Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man and Van St John's Wood

Man and Van St John's Wood is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public affected by our removal and delivery activities. This policy outlines the principles and procedures we follow to manage health and safety risks associated with our man and van and household removal services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our main objectives are to prevent injury, protect health, and minimise risks during all moving, loading, transporting, and unloading operations. We aim to continually improve our standards by monitoring performance, learning from experience, and updating our practices in line with relevant health and safety guidance.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy across all operations. This includes assessing risks, providing suitable equipment, arranging appropriate training, and ensuring that work is carried out safely. Managers and supervisors must lead by example, promote a positive safety culture, and ensure that procedures are understood and followed by all team members.

Employee Responsibilities

Every member of staff has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must follow safe working practices, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents promptly, and cooperate fully with all health and safety measures introduced by the company.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our key activities, including house removals, flat moves, office relocations, and collection and delivery services. These assessments identify potential hazards such as manual handling injuries, slips and trips, falls from vehicles, collisions, and property damage. Control measures are then put in place to reduce risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

Before work begins, our team evaluates access routes, stairways, lifts, parking, and loading areas. Where necessary, we adjust the method of work, the number of staff involved, or the equipment used to maintain safe conditions. Work is planned to avoid unnecessary rushing, unsafe shortcuts, or overloading of vehicles or staff.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of man and van and removals work, and we place particular emphasis on safe lifting and carrying techniques. Staff are trained to assess the weight and shape of items, plan the route, and use correct posture. Team lifting is used for heavier or awkward items, and work is shared to prevent overexertion.

We provide appropriate handling equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys, moving straps, and blankets where needed. All equipment is maintained in good condition and inspected regularly. Employees must not misuse equipment or attempt to move loads beyond their capability.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our removal services and are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks are carried out on brakes, lights, tyres, steering, securing points, and loading areas. Any defects or concerns must be reported immediately so they can be addressed before further use.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence for the vehicle they operate and are expected to drive safely, comply with speed limits, and obey road traffic laws at all times. Loads must be properly secured within the vehicle to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of injury and damage to goods.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to protect customers and members of the public while carrying out removal and delivery work. When loading or unloading in residential streets, commercial areas, or shared spaces, we take steps to minimise obstruction and clearly identify potential trip or impact hazards.

Where possible, we agree safe access routes with customers in advance. We keep pathways and stairs clear of loose items, use reasonable care when moving large objects, and avoid leaving vehicles or equipment in dangerous positions. Our team members are expected to behave in a courteous and professional manner at all times.

Protecting Property and Environment

Although our primary focus is personal safety, we also take care to protect customers' property and the wider environment. We use padding, blankets, and other protective materials to safeguard furniture, fixtures, and fittings. Any accidental damage or near-miss incidents are reported and reviewed to help prevent recurrence.

Waste materials and unwanted packaging are removed responsibly wherever practicable. We aim to reduce unnecessary journeys and plan efficient routes to limit fuel consumption and environmental impact associated with our removal services.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff receive induction training appropriate to their role, including an overview of this policy, safe lifting practices, vehicle safety, and site-specific procedures. Additional training is provided where specialist tasks or equipment are involved. Refresher training is given as needed to maintain standards and address any identified weaknesses.

Supervisors and experienced staff monitor working methods, provide guidance, and correct unsafe behaviours promptly. Information about risks and control measures is communicated clearly to ensure everyone understands what is expected of them.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

Any accident, injury, near miss, or damage to property arising from our work must be reported as soon as possible to a manager or supervisor. We keep written records of incidents, investigate the causes, and take appropriate action to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Our staff are briefed on emergency procedures relevant to their work, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, or road collision. We cooperate with emergency services and follow their instructions where they are involved.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations, guidance, or best practice for removal and man and van services. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

By following this policy, Man and Van St John's Wood aims to ensure that all moves, whether small local journeys or larger removal projects, are carried out with a strong and consistent focus on the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.