Man and a Van Streatham Health and Safety Policy
Man and a Van Streatham is committed to providing removal and transport services that protect the health, safety, and welfare of our staff, customers, contractors, and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, transportation of goods, loading and unloading, and related activities.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to conduct all removal and delivery operations in a manner that prevents injury, ill health, and damage to property. We aim to maintain high health and safety standards as an integral part of our day-to-day operations, planning, and decision-making.
We will identify, assess, and control risks arising from our work activities and ensure our team members have the information, instruction, and training they need to work safely and responsibly at all times.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for establishing, implementing, and reviewing this Health and Safety Policy. This includes:
Ensuring risk assessments are carried out for key activities, including lifting and carrying items, use of vehicles, working at or near roadways, use of equipment such as trolleys, straps, and ramps, and operations at customers premises including stairways, tight access spaces, and shared areas.
Providing appropriate resources to maintain safe equipment, vehicles, and working conditions.
Ensuring staff are competent to perform their duties safely, through appropriate training, supervision, and ongoing guidance.
Reviewing and updating health and safety practices in light of incidents, near misses, changes in legislation, or changes in our services.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee and contractor working with Man and a Van Streatham has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes:
Following all safety procedures and instructions provided during training and briefings.
Using equipment, vehicles, and protective gear correctly and only for their intended purpose.
Reporting hazards, near misses, damage to property, and any incidents immediately to management.
Maintaining good housekeeping in vehicles and at work sites, keeping walkways, steps, and loading areas clear of obstacles.
Cooperating with management in implementing this policy and any health and safety initiatives.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct and maintain risk assessments for our removal and transport activities. These assessments consider manual handling, vehicle operations, loading and unloading, working in customer premises, and handling delicate or heavy items.
From these assessments we implement safe working practices, including:
Planning each job in advance to consider access routes, parking arrangements, potential obstructions, and any special handling requirements.
Using suitable equipment, such as trolleys, dollies, straps, protective covers, and ramps, to minimise manual handling risks.
Using team lifting techniques where items are heavy, bulky, or awkward to handle, and refusing unsafe lifts.
Ensuring that loads are secured properly within vehicles to prevent movement and reduce the risk of damage or injury during transit.
Assessing weather and environmental conditions, including wet or icy surfaces, poor lighting, and traffic, and adjusting work practices where needed.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of musculoskeletal injuries if not managed properly. To control these risks we:
Provide guidance on correct lifting and carrying techniques, including posture, load assessment, and route planning.
Encourage staff to assess each lift individually and to ask for assistance or use mechanical aids where appropriate.
Discourage rushing or taking shortcuts that increase the risk of strain, slips, or trips.
Promote regular breaks and rotation of tasks to reduce fatigue during intensive moving periods.
Vehicles, Driving, and Transport Safety
Our vehicles are essential to our operations and must be operated safely and responsibly at all times. We commit to:
Maintaining vehicles in a safe and roadworthy condition with regular checks and servicing.
Ensuring drivers hold the appropriate licence and are judged competent to operate the vehicles they are assigned.
Requiring drivers to obey road traffic laws, speed limits, and parking regulations at all times.
Planning routes with consideration for load, time of day, and access at collection and delivery points.
Ensuring loads are evenly distributed, properly restrained, and within the safe working load of the vehicle.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our work frequently takes place at customer homes, offices, and shared access areas. We recognise our responsibility to protect customers, visitors, and the wider public by:
Maintaining clear and safe access routes wherever possible and highlighting any trip hazards during the move.
Taking care when moving large items through doorways, staircases, corridors, and communal areas to avoid collisions, damage, and obstructions.
Securing doors, gates, and access points as required to prevent unauthorised access or hazards to others.
Using safe loading and unloading practices at the kerbside, being mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We provide employees with appropriate training and information to ensure they understand our health and safety expectations and controls. This may include:
Induction training on general health and safety responsibilities and site-specific rules.
Instruction on manual handling, safe lifting, and use of moving equipment.
Guidance on vehicle safety checks, load securing, and defensive driving principles.
Ongoing briefings and toolbox talks to reinforce safe working practices and address new or emerging risks.
Accidents, Incidents, and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur during our operations must be reported promptly. We will investigate significant incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Where required, incidents will be recorded in accordance with relevant legal obligations. We encourage a culture of open reporting to continuously improve safety standards.
Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work
We recognise that the physical nature of removal work requires staff to be fit for duty. Employees are expected to report any health conditions, medication, or fatigue that could affect their ability to work safely or drive safely. Where appropriate, adjustments to duties or schedules may be made.
We promote sensible working hours, appropriate rest breaks, and access to drinking water during working shifts to support the wellbeing of our team.
Review of Policy
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations, best practice, or applicable regulations. All staff will be informed of any significant changes and are expected to familiarise themselves with the updated policy.
By working together and following this policy, Man and a Van Streatham aims to deliver a professional removal service that prioritises safety, care of goods, and respect for everyone affected by our work.
