Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Hounslow
Man and a Van Hounslow is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal services. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, transport, loading, unloading, and on-site activities.
Our management team recognises that effective health and safety practices are essential to the quality of our removal services and to the protection of people, property, and the environment. We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health through proactive planning, training, supervision, and continuous improvement.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that appropriate resources, systems, and guidance are in place. Managers and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, monitoring standards, and ensuring that staff follow agreed procedures during removal operations.
All employees, including drivers, porters, and removal operatives, share responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Every team member is required to cooperate with management, follow all safety instructions, use equipment properly, and report hazards, near misses, or incidents without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before carrying out any removal work, we will assess potential risks associated with properties, access routes, manual handling, vehicles, and equipment. Where appropriate, dynamic risk assessments will be completed on site to identify and control hazards such as restricted access, stairs, uneven ground, poor lighting, or adverse weather conditions.
Safe systems of work will be developed for common tasks, including packing, lifting and carrying items, loading vehicles, transporting goods, and unloading at the destination. Control measures may include the use of trolleys, lifting aids, team lifting, route planning, securing loads within vehicles, and adapting methods to protect both staff and customers.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key aspect of our removal services, and we place particular emphasis on safe lifting techniques and teamwork. All staff are trained to use correct posture, assess the weight and stability of items, clear their route, and request assistance or equipment where a load is too heavy or awkward to lift safely alone.
We will avoid unnecessary lifting whenever possible by using appropriate handling equipment and planning moves to minimise carrying distances and obstructions such as steps or tight corners. No employee is required or permitted to lift items beyond what can be safely managed, and staff are encouraged to stop and reassess any task that presents a risk of injury.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
We are committed to ensuring that all vehicles used for removal services are maintained in a safe, roadworthy condition and are suitable for the loads they carry. Regular checks and servicing are carried out in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements, with defects reported promptly and rectified before vehicles are used.
Drivers must hold appropriate licences, comply with road traffic laws, and follow company procedures for safe driving, load security, and route planning. Loads are to be evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent movement during transit. Drivers are responsible for conducting basic pre-use checks and must not drive if they are unfit due to fatigue, illness, or any other factor that may impair safe operation.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
We provide suitable equipment to facilitate safe removals, which may include trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets, ramps, and other lifting aids. All equipment will be inspected regularly and removed from service if damaged or defective.
Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves, and high-visibility clothing will be provided and must be worn as instructed. Employees are responsible for looking after their issued equipment, reporting any defects, and using it in accordance with training and guidance.
Customer, Public and Property Protection
We take steps to safeguard customers, members of the public, and property at all times during moves. This includes planning safe routes through premises, controlling access to work areas, and using protective coverings for floors, doors, and furniture where appropriate.
Our teams will work respectfully and carefully in homes, offices, and shared spaces, ensuring that tools and equipment are stored safely, trip hazards are minimised, and any spills or debris are dealt with promptly. We aim to carry out our work with minimal disruption while maintaining high standards of safety and professionalism.
Training, Supervision and Communication
All employees receive appropriate induction and ongoing training related to health and safety, manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures. New staff will be supervised closely until they are assessed as competent to carry out tasks independently.
We promote open communication about health and safety matters, encouraging staff to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and report incidents. Information on safe working practices will be shared through briefings, toolbox talks, and updated guidance whenever our procedures change or new risks are identified.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
Any accident, injury, near miss, property damage, or dangerous occurrence must be reported to management as soon as possible. Incidents will be recorded, investigated, and reviewed to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Staff are trained in basic emergency arrangements, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, or other emergencies on customers premises or on the road. Where necessary, first aid provisions will be available and employees will be informed of the location of equipment and procedures.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
We are committed to continually improving our health and safety performance in line with best practice in the removals industry. This policy and the associated procedures will be monitored, audited, and reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and relevant to our services and operating areas.
Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and will be used to refine our methods, enhance training, and strengthen our overall health and safety culture. By working together and maintaining high standards, Man and a Van Hounslow aims to deliver reliable, efficient, and above all safe removal services for every move we undertake.
