fire extinguishing equipment, their use and methods of operation, and fire escape routes for all customer & supplier premises.

Step 6 - MANUAL HANDLING & LIFTING

As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz, the independant contractor must adhere to and have in place manual handling procedures.

Manual handling covers a wide range of activities including lifting, pushing, pulling, grasping, throwing and carrying.

Inappropriate manual handling may lead to injury. Independant contractors employing the services of Kwickaz are to have in place procedures for identifying and assessing hazardous manual handling and control measures to minimize the risk of injury to the independant contractors’ employees.

All manual handling tasks carried out while employing the services of Kwickaz, must be done in accordance with safe lifting guidelines including using mechanical aids where available, and seeking assistance from colleagues if required.

A good guide for manual lifting is:

1. Plan the lift. If the load is too heavy get help
2. Place your feet apart, one foot beside the load, one foot behind it.
3. Bend your knees
4. Hold the load firmly with both hands
5. Raise your head and keep your chin in to help keep your back straight.
6. Lift load to the waist, by straightening your legs, keeping elbows close to the body.
7. To put the load down, bend your knees and keep your back straight.
8. Wear protective clothing if necessary.

Step 7 - FATIGUE

Fatigue can be determined as loss of alertness, which eventually results in sleep with sleep being the end point in a steady
and predictable drop off in brain function.
The loss of alertness is accompanied by poor judgement, slower reactions to events and decrease skill, such as vehicle
control. Fatigue also affects efficiency and productivity.

FATIGUE MANAGEMENT

As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz, you should be adequately rested before commencing any work. Never drive while fatigued. If you feel the onset of fatigue take a ‘power nap’ at the next safe location.

As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz. the independant contractor must be responsible to minimise the chance of Fatigue and to comply with regulations, it is the independant contractors responsibility to ensure they have a minimum 6 hours of continuous sleep in a 24 hour period.

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

Possession of, or being under the influence of, alcohol or illegal drugs or drugs which will affect your ability to perform your job is prohibited.

As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz, you are not permitted to carry drugs (other than prescription medications).

Where taking prescribed medication, advice should be sought from the doctor or pharmacist to ensure that the medication will not affect your ability to perform your work duties. As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz you are to advise Kwickaz when taking any medication.

As alcohol remains in the body for several hours, as a guide it is suggested that you do not consume alcohol for at least eight hours before commencing work. Remember that the law requires drivers of vehicles above 16 tonnes to have a zero blood alcohol level.

Where a client suspects that an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the client may request that the independant contractor undergo testing by an approved doctor.

Disciplinary action may be taken against the independant contractors failing to abide by this policy and Kwickaz may at its discrection refuse to provide any further association with the independant contractor.

Step 8 - PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND DRESS

As an independant contractor whilst employing the services of Kwickaz, you are to ensure you maintain a neat appearance at all times and that any uniform if supplied is warn appropriately. This includes but is not limited to Hi Vis shirts/vest, work boots, appropriate work pants etc.

HEALTH AND MEDICAL

There is a wide range of medical, hearing and eyesight conditions which may impact on your ability to work safely.

As an Independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz, If you have a medical condition, it is in your own interest to ensure that it is appropriate for you to operate machinery or drive a vehicle.

If you are concerned that you may have a medical condition which may affect your ability to work safely, you should speak to your doctor.

Note: There is a legal obligation for all drivers to notify VicRoads if they have or develop a medical condition that may impact on their ability to drive safely.

Step 9 - DRIVER LICENCE AND VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz, your engagement is conditional on you holding a current and valid Driver’s Licence of the appropriate class. Should your licence be withdrawn for speeding, accumulated demerit points, or any other reason, you must notify Kwickaz immediately.

You must hold a valid driving licence for the class of vehicle that you operate. You must carry your current, relevant and valid National licence with you while on duty.

It is an offence to drive a vehicle in a category for which you are not licensed. It is also an offence to employ, or allow someone who does not hold the right category of licence to drive that vehicle. As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz you must notify Kwickaz immediately if there is any change in your eligibility to drive or operate a vehicle. This includes loss of licence or any restrictions placed on your license.

ACCIDENTS

If your vehicle is involved in an accident you must try to get to the side of the road to prevent another accident from happening. You must also protect the area by using hazard warning lights, or your portable warning triangles. All accidents must be reported to the appropriate authorities immediately as an independant contractor employing the servoces of Kwickaz you must notify Kwickaz of the accident ASAP. Accidents include but are not limited to injuries, spills, near misses, damage to equipment, environmental incidents and loss of containment both in the operation, on the road and at customer premises.

BREAKDOWNS AND MECHANICAL PROBLEMS

Your vehicle becomes a road hazard when it is on the road broken down – use your three portable warning signs if this happens. These must be placed at the side of, and between 50-150 meters to the front and rear of the vehicle. You must report any breakdowns to Kwickaz immediately.

PASSENGERS

As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz, it is the policy of Kwickaz that no passengers are to be carried in the independant contractor’s vehicle while employing the services Kwickaz, unless cleared by Kwickaz first.

