Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Camden Town
Man with Van Camden Town 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 responsibilities and procedures to ensure that all work is carried out safely, professionally, and in line with applicable health and safety requirements.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
We recognise that the nature of removal work involves manual handling, vehicle use, and work at various domestic and commercial premises. We are committed to preventing accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and putting appropriate control measures in place.
Health and safety considerations are integral to our planning and delivery of removal services, including packing, loading, transport, unloading, and any associated activities.
Responsibilities and Accountability
The management of Man with Van Camden Town has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes providing suitable resources, training, and supervision to ensure that safe working practices are followed at all times.
All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They are expected to:
Report any hazards, incidents, or near misses without delay.
Follow all safety instructions, training, and procedures.
Use equipment and vehicles only as trained and intended.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment where required.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We conduct risk assessments for our key activities, including lifting and carrying, loading and securing items, vehicle operations, and working in customer premises. These assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our work or equipment.
Safe systems of work are developed from these assessments to reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable. Staff are informed of any changes to procedures, and are expected to follow the agreed methods of work to maintain safety.
Manual Handling and Lifting Safety
Removal work involves frequent manual handling tasks. To minimise the risk of injury, we:
Provide training in correct lifting and carrying techniques.
Encourage team lifting for heavy or awkward items.
Use handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, and straps where appropriate.
Plan the route for moving items, removing obstacles and trip hazards where possible.
Our staff are instructed never to attempt to lift items that are beyond their capability or that cannot be moved safely. The safety of our team and customers is always prioritised over speed or convenience.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are inspected regularly. Drivers are required to carry out basic checks, such as tyres, lights, and load security, prior to each journey.
We expect all drivers to:
Hold a valid licence for the vehicles they operate.
Comply with road traffic laws and safe driving practices.
Ensure loads are securely fastened and evenly distributed.
Avoid driving when tired, unwell, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Safe driving and responsible behaviour on the road are essential to protect our staff, customers, and other road users.
Working at Customer Premises
Our teams work in a variety of settings, including houses, flats, offices, and storage facilities. To manage safety in these environments, we:
Assess access routes, stairways, and parking arrangements before starting work where practicable.
Take care to protect floors, walls, and fixtures from damage and trip hazards.
Keep work areas as tidy as possible to avoid slips, trips, and falls.
Communicate clearly with customers about any safety concerns, such as limited access, heavy items, or fragile structures.
Where site-specific risks are identified, such as steep stairs or confined spaces, we adapt our methods and, where necessary, may refuse to move items that cannot be handled safely.
Personal Protective Equipment and Work Equipment
Where risk assessment identifies the need for personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear or gloves, this will be provided. Staff are required to use and look after such equipment and report any defects immediately.
All tools, straps, and handling aids used by Man with Van Camden Town are maintained in good condition. Equipment that is damaged or unsafe is taken out of use until repaired or replaced.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We provide appropriate induction and ongoing training to all staff involved in removal and transport activities. This includes instruction on manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, and working safely at different premises.
Supervisors and experienced team members are responsible for supporting newer staff and ensuring that safe practices are followed. We encourage open communication so that anyone can raise safety concerns without fear of criticism.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, and near misses are recorded and investigated, so that we can learn from them and improve our practices. Where appropriate, corrective actions are taken to prevent recurrence.
Our staff are briefed on basic emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, injury, or road traffic incidents. First aid supplies are available in vehicles or at base as required.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We value the input of our employees and customers in improving health and safety. Feedback about our working methods, equipment, or risk controls is welcomed and will be considered when reviewing our procedures.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective for our removal and man and van services. Any updates will be communicated to staff so that safe working standards are consistently maintained.
