Health and Safety policy
Man and a Van Chiswick Health and Safety Policy
Man and a Van Chiswick 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 removals and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading, packing, transport and related services.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health and damage to property during all removal and delivery operations. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of planning and delivering our removal services, from initial quotation through to completion of each job.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man and a Van Chiswick is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes:
Ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for our removal activities. Providing appropriate equipment, vehicles and protective equipment that are safe and properly maintained. Making sure that all staff receive adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to work safely. Reviewing accidents, incidents and near misses to identify causes and prevent recurrence. Monitoring compliance with this policy and updating it when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, working methods or company operations.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for the safety of others who may be affected by their work. All staff are expected to:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided by the company. Use vehicles, equipment and protective gear correctly and report any defects immediately. Avoid taking shortcuts that could compromise safety, such as unsafe lifting or overloading vehicles. Co operate with management on all health and safety matters, including participating in training and briefings. Report hazards, near misses, accidents and unsafe conditions as soon as they are identified.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for typical removal and transport activities, including manual handling, working in confined or cluttered spaces, operating in public areas and handling fragile or heavy items. Where required, site specific assessments will be conducted, for example when access is restricted, parking or loading is difficult, or when large or unusually heavy items must be moved.
From these assessments, we establish safe systems of work that may include the use of additional staff, specialised handling equipment, route planning for moving items, and timing of work to minimise disruption to neighbours and passers by. Staff are briefed on the safe system of work before each job.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a significant aspect of removal operations. To reduce the risk of back injuries, strains and other musculoskeletal disorders we:
Provide training on safe lifting techniques, team lifting and the use of handling aids. Plan the lifting and moving of heavy or awkward items in advance, including the use of trolleys, sliders or other equipment. Encourage staff to assess each lift, avoid twisting, and request assistance whenever needed. Set reasonable limits on what may be lifted by a single person and avoid excessive carrying distances where possible.
Vehicles, Driving and Loading
We recognise the importance of road safety and the safe use of vehicles in our operations. We ensure that:
Vehicles are regularly inspected, maintained and kept roadworthy. Loads are distributed evenly, secured appropriately and do not exceed vehicle weight limits. Drivers hold the appropriate licence, are competent, and follow safe driving practices. Parking and loading are planned in advance where possible to minimise risk to staff, customers and other road users. Access routes are assessed to avoid unnecessary reversing or manoeuvres in tight spaces.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our work often takes place in customers homes, offices and shared spaces. We take care to protect customers, their property and the public by:
Maintaining clear access routes and keeping walkways as free from obstructions as possible. Using protective coverings for floors, bannisters and doorways where appropriate. Handling customer belongings with care to avoid damage and to prevent items from becoming trip or fall hazards. Being mindful of noise, doors, gates and shared access areas, particularly in residential buildings and busy streets. Communicating clearly with customers about any safety considerations, such as keeping children and pets away from moving items.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment, including trolleys, straps, blankets and tools used for dismantling or assembly, must be fit for purpose and checked regularly. Where required, personal protective equipment such as gloves, protective footwear or high visibility clothing will be provided and must be used in accordance with training and instructions.
Training and Communication
Health and safety training is an ongoing process. New staff receive induction training, including information on manual handling, safe loading, vehicle safety and working in customer premises. Refresher training is provided when necessary and when working methods or equipment change. Safety information is communicated clearly to staff through briefings, written procedures and updates.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur during removal or delivery work must be reported to management as soon as possible. We keep records of these events, investigate the causes and take appropriate action to prevent similar incidents. Where necessary, we will update risk assessments and working procedures in light of our findings.
Review of Policy
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our removal and transport operations. We may amend the policy in response to changes in legislation, industry guidance, company structure, services offered or following significant incidents. The latest version of this policy is made available to employees and is available to customers on request.
By following this policy, Man and a Van Chiswick aims to ensure that removal services are carried out efficiently, professionally and with a strong commitment to the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
