Table of Contents
Policy Statement
333 Cars LTD is committed to ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of its employees, self-employed drivers, passengers, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our operations.
As a licensed Private Hire Operator, we recognise our duty to maintain safe working practices, safe vehicles, and a safe environment for all individuals involved in our business. We are committed to complying with all applicable health and safety legislation and promoting a positive safety culture throughout the organisation.
All drivers, employees, and contractors are required to cooperate with this policy and take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
1. Responsibilities
Company Responsibilities
333 Cars LTD will:
- Provide and maintain safe systems of work.
- Ensure vehicles used within the operation meet licensing and safety requirements.
- Identify and manage health and safety risks.
- Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses.
- Provide appropriate information, instruction, and guidance.
- Monitor compliance with health and safety requirements.
- Promote safe working practices.
- Review this policy regularly.
Driver Responsibilities
All drivers must:
- Take reasonable care of their own health and safety.
- Protect the health and safety of passengers and others.
- Follow company policies and procedures.
- Drive safely and responsibly.
- Report accidents, incidents, hazards, and defects immediately.
- Maintain their vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition.
- Cooperate with any safety investigation.
2. Safe Driving
Safe driving is fundamental to the operation of 333 Cars LTD.
Drivers must:
- Hold a valid Private Hire Driver Licence.
- Hold a valid DVLA driving licence.
- Comply with all road traffic laws.
- Observe speed limits.
- Drive with due care and attention.
- Adapt driving to weather, road, and traffic conditions.
- Wear seat belts where required by law.
- Ensure passengers are encouraged to wear seat belts.
Dangerous, careless, aggressive, or reckless driving will not be tolerated.
3. Driver Fitness
Drivers must be fit to undertake their duties at all times.
Drivers must not work whilst:
- Under the influence of alcohol.
- Under the influence of illegal drugs.
- Impaired by medication.
- Suffering from fatigue that may affect safe driving.
- Experiencing a medical condition that makes driving unsafe.
Drivers must immediately notify the Company of any medical condition that may affect their fitness to drive.
4. Vehicle Safety
Drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicle remains safe and roadworthy.
Daily vehicle checks should include:
- Tyres and tread depth.
- Brakes.
- Lights and indicators.
- Mirrors.
- Seat belts.
- Windscreen and wipers.
- Vehicle cleanliness.
- Warning lights.
- Fuel levels.
Vehicles with defects affecting safety must not be used until repaired.
5. Passenger Safety
Drivers must:
- Treat passengers with courtesy and respect.
- Assist passengers where appropriate.
- Ensure passengers enter and exit vehicles safely.
- Safeguard children and vulnerable adults.
- Report any safeguarding concerns immediately.
- Follow Company safeguarding procedures.
Passenger safety is the driver’s primary responsibility during every journey.
6. Lone Working
Private hire driving is recognised as a lone-working activity.
Drivers should:
- Remain alert to personal safety risks.
- Keep communication devices operational.
- Report threatening or suspicious behaviour.
- Avoid confrontation wherever possible.
- Contact emergency services where necessary.
No driver should place themselves at risk in order to complete a booking.
7. Violence and Aggression
333 Cars LTD operates a zero-tolerance policy towards:
- Violence.
- Threats.
- Harassment.
- Abuse.
- Discriminatory behaviour.
Drivers should:
- Remain calm.
- Avoid escalating situations.
- Withdraw from unsafe situations where possible.
- Report incidents immediately.
Serious incidents may be reported to the police and licensing authority.
8. Manual Handling
Where luggage or mobility equipment is handled, drivers should:
- Assess the load before lifting.
- Use safe lifting techniques.
- Avoid lifting excessively heavy items.
- Seek assistance where necessary.
Drivers must not place themselves at risk of injury.
9. Accident Reporting
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and injuries must be reported to the Company as soon as reasonably practicable.
Reports should include:
- Date and time.
- Location.
- Description of events.
- Persons involved.
- Vehicle details.
- Any injuries sustained.
Drivers must cooperate fully with any investigation.
10. Fire Safety
Drivers should:
- Be aware of potential fire hazards.
- Keep vehicles clean and free from unnecessary combustible materials.
- Report electrical or mechanical faults immediately.
- Stop driving immediately if a vehicle fire is suspected.
In an emergency, personal safety and passenger safety must take priority.
11. Drug and Alcohol Awareness
Drivers must comply with the Company’s Drug and Alcohol Policy.
The use, possession, or influence of alcohol or illegal drugs whilst working is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate suspension and removal from the Company.
12. Mental Health and Wellbeing
333 Cars LTD recognises the importance of mental health and wellbeing.
Drivers are encouraged to:
- Take adequate rest breaks.
- Manage fatigue effectively.
- Seek support where required.
- Report concerns that may affect their ability to work safely.
13. Reporting Hazards
Drivers and staff are encouraged to report:
- Unsafe working practices.
- Vehicle defects.
- Dangerous locations.
- Security concerns.
- Any matter that may affect health and safety.
Reports will be investigated and appropriate action taken.
14. Training and Awareness
Drivers may be required to complete training relating to:
- Health and Safety.
- Safeguarding.
- Equality and Diversity.
- Data Protection.
- Driver Conduct.
- Emergency Procedures.
Participation in mandatory training is a condition of working with 333 Cars LTD.
15. Monitoring and Review
The Company will regularly review:
- Accident reports.
- Safety incidents.
- Driver feedback.
- Complaints.
- Legislative changes.
This ensures continual improvement of health and safety standards.
16. Breaches of Policy
Failure to comply with this Health and Safety Policy may result in:
- Verbal warning.
- Written warning.
- Suspension.
- Removal from dispatch systems.
- Termination of employment or association.
- Referral to the relevant licensing authority where appropriate.
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner where required by changes in legislation, licensing requirements, or Company operations.