Removals Man and Van is committed to providing removal and transport services in a manner that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. This policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to manage health and safety risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, unloading and transporting goods for domestic and commercial clients.
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We aim to continuously improve our health and safety performance and to promote a positive safety culture across all aspects of our removal operations.
The management of Removals Man and Van accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and is committed to ensuring that adequate resources, information, training and supervision are provided so work can be carried out safely and without unacceptable risk.
Management will lead by example and is responsible for implementing this policy, monitoring compliance and reviewing its effectiveness. Managers and supervisors must ensure that safe systems of work are in place for all tasks including packing, lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and driving.
Every employee and contractor has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All staff must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate fully in the implementation of this policy.
Removals Man and Van conducts suitable and proportionate risk assessments for routine and non-routine activities associated with our services. This includes the assessment of manual handling tasks, driving and journey planning, use of lifting equipment, working in customers premises, navigating stairs and confined spaces, and handling fragile or bulky items.
Where significant risks are identified, we will implement control measures and safe systems of work. These may include planning lifting routes, using appropriate vehicles and equipment, providing additional staff for heavy items, protecting floors and fixtures, and agreeing safe access arrangements with the customer before work begins.
Manual handling is a key part of our work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, use of trolleys and other handling aids, and in recognising when a task is beyond their individual capability.
We provide suitable and well-maintained equipment, such as sack trucks, dollies, ramps and securing straps, and ensure it is used in accordance with instructions and training. Employees must inspect equipment before use and immediately report any defects so that faulty items can be removed from service.
Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and legal requirements. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points and other safety-related components.
Drivers must hold the appropriate licences, follow all road traffic laws and company procedures, and drive in a manner that prioritises safety over speed. Loads must be evenly distributed, adequately secured and checked before and during transit to prevent movement that could cause accidents or damage.
When working at customers homes or business premises, our teams will conduct a site-specific assessment on arrival, considering access routes, stairs, lifts, parking, weather conditions and any particular customer concerns. Where necessary, protective measures such as corner guards, floor protection and covers will be used to reduce the risk of damage and slips.
Our staff will take care to maintain clear walkways, avoid trailing cables, and keep tools and packing materials organised to reduce trip hazards. We will cooperate with customers and other occupants to coordinate safe working arrangements, including the management of pets, children and visitors during removal activities.
Removals Man and Van provides initial and ongoing health and safety training to all employees appropriate to their role. This includes induction training, manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, incident reporting and emergency procedures.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices, correcting unsafe behaviour, and providing guidance to less experienced staff. Information about specific jobs, special items and site conditions is communicated to the team in advance wherever possible so work can be planned safely.
Where risks cannot be fully eliminated by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided, such as safety footwear, gloves and high-visibility garments. Employees must use the equipment provided, maintain it in good condition and report any loss or damage so it can be replaced promptly.
All accidents, near misses and hazardous situations must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable so they can be recorded, investigated and used to improve our health and safety arrangements. We aim to learn from every incident to prevent recurrence.
Staff are briefed on emergency procedures including what to do in the event of fire, injury, vehicle breakdown or collision, or any incident involving members of the public. First aid provisions are maintained, and vehicles carry basic emergency equipment suitable for our type of work.
We recognise that the physical nature of removal work requires good health, fitness and alertness. Employees are expected to present for work in a fit state, free from the influence of drugs or alcohol, and to notify management of any medical condition that could affect their ability to work safely.
Reasonable steps will be taken to manage fatigue, particularly for driving and heavy manual tasks, including appropriate breaks and job rotation where feasible.
Removals Man and Van encourages open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in developing safer ways of working. Feedback from customers regarding safety matters is also welcomed and taken seriously.
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly, and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, equipment or legal requirements. Updated versions will be communicated to all staff and made available to customers on request.
By following this policy, Removals Man and Van aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the health and safety of everyone involved in or affected by our work.
(156)