Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Clerkenwell Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Clerkenwell 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 removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and delivering goods and furniture.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We aim to conduct all removal and transport services in a way that prevents injury, ill health and property damage. Health and safety considerations are an integral part of the planning and delivery of every job, whether it involves a single item move, a house move or a commercial relocation. We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry good practice.

All staff are expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions at work. We encourage open reporting of hazards, near misses and incidents so that we can continually improve our standards.

Responsibilities

Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate health and safety arrangements are in place, including risk assessments, training, equipment maintenance and safe systems of work. Supervisors and drivers are responsible for implementing these arrangements on site and for monitoring safe behaviour during each job.

Employees must follow all safety instructions and training, use equipment properly, report defects or hazards, and cooperate with any health and safety measures introduced by the company. Customers have a responsibility to provide accurate information about access conditions, heavy or fragile items and any particular hazards on their premises, such as restricted stairways or low ceilings.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before starting each removal or delivery, we assess the main risks that may arise. This includes considering access routes, parking arrangements, the number and type of items to be moved, manual handling requirements and any special factors such as time restrictions or shared entrances.

Where significant hazards are identified, we implement control measures such as allocating additional staff, using handling equipment, planning alternative routes, or adjusting the schedule. Our aim is to manage risks in a practical and proportionate way, while still providing an efficient and reliable moving service across our usual operating areas.

Safe Manual Handling

Manual handling is central to removal work and is a key focus of our health and safety procedures. Staff receive instruction on safe lifting techniques, including how to assess the weight and shape of a load, how to lift with a stable posture, and when to refuse to move an item that is unsafe to handle without further assistance or equipment.

We encourage the use of team lifting for heavy or awkward objects, and we make use of trolleys, moving straps and other aids where appropriate. Items that are excessively heavy, unstable or poorly packed may be declined or may require alternative arrangements to be made with the customer to ensure safety.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

We take care to ensure that vehicles are fit for purpose and loaded safely. Loads are distributed evenly to maintain vehicle stability and are secured to prevent movement during transit. Drivers carry out basic pre-use checks and report any defects or concerns so that maintenance can be arranged.

Access to the loading area is controlled as far as is reasonably practicable to prevent members of the public from walking into the working space. When operating in busy streets or shared car parks, we take extra care with reversing and manoeuvring, and drivers will use assistance from another team member where visibility is restricted.

Working on Customer Premises

When working in homes, offices or other premises, our staff respect the property and aim to minimise disruption. Protective coverings may be used where appropriate to reduce the risk of damage to floors and walls. Trip hazards such as trailing straps or packing materials are kept to a minimum and cleared promptly.

We ask customers and other occupants to stay clear of the immediate working area, stairways and doorways while heavy items are being moved. Children and pets should be kept away from moving operations at all times. If we consider that conditions on site are unsafe, work may be paused until suitable arrangements can be made.

Use of Equipment

Any equipment used during removal work, such as trolleys, lifting straps, ramps or protective gear, is selected and used in accordance with safety guidance. Staff are trained in the correct use and limitations of such equipment. Defective or damaged equipment is withdrawn from service immediately and reported for repair or replacement.

Training and Competence

We provide appropriate training and information to staff so they can carry out their tasks safely and competently. This includes induction training on general safety rules, manual handling techniques, vehicle loading and customer care, as well as any updates when working practices or equipment change.

Supervision is provided where necessary, particularly for new or less experienced staff, to ensure that safe methods are followed on every job across our operating area.

Incident Reporting and Review

All accidents, injuries, near misses and significant incidents are reported and recorded. We investigate these events to identify root causes and take steps to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with staff and reflected in updated procedures or training where appropriate.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are changes to our activities, equipment or relevant legislation. We aim to improve our safety performance continuously while delivering a reliable, efficient and professional man and van service.