Health and Safety policy
Man and a Van Acton Health and Safety Policy
Man and a Van Acton is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all 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 general approach, responsibilities and arrangements for managing safety as part of every move we undertake.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm arising from our work. We aim to identify and control hazards associated with removals, transportation, handling, loading, unloading and storage of goods, as well as work carried out in customers premises and public spaces.
We are committed to complying with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Health and safety considerations are an integral part of planning and delivering our services, from small moves to larger property clearances.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this policy and for providing the resources, training and supervision needed to maintain safe working conditions. This includes:
Setting clear safety standards for all removal and transport operations. Ensuring that all vehicles, equipment and tools are suitable for their intended use, properly maintained and inspected. Assessing risks associated with each job and putting appropriate control measures in place. Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses and taking corrective action to prevent recurrence. Reviewing this policy regularly and updating it in line with changes in legislation, guidance or company operations.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee 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 are expected to:
Follow company safety procedures and instructions at all times. Use equipment, vehicles and protective gear correctly and report any defects or concerns immediately. Avoid taking shortcuts that could compromise safety, especially when lifting, carrying, loading or driving. Report accidents, near misses and hazards to management without delay. Cooperate fully with training, risk assessments and any safety improvement measures.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct risk assessments for our core activities, including domestic and commercial removals, furniture handling, packing, loading and transport. Before starting a job, the team considers access routes, parking, building layout, stairways, lifts, floor conditions and any specific customer requirements.
Where necessary, additional site-specific assessments are made, and suitable control measures are implemented such as using extra staff, handling equipment, protective coverings or revised access routes. Work is planned to minimise manual handling, avoid overloading vehicles, and reduce the risk of slips, trips, falls and property damage.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our removal operations and is managed carefully. Staff receive instruction in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including the use of team lifts and mechanical aids where possible. We aim to reduce the need for manual handling by using sack trucks, trolleys and other suitable lifting and moving equipment.
Heavy, bulky or awkward items are assessed individually. Where the risk is considered too high, additional staff, equipment or alternative methods are used. Staff are instructed not to attempt to lift items beyond their individual capability.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
Our vehicles are selected and maintained to support safe removal and transport services. Regular checks are carried out on brakes, lights, tyres, restraints, ramps and any fitted lifting or securing equipment. Vehicles are loaded to remain within legal weight limits and arranged so loads are stable and properly secured.
Only trained and authorised employees are permitted to drive company vehicles or operate specialist equipment. Drivers must follow road traffic laws, maintain safe speeds and driving distances, and avoid distractions while driving. Rest breaks are planned where necessary to reduce fatigue and maintain concentration.
Working in Customers Premises
Many of our activities take place at customers homes, offices and other premises. Our teams work respectfully and carefully to protect both people and property. Protective measures such as floor coverings, corner protectors and safe stacking practices are used where appropriate.
Access routes are kept as clear as possible, and items are not left in positions that could create trip hazards. Care is taken with doors, stairways, lifts and shared areas so that other occupants and visitors are not put at risk during loading and unloading operations.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where indicated by risk assessment, suitable personal protective equipment is provided and must be used correctly. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high visibility garments or other protective items depending on the task and location.
Employees are responsible for looking after issued equipment, reporting damage or loss, and requesting replacements when necessary.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide employees with information, instruction and training for the work they carry out. This includes induction training covering general health and safety, as well as job-specific guidance on manual handling, loading, driving duties and working in customers premises.
Supervision is provided according to the experience of staff and the complexity of the work. Less experienced team members are supported by more experienced colleagues and management oversight.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents and near misses are to be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. Records are kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Where required, incidents are reported to the appropriate authorities in line with legal obligations.
We encourage an open culture where staff feel able to raise concerns and report hazards without fear of blame, so that potential issues can be addressed promptly.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed on a regular basis and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation or industry guidance. Lessons learned from risk assessments, incident investigations, staff feedback and operational experience are incorporated into updated procedures.
By working together and maintaining a strong safety culture, Man and a Van Acton seeks to ensure that every removal and transport service is completed safely, efficiently and with due care for everyone involved.
