Safety Management

A safety management system (SMS) is a set of processes and procedures designed to identify, assess, and control risks to the health and safety of personnel, equipment and property. The SMS for Luxo Cabs include the following elements:

• Risk Identification
• Risk Assessment
• Risk Control
• Eliminate or Mitigate Risk
• Safe Work Practices
• Incident Investigation
• Review and Improvement
• Commitment to continuous improvement

In addition to the above-mentioned elements, the Safety Management System will also comply with the following regulations:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011: Related to general duties of employers and employees to ensure the health and safety of workers.
• Road Transport (Vehicle Standards) Regulation 2018: This regulation sets out the safety standards for taxis in Australia.

• Safety Management System Officer (SMSO): The SMSO is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the SMS. He/She will conduct regular safety audits and investigations, and recommend corrective actions.


• Drivers: Drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and following all company policies and procedures. They are also responsible for reporting any hazards or unsafe conditions to the SMSO.


• Managers: Managers are responsible for creating a safe work environment for their employees. They do this by providing training on safety procedures, enforcing safety rules, and providing the necessary resources to keep employees safe.


• Maintenance Technicians: Maintenance technicians are responsible for ensuring that the vehicles are properly maintained and safe to operate. They also inspect the vehicles for any defects or hazards.


• Passengers: Passengers also have a role to play in safety. They should follow the instructions of the driver and cooperate with any safety procedures. They should also report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the driver or SMSO.

To Avoid Vehicle Accidents:

• Driver Training: Provide regular driver training to all drivers, covering topics such as safe driving practices, defensive driving, and hazard awareness.


• Vehicle maintenance: Ensure that all vehicles are properly maintained and that they are equipped with safety features such as seat belts, airbags, and anti-lock brakes.


• Enforcement of safety policies: Implement and enforce safety policies, such as speed limits, no-texting-while-driving rules, and drug and alcohol testing.


• Maintenance Technicians: Maintenance technicians are responsible for ensuring that the vehicles are properly maintained and safe to operate. They also inspect the vehicles for any defects or hazards.


• Risk assessment: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

To Avoid Thefts:

• Install security cameras: Security cameras can help deter theft and identify suspects. They should be installed in the front and back of the vehicle, as well as in the passenger compartment.


• Have a clear policy on cash handling: Drivers should be instructed to keep cash in a secure location, such as a locked box. They should also be trained on how to identify and avoid suspicious passengers.


• Require background checks: Background checks should be done for all drivers. This will help to weed out potential criminals.


• Be aware of high-risk areas: Drivers should be aware of areas that are more prone to theft. Drivers should be instructed to avoid these areas or to be extra vigilant when driving in them.


• Train drivers on how to deal with difficult passengers: Drivers should be trained on how to deal with difficult passengers, such as those who are intoxicated or who may be planning to rob them.


• Have a procedure for reporting thefts: Drivers should be instructed to report any thefts to the taxi company immediately. This will help the company to investigate the theft and to take steps to prevent it from happening again.


• Install GPS tracking devices: GPS tracking devices can help to track the location of vehicles and to identify suspicious activity.


• Use a secure payment system: Using a secure payment system, such as a credit card machine, to collect payments from passengers. This will help to protect the company from fraud and theft.


• Keep the vehicle clean and well-maintained: A clean and well-maintained vehicle is less likely to be targeted by thieves.


• Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately: If a driver sees something suspicious, they should report it to the police immediately. This could help to prevent a crime from happening.

To Avoid Drug or Alcohol Consumption:

• Implementing a drug and alcohol testing policy: This policy should require all drivers to be tested for drugs and alcohol on a regular basis.


• The alcohol limit for taxi drivers in Melbourne, Australia is 0.00% BAC. This means that taxi drivers must not have any alcohol in their body while driving. This is a strict requirement, and any taxi driver found to be driving with alcohol in their system will face serious consequences, including fines, loss of license, and even jail time.


• Train drivers on the dangers of drug and alcohol use: Driver training on the dangers of drug and alcohol use, and the consequences of driving under the influence.


• Have a zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use: This means that any driver who is found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be immediately terminated.


• Creating a culture of safety: This means creating an environment where drivers feel comfortable reporting drug and alcohol use.


• Monitor driver behavior: This will be done through random drug and alcohol testing, as well as by observing driver behavior.


• Provide support for drivers: This can include providing counseling and treatment for drivers who are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse.

To Avoid Violence:

• Implementing a zero-tolerance policy for violence: This means that any driver or passenger who is found to be involved in violence will be immediately terminated or blacklisted.


• Training drivers on how to deal with difficult passengers: Drivers will be trained on how to de-escalate situations and how to protect themselves from violence.


• Installing security cameras: This can help to deter violence and identify suspects.


• Have a procedure for reporting violence: This will help to ensure that any incidents are investigated and dealt with promptly.


• Encourage drivers to report any concerns: This will help to create a culture of safety and accountability.


• Creating a culture of respect: This means creating an environment where drivers and passengers feel respected and valued. This can help to reduce the risk of violence.