MASS AND DIMENSION LIMITS

Independant contractors employing the services fo Kwickaz must be aware of the GVM of the vehicle they are driving to make sure the vehicle is appropriate for the load. The independant contractor and/or their driver are guilty of an offence if dimension limits are exceeded.

DRIVING HOURS

The following requirements may vary. As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of and comply with all relevant laws, regulations, standards of practice etc. as required.

The following are the new regulated driving hours for vehicles in excess of 12 tonne GVM:

• Maximum of 12 hours driving/work which includes non-driving work in any 24 hour period.
• A 30 minute rest break or two 15 minutes breaks must be taken in any 51/2 hour period of driving
• Minimum of 10 hours rest, including a six hour continuous rest break in any 24 hour period.
• Maximum 72 hours of driving in any 7 day period
• One period of continuous 24 hour rest in any 7 day period

You should familiarize yourself with the above legal requirements. If you have any concerns, please the relevant authorities for clarification.

As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz, you will be required to record driving, working and resting times on a ‘work sheet’. Where you are required to travel beyond a 100km radius, you will also be required to maintain a work diary. Where you are required to complete a work diary, as an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz, a copy of the duplicate page should be provided to Kwickaz on request. A work diary is require to be carried and completed by drivers of heavy trucks greater than 12 tonne Gross Vehicle Mass, or
truck and trailer combinations with a combined Gross Combination Mass greater than 12 tonne.

DRIVER REQUIREMENTS – SAFETY CHECKS

Before starting off on the first journey of your shift you must carry out a vehicle inspection, in accordance with the ‘Daily Vehicle Inspection Checklist’. The checklist should be completed and kept for reference. Any defects should be rectified immediately and as an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz any defects should be reported immediately.

You should also undertake regular vehicle safety checks during your shift. The checks should include, tyres, wheel nuts, temperature and pressures, oil, coupling and load restraint. Never drive a vehicle you believe to be unsafe.

SPEED LIMITERS

All vehicles above 15 tonne GVM built after December 1990 and above 12 tonne GVM built after January 1991 have been fitted with a speed limiter, this is to ensure that the vehicle does not exceed the maximum permitted speed of 100km/h. As in independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz, if it is found that the independant contractor has tampered with a speed limiting device, services by Kwickaz may be ceased.

BRIDGES AND OVERHEAD OBSTRUCTIONS

Bridges are marked with weight load limits and overhead obstructions with clearance heights. To observe these posted limits, you must know the weight of your loaded vehicle, the load on each axle and the height of your vehicle.

Step 10 - Professional Conduct

WORKING AT CUSTOMER OR SUPPLIER LOCATIONS

All independant contractors employing the services of Kwickaz must ensure they adhere to all site specific rules, procedures and requirements at all times.

TRUCKS, CARS & FORKLIFTS

There are important things to remember when you are driving on supplier sites. You may come across forklifts.

Remember they always have right of way. You must be careful to look for forklifts when you are driving at night. This is because forklifts are often moving in reverse and their lights can be difficult to see. Listen out for audible signals from reversing vehicles and ensure that you use covex mirrors to check around blind corners for vehicles and pedestrians. Please be aware that a vehicle travelling at 5kph will still cover approx 1.4 meters per second, this is even after the operator sees a hazard and tries top stop the vehicle.

WALKWAYS

You must always watch for people walking around supplier sites. When you are walking do not take short cuts through buildings because this can be dangerous. Always use the marked walkways on the ground and use convex mirrors to see around blind corners. Listen out for audiable warning tones from vehicles moving around the building.

You need to take special care when driving inside a building as there may be people walking around, again even a vehicle travelling at 5kph will still cover 1.4 meters per second to come to a complete stop from when the operator sees a hazard and tries to stop the vehicle.

CUSTOMER / SUPPLIER RELATIONS AND COURTESY

As an independant contractor employing the services of Kwickaz, be courteous at all times – customers and the general public judge you by your actions.

Independant contractors are expected to comply with all appropriate legal requirements and acceptable community standards while employing thew services of Kwickaz.

Please ensure you:

• Be courteous and helpful to customers
• Be a team player
• Wear your uniform (if applicable) with pride and ensure it is clean and presentable at all times
• Always maintain a professional appearance
• Ensure your vehicle is clean and presentable
• Always think safety for yourself, others and your equipment

Step 11 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Kwickaz is committed to providing a work place that is free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. All individuals are to be treated with respect, regardless of their sex, race, colour, religious beliefs or position in the organization.

Independant contractors employing the services of Kwickaz are encouraged to report behaviour of this nature. If you feel you (or someone else) is being harassed or discriminated against, you should contact Kwickaz immediately. The company’s procedure for dealing with complaints of this nature may include counselling, disciplinary action or a termination of our arrangement with the guilty party.

Conclusion

You are now required to complete the questionnaire which will be submitted to Kwickaz and a Kwickaz representative will be in touch with you shortly.