Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van St Johns Wood
Man and a Van St Johns Wood is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, visitors, and members of the public affected by our activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, deliveries, loading and unloading, and related services carried out in homes, offices, and other premises.
We recognise our duty to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and good industry practice, and we expect every member of our team to share this commitment. Safety is an integral part of planning and delivering every removal job, regardless of size or complexity.
Policy Objectives
Our key health and safety objectives are to:
Identify, assess, and control risks associated with moving, lifting, driving, and handling goods and equipment.
Prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health for our staff, customers, and the public.
Protect property and belongings during handling, transport, and storage.
Provide and maintain safe vehicles, tools, and equipment suitable for the tasks carried out.
Provide information, instruction, and guidance to staff on safe working methods.
Continuously improve our health and safety performance through monitoring and regular reviews.
Responsibility for Health and Safety
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management. Management is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained, and periodically reviewed so that it remains effective and up to date.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy on each job, including briefing staff on specific site risks, ensuring safe lifting practices, and checking that vehicles and equipment are fit for use.
Every employee and contractor working on behalf of Man and a Van St Johns Wood has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, incidents, and near-misses without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out ongoing risk assessments for our activities to identify potential hazards, evaluate risks, and implement suitable control measures. Particular attention is given to manual handling, working in confined or shared spaces, access routes, parking and loading points, and the handling of heavy, bulky, or delicate items.
Before starting each job, our team will consider the specific conditions at the collection and delivery addresses. This includes stairs, narrow corridors, parking distance from the property, weather conditions, and any restrictions that may affect safe loading and unloading. Additional controls, such as using extra team members, trolleys, lifting aids, or protective coverings, will be used where necessary.
Manual Handling and Lifting Safety
Manual handling is a core part of our services, and we are committed to minimising the risk of injury through planning and good technique. Where reasonably practicable, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies, or lifting straps will be used to reduce strain.
Our working methods emphasise safe lifting practices, including assessing the weight and shape of items before moving them, ensuring a clear path, and using team lifts for awkward or heavy objects. Staff are instructed to avoid overreaching, twisting while lifting, or carrying loads that obstruct vision or exceed a safe weight for the individual or team.
Vehicle, Driving, and Loading Safety
We aim to ensure that all vehicles used for our removal services are roadworthy, appropriately maintained, and suitable for the loads they carry. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and heavy items are positioned to maintain stability and safe weight distribution.
Drivers must follow all road traffic laws and drive with consideration for other road users, pedestrians, and changing weather and traffic conditions. Adequate journey planning is undertaken to minimise risks at loading and unloading points, particularly in busy streets and residential areas where space may be restricted.
Protection of Customers, Public, and Property
We take reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours, and the public from risks arising from our work. This includes careful movement of items in and out of properties, keeping access routes as clear as practicable, and being aware of shared spaces such as hallways, pavements, and car parks.
Protective materials such as blankets, floor coverings, and corner guards may be used to minimise the risk of damage to property. Team members are instructed to handle customers possessions with care and to report any damage or incidents immediately so they can be addressed promptly and fairly.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We recognise that competent staff are essential for safe operations. Team members receive information and guidance appropriate to their duties, including safe lifting methods, correct use of equipment, safe driving and loading, and procedures for reporting hazards or incidents.
New staff are introduced to our health and safety standards as part of their induction. Ongoing guidance and supervision are provided, and working practices are reviewed to ensure that safe methods are followed consistently across all removal and delivery jobs.
Incident and Near-Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, damage incidents, and near-misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record and investigate incidents with the aim of identifying root causes and preventing recurrence.
Customers are encouraged to raise any safety concerns with the team on site or with management. We take all concerns seriously and will take reasonable steps to resolve issues and improve our practices where necessary.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when changes in legislation, industry standards, or our working practices require it. We welcome feedback from staff and customers on safety matters and use this input, together with our incident records, to improve our procedures over time.
By following this policy, Man and a Van St Johns Wood aims to deliver a safe, reliable, and professional removal service that protects the wellbeing of everyone involved and safeguards the properties and belongings entrusted to our care.
