Safety at every
stage of the journey.

1. Our commitment

Safety is part of planning, not a final check. We use practical procedures, clear communication and competent people to identify hazards, reduce risk and make sensible decisions when conditions change. We expect anyone working with or for Compass Cargo to stop and raise a concern when a task cannot be completed safely.

Our approach is informed by applicable UK health and safety duties and guidance. The exact controls for a shipment depend on its cargo, vehicle, route, site, timing, weather and the people involved.

2. Risk management

Before work starts, we consider what could harm people and how serious the outcome could be. Where appropriate, we record a suitable and sufficient assessment and identify controls such as:

• safe collection and delivery access, including loading bays, stairs, traffic routes and restricted areas;
• vehicle size, turning space, overhead obstructions, low bridges, reversing and pedestrian separation;
• cargo weight, dimensions, stability, packaging, manual handling and equipment requirements;
• road, weather, fatigue, time pressure and out-of-hours risks; and
• emergency arrangements, contact details and escalation routes.

Controls are reviewed when the job changes, an incident or near miss occurs, or new information becomes available.

3. Vehicle and road safety

Vehicles used for Compass Cargo work should be suitable for the task and maintained in a roadworthy condition. Drivers and transport partners are expected to complete appropriate checks, report defects and follow legal requirements, site rules and agreed route instructions.

We support safe driving through sensible scheduling, realistic delivery planning and attention to driver fitness and rest. We do not expect a delivery target to take priority over legal or safe driving. Where access, traffic, weather or a site condition makes the planned approach unsafe, the driver should pause, seek guidance and agree a safer alternative.

4. Loading, unloading and manual handling

Loads should be packed, secured, distributed and protected for the chosen vehicle and journey. Teams should use suitable handling equipment and follow site procedures. Manual handling should be planned around the weight, shape and stability of the item, with assistance or mechanical equipment used where needed.

Customers should make sure goods are ready and that collection and delivery points are safe, accessible and adequately staffed. We may delay, change or decline a loading activity if the available access, equipment or conditions present an unreasonable risk.

Partners and contractors

Where a carrier, warehouse, port, customs agent or other partner is involved, we expect them to use competent staff, suitable equipment and appropriate safety controls. Relevant safety information should be shared before work begins and concerns should be escalated promptly.

5. Incidents, emergencies and reporting

Any accident, injury, damage, dangerous occurrence or near miss connected with our work should be reported as soon as possible to the Compass Cargo contact managing the shipment. In an emergency, call the appropriate emergency service first and follow the site’s emergency arrangements.

We review reports to understand what happened, support anyone affected and improve procedures. Information is handled respectfully and shared only as needed for safety, investigation, insurance or legal purposes.

6. Training and continuous improvement

People carrying out transport work should have the skills, information and instruction needed for their role. We review practical feedback from drivers, customers and partners, and update route planning, loading arrangements and controls when that will improve safety.

7. Contact the team

For a safety concern about a planned or active shipment, contact Compass Cargo promptly: