Health and Safety policy
Man with Van St Pauls Cray Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van St Pauls Cray is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, 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 risk, preventing accidents, and ensuring that every move is carried out as safely as reasonably practicable.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to conduct all man and van, removals, and associated services in a way that minimises the risk of injury, ill health, or damage to property. We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised best practice within the removals and transport industry, and we will continually seek to improve health and safety performance.
This policy applies to all staff, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of Man with Van St Pauls Cray, at client premises, on the road, or at any temporary storage or loading area used for our services.
Responsibilities
The management of Man with Van St Pauls Cray is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety policy and for ensuring that appropriate resources, training, and equipment are provided. Management will:
Ensure that risk assessments relevant to removal work, lifting, handling, and driving are completed and reviewed regularly.
Provide and maintain safe systems of work, including guidance on lifting, loading, and vehicle operation.
Ensure that vehicles and equipment used for man and van services are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition.
Investigate any accidents, incidents, or near-misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
All workers engaged in our removal and transport services are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must:
Follow all safety procedures, instructions, and training provided.
Use equipment correctly and not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health and safety purposes.
Report hazards, defects, or unsafe conditions to management without delay.
Inform management of any health conditions or concerns that may affect their ability to carry out work safely.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting any removal or transport job, we will consider the specific risks involved, including access to the property, staircases, tight spaces, parking arrangements, manual handling, and the nature of the items being moved. Where necessary, a site assessment will be carried out to plan safe access routes and loading points.
Safe systems of work will be developed and communicated to staff, covering tasks such as lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, use of trolleys or lifting aids, and working in and around customer premises. Staff must follow these systems at all times and raise concerns if they believe that a task cannot be completed safely.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core element of our removal services and is a key area of risk. To reduce the likelihood of musculoskeletal injuries and other harm, Man with Van St Pauls Cray will:
Provide instruction and guidance on correct lifting techniques, including team lifting and the use of equipment such as sack trucks and dollies.
Avoid unnecessary manual lifting by using handling aids wherever reasonably practicable.
Assess the weight, shape, and stability of items before moving them and plan the route in advance.
Require staff to ask for assistance where items are heavy, bulky, or awkward, and never to attempt lifts beyond their capability.
Vehicles, Driving, and Road Safety
Safe operation of vehicles is essential to protect our workers, customers, and other road users. Man with Van St Pauls Cray will:
Ensure all drivers are competent, licensed, and familiar with the vehicles they operate.
Keep vehicles maintained and inspected in line with legal requirements and manufacturer guidance.
Plan routes to minimise risk, taking into account traffic conditions, loading and unloading areas, and time pressures.
Require drivers to comply with road traffic laws, speed limits, and safe driving practices at all times.
Workers must not drive or operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substances that may impair their ability to work safely. Any concerns about vehicle defects or unsafe driving conditions must be reported immediately.
Safe Loading and Unloading
Improper loading can cause injuries and damage to property or vehicles. We will:
Secure loads using appropriate straps, blankets, and restraints to prevent movement during transit.
Distribute weight evenly and avoid overloading vehicles beyond their safe working limits.
Use safe techniques when loading and unloading, including forming clear walkways, maintaining good housekeeping inside the vehicle, and monitoring weather conditions such as rain or ice.
Customer and Public Safety
Our activities often take place in residential streets, shared access areas, and communal spaces. To protect customers and the public during removal operations we will:
Maintain clear access routes and avoid leaving equipment or items in walkways where they could cause trips or falls.
Use caution when moving large items through doorways, hallways, and stairwells to prevent damage and injury.
Where necessary, use signage or verbal warnings to indicate moving operations and vehicle movements.
Respect customers property and ensure any damage or near-miss incidents are reported to management and the customer.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All workers will receive appropriate information and instruction relevant to their role, including manual handling, vehicle loading, safe driving, and working safely at customer locations. Additional training will be provided where specific risks are identified, such as handling fragile or high-value items, or working in confined or challenging spaces.
Supervision will be proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of the workers involved. New or less experienced staff may work alongside more experienced colleagues until they are competent to work with greater independence.
Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses
All accidents, work-related injuries, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records will be kept and reviewed regularly to identify patterns and areas for improvement. Where necessary, we will revise our procedures, provide additional training, or make changes to equipment and work practices.
Review of this Policy
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes to our operations, services, or legal requirements. All workers will be informed of any relevant changes and are encouraged to contribute suggestions for improving health and safety within Man with Van St Pauls Cray.
By following this policy and working together, we aim to deliver our man and van and removal services safely, efficiently, and with care for everyone involved.
