Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Croydon
Man and a Van Croydon is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation services. This Health and Safety Policy outlines our approach to managing risks, promoting safe working practices, and complying with relevant health and safety legislation and guidance.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our removal activities. We aim to identify and manage risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, driving, and working in and around residential and commercial premises. We seek to continuously improve our performance by monitoring our practices and updating procedures when needed.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes assessing risks linked to our man and van services, providing suitable equipment, ensuring that vehicles are maintained in a safe condition, and offering appropriate training and supervision to staff. Management will also review and update this policy periodically to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, and operational requirements.
Managers and supervisors must ensure that staff follow safe systems of work, receive necessary information, and understand the health and safety standards expected of them. Any reported hazards, near misses, or incidents will be investigated, and reasonable measures will be taken to prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must cooperate with management, follow established procedures, and use equipment correctly. They are required to report any hazards, defects in equipment or vehicles, accidents, or near misses as soon as possible so that corrective actions can be taken.
Employees must not misuse or interfere with any safety equipment or systems provided for their protection or that of others. They are also expected to drive responsibly, adhere to road traffic laws, and follow safe lifting and handling practices while performing removal tasks.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct risk assessments for our typical removal activities, including manual handling, working in confined spaces, transporting goods, operating in busy streets, and accessing multi-storey buildings. These assessments help us to identify hazards and put in place suitable control measures such as using appropriate equipment, planning routes, and allocating sufficient staff for each job.
For each removal, staff are encouraged to carry out a dynamic on-site assessment to identify specific risks such as narrow stairways, uneven surfaces, obstructions, or poor lighting. Work will only proceed when it is safe to do so, and additional controls may be implemented, such as using extra personnel, altering the route of removal, or temporarily stopping work until hazards are addressed.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of our work, and we take steps to reduce the risk of injury. Staff receive guidance on correct lifting techniques, team lifting procedures, and the use of handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and blankets. Heavy or awkward items must be assessed before lifting, and no individual should attempt to move loads that exceed safe limits.
All equipment used in the removal process is selected to be suitable and maintained in safe working condition. Staff must visually inspect equipment before use, and any defects or issues must be reported immediately. Faulty equipment will be removed from service until repaired or replaced.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are an essential part of our man and van services, and we are committed to ensuring they are roadworthy and operated safely. Vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers must complete basic safety checks before journeys, including tyres, lights, mirrors, and securing mechanisms for loads.
All loads must be packed and secured appropriately to prevent shifting during transit. Drivers must comply with road traffic laws, speed limits, and parking regulations, and must take extra care when manoeuvring in residential streets, near schools, or in busy commercial areas. Fatigue management is important, and drivers are encouraged to take rest breaks as needed to remain alert and safe.
Working at Customer Premises
When working at customer locations, we aim to minimise disruption while maintaining a safe environment for everyone present. Our staff will take sensible precautions such as keeping walkways clear of trip hazards, using safe lifting routes, and avoiding blocking emergency exits. Where possible, protective measures may be used to prevent damage to floors, walls, or doorways.
Customers are asked to inform us of any known hazards at their premises, such as loose flooring, steep or narrow stairs, or limited access points. Cooperation between our staff and customers helps ensure the work can be carried out safely and efficiently.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We provide employees with information and guidance relevant to their roles, including safe lifting techniques, the correct use of equipment, vehicle safety, and general health and safety awareness. New staff receive induction training, and ongoing instruction is provided where roles or equipment change.
Where necessary, experienced personnel will supervise less experienced staff to ensure that tasks are carried out safely, particularly when handling heavy or fragile items, working in complex environments, or using specialist equipment.
Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents, and near misses associated with our man and van work must be reported as soon as practicable. This allows us to record what happened, identify causes, and put in place measures to prevent similar events in the future. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal requirements.
We encourage an open culture in which staff feel able to report concerns without fear of blame, as learning from incidents is essential to improving our health and safety performance.
Monitoring and Review
Man and a Van Croydon will monitor compliance with this Health and Safety Policy through regular checks, review of incident reports, and feedback from staff and customers. Where areas for improvement are identified, appropriate actions will be taken, and procedures may be updated.
This policy will be reviewed periodically, and whenever significant changes occur in our operations, to ensure it remains suitable, effective, and aligned with current legislation and best practice in the removal and transport sector.