• Providing support for drivers: This can include providing counseling and training for drivers who have been the victim of violence.

To Avoid Driver Fatigue:

• Implementing a driver fatigue management program: This program will include policies and procedures for managing driver fatigue, such as requiring drivers to take breaks after a certain number of hours on the road, and prohibiting drivers from driving after a certain number of hours without sleep.


• Training drivers on the dangers of driver fatigue: Drivers will be trained on the dangers of driver fatigue, and the signs and symptoms of fatigue.


• A zero-tolerance policy for driver fatigue: This means that any driver who is found to be driving while fatigued will be immediately terminated.


• Setting realistic expectations: Drivers will not be expected to work long hours without breaks.


• Encouraging drivers to take breaks: Drivers will be encouraged to take breaks every 2-3 hours, even if they don't feel tired.


• Drivers should be aware of the signs of fatigue, such as yawning, difficulty concentrating, and drowsiness.

To Regulate Driver Behaviour:

• Implementing a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate driver behavior: This means that any driver who is found to be engaging in inappropriate behavior, such as sexual harassment, verbal abuse, or physical assault, will be immediately terminated.


• Training drivers on the company's policies and procedures on appropriate behavior: Drivers will be trained on the company's policies and procedures on appropriate behavior, and the consequences of violating these policies.


• Creating a culture of respect: This means creating an environment where drivers and passengers feel respected and valued. This can help to reduce the risk of inappropriate behavior.


• Investigating all complaints: All complaints about inappropriate driver behavior will be investigated promptly and thoroughly.


• Taking disciplinary action: If a driver is found to have violated the company's policies on appropriate behavior, disciplinary action will be taken, up to and including termination.

To Avoid Customer Safety Risk:

• Implementing a comprehensive safety program for drivers and vehicles. This will include regular vehicle inspections, driver training on safety procedures, and a zero-tolerance policy for driver misconduct.


• Conducting regular background checks on your drivers. This will us to identify any potential risks to customer safety.


• Investing in technology that can help us track our vehicles and drivers. This can help us to monitor driver behavior and ensure that they are following safety procedures.


• Making a plan for dealing with natural disasters and other emergencies. This will help us to keep our customers safe in an unexpected event.


• Staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends and regulations. This will help us to ensure that your company is complying with all applicable safety laws and regulations.


• Building strong relationships with your customers and employees. This will help you to create a culture of safety within our company.

To Avoid Risk in the event of Natural Disasters:

• Having a plan to mitigate the effects of natural disasters. This will include a list of procedures for evacuating passengers, securing vehicles, and communicating with employees and customers.


• Staying informed. Monitoring weather reports and emergency alerts so that we are aware of the risks and can take action accordingly.


• Being prepared to evacuate. If necessary, we will have a plan for moving our passengers and vehicles to safety.


• Checking on our employees and customers. After a natural disaster, we will make sure to check on our employees and customers to see if they are safe and need any assistance.


• Being patient and understanding. Natural disasters can be disruptive and stressful, so be patient with the employees and customers as they recover.

To Manage Cybersecurity Risks:

• Educating the employees about cybersecurity risks. Making sure they know how to protect themselves and the company's data.


• Using strong passwords and security measures. This includes using a password manager, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping software up to date.


• acking up the data regularly. This will help in recovering in the event of a cyberattack.


• Scanning the systems for vulnerabilities. This will help to identify and fix any security weaknesses.


• Having a plan for responding to cyberattacks. This will include steps for containing the attack, restoring data, and notifying law enforcement.

To Manage Legal Issues Risk:

• Liability for accidents and injuries. A taxi company is liable for accidents and injuries that occur while their vehicles are in operation. This includes accidents caused by the driver, the passenger, or a third party. To manage this risk, taxi companies need to have adequate insurance coverage and ensure that their drivers are properly trained and licensed.


• Compliance with regulations. Taxi companies must comply with a variety of regulations, including those governing licensing, fares, and safety standards. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, penalties, and even criminal charges. To manage this risk, taxi companies need to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and ensure that they are in compliance.


• Data privacy and security. Taxi companies collect and store a lot of personal data about their customers, drivers, and employees. This data is subject to privacy laws, and any breach of data security could result in legal action. To manage this risk, taxi companies need to implement appropriate data security measures and have a plan for responding to data breaches.


• Discrimination and harassment. Taxi companies must not discriminate against their customers or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or other protected characteristics. Failure to comply with these laws can result in legal action. To manage this risk, taxi companies should have policies in place prohibiting discrimination and harassment and should train their employees on these policies.


• Unfair trade practices. Taxi companies must not engage in unfair or deceptive trade practices, such as overcharging customers or refusing service to certain customers. Failure to comply with these laws can result in legal action. To manage this risk, taxi companies should have policies in place prohibiting unfair trade practices and should train their employees on these policies.

