Parcel delivery group appoints safety manager

A health, safety, quality and risk (HSQR) manager has been appointed at CouriersPlease (CP).

Alistair Richards will head CP’s safety, quality and risk systems as the company continues to expand. CP delivered nearly 18 million parcels for Australians nationwide and in 220 countries internationally in 2017 alone — and this number is expected to exceed by 13% in 2018.

Richards will be responsible for monitoring and improving CP’s existing quality and safety procedures for its employees, contractors and delivery drivers.

He honed his health and safety skills in the maritime and food retail industries for over 33 years. He served in the Royal Australian Navy as Lieutenant Commander for 20 years, where he was also safety officer. After working as fleet plans manager at Sydney Ferries, he developed Captain Cook Cruises’ first safety system in his role as safety and compliance officer. Richards has also worked as health and safety manager for Australia’s two supermarket giants — Coles and Woolworths.

“I am looking forward to identifying ways to improve CP’s health and safety systems and introduce new plans to minimise any risks. Logistics companies are unique in that they comprise plenty of employees over a few big sites, as well as smaller franchisee sites comprising just a few people,” said Richards.

“With CP having a large network of 700 couriers nationwide, it’s important to build a safe business with procedures in place. It’s a continuous improvement cycle when you work within safety, quality and risk — identify the small things that need attention and you make it better.”

“At CP, we care about, and are committed to, the safety, health and wellbeing of our team, contractors, business partners and visitors. We live by ‘Safety as our First Priority’ — one of our strategic pillars within the organisation — to strive for zero workplace injuries or illnesses,” said CP CEO Mark McGinley.

“We are investing in the resources, tools and systems to ensure this — and with Alistair on board, we can work towards it even further to consistently improve what we already have in place. We are committed to making this a reality by ensuring everyone returns home safely to their family and loved ones every day.”

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Catherine Yeulet