Pros
Very few Pros: The delivery team, Drivers & Home Shoppers were great
Cons
I would like to share my experience working at Coles as an Online Driver, which, unfortunately, was disappointing due to several critical issues related to workplace safety and operational standards. 1. Lack of Occupational Health and Safety Standards One of the most alarming aspects of my employment at Coles was the total lack of adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards. Trucks were often overloaded, forcing drivers to twist and turn in an unsafe manner. There seems to be minimal focus on ensuring a safe working environment for employees. This negligence not only puts the well-being of workers at risk but also creates an overall culture of disregard for safety protocols. This also extends to groceries being delivered at higher-than-normal temperatures (rear refrigeration cabins) and so-called freezer eskies that often contain black mold. 2. Outdated Mapping Systems for Drivers Another significant concern is the company’s outdated mapping systems for drivers. In today’s fast-paced environment, efficient navigation is crucial for timely deliveries. Unfortunately, the mapping tools provided to drivers are not up to date (over 5 years old), leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary delays. This not only affects productivity but also contributes to driver frustration and stress. 3. Poor Maintenance of Trucks Additionally, the condition of the Coles trucks was very concerning. The company did not prioritize regular maintenance checks, particularly for critical components like brakes (with metal shards in the wheel wells) and tires (with visible inner tire fabric). This negligence poses a serious risk not only to the drivers but also to other road users. It is alarming to see a lack of investment in ensuring that the vehicles are safe and roadworthy. Conclusion Overall, my experience at Coles was overshadowed by these significant shortcomings. The lack of commitment to OHS standards, outdated navigation systems, and poor truck maintenance all contribute to an unsafe and unproductive work environment. These serious issues were raised with management on multiple occasions, only to fall on deaf ears. I hope that Coles takes these issues seriously and implements necessary changes for the safety and well-being of its employees.