To Manage Covid-19 related Risks:

• Implementing a COVID-19 safety plan. This plan will include measures to prevent the spread of the virus, such as:
  1. Requiring drivers and passengers to wear masks.
  
  
  2. Providing drivers with hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
  
  
  3. Cleaning and disinfecting vehicles regularly.
  
  
  4. Installing air purifiers in vehicles.
  
  
  5. Encouraging drivers to stay home if they are sick.


• Communicating the COVID-19 safety plan to drivers and passengers. This will be done through signage in vehicles, on the company website, and through social media.


• Providing training to drivers on COVID-19 safety procedures. This training will cover topics such as how to clean and disinfect vehicles, how to interact with passengers safely, and what to do if they suspect that they or a passenger may have COVID-19.


• Monitor the latest COVID-19 information and guidelines from the Victorian government. This will help to ensure that the company's COVID-19 safety plan is up-to-date and effective.


• Offering contactless payment options. This will help to reduce the need for physical contact between drivers and passengers.


• Encouraging passengers to book rides in advance. This will help to reduce the number of passengers waiting in line and help to ensure that vehicles are properly cleaned and disinfected before each ride.


• Providing drivers with access to testing and vaccination resources. This will help to keep drivers and passengers safe.

To Manage Driver Competency Risk:

• Hiring qualified and experienced drivers. This includes checking driver licenses, driver accreditation, and references.


• Providing regular driver training and assessments. This will help to ensure that drivers are up to date on the latest safety regulations and procedures.


• Monitoring driver performance. This can be done by reviewing driver records, conducting random audits, and receiving feedback from customers.


• Implementing a disciplinary process for drivers who do not meet the company's standards. This may include retraining, suspension, or termination of employment.


• Providing drivers with the resources they need to be successful. This includes providing them with access to training, safety equipment, and other resources.


• Creating a positive work environment. This will help to motivate drivers to maintain their competency and perform their jobs safely.

Driver Fatigue

The maximum number of work hours allowed for drivers is 12 hours per day. Drivers must take a minimum rest period of 10 consecutive hours between each shift and a minimum rest period of 30 minutes after every 5 hours of driving.

In Summary,

• Daily driving limit: 12 hours


• Minimum rest period between shifts: 10 consecutive hours


• Minimum rest period after 5 hours of driving: 30 minutes

It is important to note that these are just the minimum requirements. Drivers should take more rest if they are feeling tired or fatigued.

It is also recommended that drivers:

• Get enough sleep at night (7-8 hours for most adults)


• Take breaks every 2-3 hours, even if they don't feel tired


• Stay hydrated and eat healthy foods


• Avoid alcohol and drugs before and while driving

Medical Fitness:

Do not drive if you are unwell or have a contagious illness.

If you are feeling unwell, you should not drive. This includes if you have any of the following symptoms:

Even if you have mild symptoms, it is best not to drive. This is because you may not be able to react as quickly or make good decisions if you are not feeling well.

• If you have a contagious illness, you should also not drive. This is because you could spread the illness to other people, including your passengers.


• If you are unsure whether you are fit to drive, it is always best to err on the side of caution and not drive.

Additional tips for drivers to stay healthy and fit to drive:

• Get enough sleep at night (7-8 hours for most adults)


• Eat a healthy diet


• Exercise regularly


• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption


• Get regular medical checkups


• By staying healthy, drivers can help to reduce the risk of being unfit to drive and causing an accident. Also, it can avoid spreading contagious diseases to the passengers.


• If you have any questions or concerns about your medical fitness to drive, please talk to your doctor.

A notifiable incident is a road traffic collision that results in a death, serious injury, or significant damage to property.

Drivers must report all notifiable incidents to their employer immediately.

To report a notifiable incident to your employer, you can:

• Call your employer on the phone


• Send your employer an email


• Complete a notifiable incident report form on your employer's website

Your employer will then report the notifiable incident to the relevant authorities.

Here are some examples of notifiable incidents:

• A road traffic collision that results in a fatality


• A road traffic collision that results in a serious injury, such as a broken bone, internal bleeding, or a head injury


• A road traffic collision that results in significant damage to property, such as a damaged building or a damaged vehicle

If you are unsure whether an incident is notifiable, it is always best to be on the side of caution and report it to your employer.

Additional tips for drivers on reporting notifiable incidents:

• Gather as much information about the incident as possible, such as the time and date of the incident, the location of the incident, and the details of any vehicles or people involved.


• Take photos or videos of the incident scene, if possible.


• Exchange contact information with any witnesses to the incident.


• Report the incident to your employer as soon as possible.

Luxo Cabs is committed to continuous improvement in all aspects of business. We believe that by constantly striving to improve, we can provide our customers with the best possible service. We will do this by:

• Setting clear goals and objectives for improvement.


• Gathering data and feedback from our customers and drivers.


• Identifying opportunities for improvement.


• Implementing changes and tracking results.


• Continuously learning and adapting.

We believe that continuous improvement is essential for any successful business. By committing to this process, we can ensure that our taxi company is always moving forward and providing the best possible service to our customers.