Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Stamford Hill

Man with Van Stamford Hill is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading, driving, and handling customer property.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and putting appropriate control measures in place. We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and accepted best practice within the removals and transport sector. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of planning and delivering our services within our operating area.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Stamford Hill rests with the business owner or designated manager. They are responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented, maintained, and reviewed regularly.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of safe working practices on removal jobs, including ensuring that staff follow procedures, use appropriate equipment, and report any concerns.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. They must cooperate with management in following policies, attending training, using equipment safely, and reporting hazards, near misses, and incidents.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We assess the risks associated with our activities, including manual handling, working in and around vehicles, driving, loading and unloading, working in residential and commercial premises, and handling fragile or bulky items. Where necessary, site-specific assessments are carried out before or on arrival at a property to identify access issues, parking arrangements, trip hazards, and any special handling requirements.

Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work, such as agreed lifting techniques, use of handling equipment, safe loading patterns, and methods for securing loads. These systems are communicated to staff and reviewed periodically and following any significant incident or operational change.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of our work. We aim to reduce the risk of injury by careful planning of each move, using appropriate equipment, and ensuring that staff do not exceed safe lifting limits. Where reasonably practicable, we use trolleys, dollies, lifting straps, and other aids to reduce strain.

Employees are trained in correct lifting techniques, team lifting procedures, and the importance of assessing the weight, size, and shape of items before moving them. Heavy or awkward items are only handled by suitably trained staff and, where required, additional team members are allocated to jobs that involve more complex or hazardous moves.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

All vehicles used by Man with Van Stamford Hill are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular checks and servicing. Drivers must complete basic safety checks before use, including tyres, lights, mirrors, and securing equipment.

Drivers are expected to obey traffic laws at all times, drive defensively, and allow sufficient time for journeys to avoid rushing. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transport, with particular attention paid to heavy furniture, appliances, and fragile items. Parking and unloading are carried out with due regard for the safety of the public and the protection of property.

Customer and Public Safety

We take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors, and members of the public during our operations. Where possible, we maintain clear walkways, use safe access routes, and avoid blocking exits. Customers are advised to keep children and pets away from loading and unloading areas and moving vehicles.

Where circumstances require, our teams may cordon off specific areas or temporarily restrict access to ensure that lifting, carrying, and moving large items can be completed safely.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate induction training covering health and safety responsibilities, manual handling, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures. Additional job-specific training is provided where needed, including handling specialist items or using particular equipment.

Information on safe working practices is communicated through ongoing briefings and instruction from supervisors. Less experienced staff are supervised until they are considered competent to carry out tasks safely on their own or as part of a team.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We maintain records of such events and, where appropriate, carry out investigations to determine root causes and identify measures to prevent recurrence.

Corrective actions may include changes to work procedures, additional training, equipment improvements, or revised risk assessments. We encourage an open culture where staff feel able to report hazards and concerns without fear of blame.

Welfare, Fitness for Work, and Wellbeing

We recognise the physically demanding nature of removal work. Staff are encouraged to maintain their fitness and to report any health issues that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. No employee or contractor should work under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances, or medication that impairs judgment or coordination.

Where practicable, rest breaks are planned into work schedules, and staff are encouraged to stay hydrated and use appropriate personal clothing and footwear suitable for the conditions and tasks.

Review of Policy

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with our operations and legal obligations. Reviews are also undertaken following any significant change in our activities, equipment, or organisational structure, or after any serious incident.

By implementing and maintaining this policy, Man with Van Stamford Hill seeks to provide a reliable, professional, and safe removal service for customers across our service area while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of everyone involved in or affected by our work.