Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Shoreditch
Man and a Van Shoreditch 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 outlines our approach to managing risks and promoting safe working practices in all moving, loading, unloading and driving operations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our work. Health and Safety considerations are an integral part of planning and delivering our man and van and removal services. We will continually strive to:
Identify, assess and control risks associated with lifting, carrying, driving and working at customers premises; provide and maintain safe vehicles, tools and equipment; ensure employees are competent to perform their tasks through training and supervision; and encourage a positive safety culture where every worker takes responsibility for their own safety and that of others.
Legal Compliance and Responsibilities
We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and regulations that apply to removal and transportation activities. Management accepts overall responsibility for implementing this policy and for ensuring that adequate resources are made available to maintain high safety standards.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are followed, that staff receive appropriate inductions and training, and that any defects or hazards are dealt with promptly. Employees and contractors are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of anyone who may be affected by their actions, to follow all safe working procedures and instructions, and to report hazards, incidents and near misses without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Man and a Van Shoreditch will carry out regular risk assessments of our day to day tasks, including packing, lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, driving and working at different customer locations. These assessments will consider risks such as manual handling injuries, slips and trips, falls from vehicles, contact with sharp or heavy objects, and potential harm to customers and the public.
On the basis of these assessments, we will implement safe systems of work. This may include planning access routes, assessing parking and loading areas, using appropriate lifting techniques and aids, limiting load weights where practical, and allocating sufficient staff to undertake tasks safely. Risk assessments will be monitored and reviewed whenever there are significant changes to our operations or following an incident.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key element of removal work. To reduce the risk of back injuries and other musculoskeletal problems, we will provide guidance and training on safe lifting and carrying techniques. Staff will be encouraged to assess each load before moving it, to avoid twisting while lifting, and to work in pairs or teams when handling bulky or heavy items.
Where appropriate, we will use equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps and blankets to assist with the safe movement and securing of goods. All equipment used in the course of our work will be maintained in good condition and any defects will be reported and dealt with promptly.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are central to our service. We will ensure that all vans used for removal work are properly maintained, inspected regularly and suitable for transporting furniture and personal possessions safely. Loads will be secured to prevent shifting during transit, and care will be taken to protect items from damage.
Drivers must hold a valid driving licence appropriate to the vehicle they operate, follow road traffic laws and drive in a manner that prioritises safety over speed or convenience. They must carry out basic pre use checks of the vehicle, report any defects, and avoid driving when tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when otherwise unfit.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams often work in homes, offices and shared buildings. We will take practical steps to protect customers, their property and any other occupants or visitors. This includes maintaining clear walkways, using caution when moving large items through tight spaces, and keeping doors, corridors and stairways as unobstructed as possible while loading and unloading.
When working in communal or public areas, we will take reasonable measures to prevent members of the public from entering hazardous zones and to minimise disruption. Particular care will be taken when operating near roads, driveways or shared entrances.
Training, Information and Supervision
We recognise that proper training is essential for safe working. All employees will receive an induction that covers our Health and Safety expectations, emergency procedures and safe methods of working. Additional training will be provided for specific tasks such as manual handling, vehicle loading and use of any equipment.
Supervision will be proportionate to the experience and competence of staff. New employees or those unfamiliar with particular tasks will be supported and monitored until they demonstrate they can work safely and independently.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. This allows us to investigate what happened, take corrective action and prevent recurrence. We will keep appropriate records of accidents and use this information to improve our practices.
Emergency procedures, including basic first aid arrangements and actions in case of fire or serious injury at customer locations, will be communicated to staff. Where necessary, employees will be trained in basic first aid and the safe use of fire extinguishers available at our premises or in vehicles.
Consultation, Monitoring and Review
We are committed to ongoing consultation with employees on matters affecting their health and safety. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safer ways of working.
This Health and Safety policy will be monitored for effectiveness and reviewed periodically, and also when there are significant changes to our operations or relevant legislation. Any updates or changes will be communicated to all employees and contractors, and they will be expected to work in line with the latest version.
By following this policy, Man and a Van Shoreditch aims to deliver reliable removal and man and van services while protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our work.
