Man and Van Battersea Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Battersea 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 policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in all aspects of our man and van and removal services.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment arising from our operations. We aim to achieve this by identifying and controlling risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, driving, and working in domestic and commercial premises.

This policy applies to all staff and contractors working on behalf of Man and Van Battersea, regardless of location or type of removal service being carried out.

Legal Compliance and Standards

Man and Van Battersea will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. We will monitor changes in applicable regulations and update our working procedures and training accordingly to ensure ongoing compliance.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone working for or with Man and Van Battersea is expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Management Responsibilities

Management will:

Ensure that this policy is implemented, communicated and reviewed regularly. Provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision so that employees can work safely and competently. Allocate sufficient resources to manage health and safety effectively. Conduct and review risk assessments for typical removal activities such as manual handling, stair work, vehicle loading and unloading, and working in confined or cluttered spaces. Maintain vehicles, equipment and protective equipment in a safe and serviceable condition. Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Employee and Contractor Responsibilities

Employees and contractors must:

Follow all health and safety procedures, instructions and training provided. Use vehicles, tools and equipment only for their intended purpose and in accordance with training. Wear and correctly use any required personal protective equipment. Report hazards, defects, unsafe conditions, accidents and near misses to management without delay. Not misuse or interfere with anything provided in the interests of health and safety. Co operate with management on all health and safety matters, including attending training and assessments when required.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for our core removal activities and develop safe systems of work accordingly. These assessments consider manual handling tasks, access routes in customer properties, the nature and weight of items being moved, vehicle access, parking, and the presence of vulnerable persons or pets.

Where particular risks are identified at a specific job, additional control measures will be put in place. This may include additional manpower, specialised lifting equipment, protective coverings, or changes to work methods to avoid unsafe lifting or movement of goods.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a significant part of our service and is treated as a key safety priority. To reduce the risk of injury, we:

Provide manual handling training focusing on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and assessment of load weight and stability. Encourage staff to refuse unsafe lifts and to request assistance or equipment where necessary. Use trolleys, dollies, ramps and other handling aids wherever reasonably practicable. Plan routes carefully to avoid obstacles, uneven ground and unnecessary carrying distances. Limit the size and weight of loads handled by a single person and ensure large or heavy items are moved by a team.

Vehicle Safety and Driving

Safe operation of our vans is essential to protect drivers, passengers, customers and other road users. We will:

Ensure vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced and maintained in roadworthy condition. Require drivers to hold valid licences and be competent for the type of vehicle operated. Instruct drivers to obey speed limits, parking restrictions and road traffic laws at all times. Ensure loads are distributed evenly, secured properly, and kept within safe weight limits. Discourage the use of mobile phones while driving, other than through legally compliant hands free systems when necessary and safe.

Working at Customer Premises

Our teams often work in homes, offices and shared buildings. To maintain safety in these environments, we:

Assess access routes, stairways, corridors and doorways before moving goods. Keep walkways clear of trip hazards such as loose packaging or tools. Use protective floor coverings where needed to prevent slips and damage. Take care when moving items near glass, electrical fittings and fixtures. Consider the presence of children, elderly persons and pets and adjust working methods to minimise risk to them.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We supply appropriate tools, lifting equipment and personal protective equipment suitable for removal activities. Employees are required to use and maintain this equipment in line with training and manufacturer instructions and to report any defects or malfunctions immediately.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff involved in removal work receive initial and ongoing training relevant to their duties. This includes manual handling, vehicle safety, hazard awareness and the correct use of equipment. Supervisors and experienced team members provide on the job guidance and oversight to ensure safe practices are followed.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We record and review these events to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Staff are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of injury, fire, vehicle breakdown or collision while undertaking removal work.

Health and Wellbeing

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. We encourage staff to work at a sensible pace, take appropriate breaks, and raise any health concerns that may affect their ability to carry out manual tasks safely. We will consider reasonable adjustments where necessary to protect individual health and wellbeing.

Review of This Policy

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation, or identified risks. Updates will be communicated to all staff and contractors to ensure continued understanding and compliance.

By working together to follow this policy, Man and Van Battersea aims to deliver efficient removal services while maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved.