Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Stockwell
Man and a Van Stockwell is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow to manage risks associated with our operations, including domestic and commercial moves, packing, loading, transport and unloading of goods.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property during all moving and transportation activities. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing suitable control measures. We are committed to complying with all relevant health and safety laws and industry best practice for removal companies.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Man and a Van Stockwell accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the business. This includes providing safe systems of work, safe equipment and suitable information, instruction and supervision. Management will allocate appropriate resources to implement this policy and will review it regularly to ensure it remains effective and up to date.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, including drivers, porters and support staff, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperate fully with training and health and safety initiatives. No employee is expected to undertake work that they believe is unsafe.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct risk assessments for our key activities, including lifting and carrying items, use of moving equipment, vehicle operations and working at customers premises. These assessments help us identify potential hazards and implement control measures such as team lifting, proper route planning, protective equipment and clear communication between team members. When arriving at a property, our team will assess access routes, stairways, parking arrangements and any unusual risks before starting work.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a major element of our removal services. To reduce the risk of injury, our teams receive guidance on correct lifting techniques, weight limits and the need to request assistance for heavy or awkward items. Where appropriate, we use trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids to minimise strain. Staff are expected to avoid rushing, twisting while lifting, or carrying loads that obstruct vision. Items that are particularly heavy, fragile or high in value are given extra planning and care.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are regularly checked for safety. Drivers must hold a valid licence for the vehicles they operate and are required to follow all road traffic rules and company driving procedures. Loads must be properly secured to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles must not be overloaded. Drivers are instructed to plan routes sensibly, allow sufficient time for journeys and avoid driving when tired or unwell.
Safety at Customer Premises
Our teams work in a variety of homes, offices and other locations. We are committed to working in a way that protects our customers, their families, colleagues, visitors and neighbours. This includes keeping walkways clear where possible, carefully handling bulky items near doors and staircases, and communicating clearly with occupants about any temporary obstructions or risks. We will take reasonable precautions to protect floors, walls and fixtures from damage arising from our work.
Protecting the Public
During loading and unloading, there may be members of the public nearby. Our staff will take care to minimise disruption and will be alert to people passing close to vehicles or carrying routes. Wherever practical, we will position vehicles and equipment to avoid blocking pavements or entrances and will halt moving activities to let people pass safely if needed.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risk assessments indicate a need, we provide appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, high visibility garments and safety footwear. Employees are responsible for using such equipment correctly, keeping it in good condition, and reporting any defects so that replacements can be arranged.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man and a Van Stockwell recognises that competent staff are central to safe operations. We ensure that employees receive suitable guidance and ongoing support relevant to their roles, including instruction on manual handling, safe driving practices, securing loads, and working safely at customers premises. New starters receive an introduction to our safety procedures and work initially under closer supervision as they build experience.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, injuries and damage incidents must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will record and review these events to identify underlying causes and take action to prevent a recurrence. Lessons learned from incidents are shared within the team and, where necessary, risk assessments and procedures are updated.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. Employees are expected to present themselves fit for duty, avoiding alcohol or drugs that could impair performance or judgement. Any health condition that may affect an employee's ability to perform their tasks safely should be brought to management's attention so that suitable adjustments can be considered.
Continuous Improvement and Review
Man and a Van Stockwell is committed to continual improvement in health and safety. This policy and associated arrangements will be reviewed regularly and when there are significant changes in our work activities, equipment or legal requirements. We welcome feedback from employees and customers on health and safety matters as part of our ongoing effort to maintain safe, reliable and professional removal services.
Policy Communication
This Health and Safety Policy is made available to all employees and is accessible to customers on request. All staff are expected to familiarise themselves with its contents and to follow the procedures and guidance that support it. By implementing this policy, Man and a Van Stockwell aims to deliver efficient moving services while safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone involved.
