Man and Van Streatham Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Streatham 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 Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks, maintaining safe systems of work and meeting our legal responsibilities.

Our services involve the handling, lifting and transportation of goods in homes, offices and other premises. These activities present particular risks, including manual handling injuries, slips and trips, vehicle-related hazards and property damage. We are dedicated to identifying and controlling these risks so that our services are delivered safely and professionally.

Health and Safety Objectives

The main objectives of this policy are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, to promote a culture of safety and responsibility, and to ensure that all work is carried out in a manner that protects people, property and the environment. We seek to achieve continuous improvement in our health and safety performance through regular review, consultation and training.

We aim to integrate health and safety considerations into all aspects of our planning and operations, from accepting a booking to completing a removal and departing the site. Safety is considered alongside quality, customer service and efficiency in all decision making.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man and Van Streatham has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety policy. This includes providing clear instructions and information, ensuring access to appropriate training and supervision, and allocating the necessary resources to manage health and safety effectively.

Managers will ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for our activities, that control measures are implemented, and that all employees understand and follow agreed safe systems of work. Management will also monitor health and safety performance and promptly address any issues that are identified.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee and contractor working with Man and Van Streatham 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 safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and cooperate with management in meeting health and safety requirements.

Employees are required to report any hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions they observe during removal or delivery work. They must not misuse or interfere with any equipment, protective devices or safety measures provided for their protection or for the protection of others.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before commencing work, we assess the risks associated with each removal or transport task. This may include evaluating access routes, parking arrangements, staircases, lifts, floor conditions, the weight and size of items to be moved, and the presence of vulnerable people or pets.

Based on these assessments, we adopt safe working methods such as using suitable lifting techniques, team lifting for heavy or awkward items, appropriate use of trolleys and other handling equipment, and careful route planning for loading and unloading. Where necessary, work may be postponed or adjusted if conditions are considered unsafe.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of our work. To prevent injuries, we provide instructions and guidance on safe lifting, carrying and setting down of loads. Staff are expected to avoid excessive strain, to seek assistance when required, and to use mechanical aids where available.

Only trained and authorized personnel may operate any handling equipment or tools. All equipment used in our removal services must be inspected regularly, kept in good condition and used in line with manufacturer guidance and our internal procedures.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in roadworthy condition and are inspected regularly. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws, and operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner at all times.

Loads must be secured properly to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles must never be overloaded. Drivers are responsible for ensuring the vehicle is parked safely when loading and unloading, avoiding obstruction of driveways, pathways and emergency access wherever possible.

Protection of Customers, Public and Property

We take care to minimise disruption and risk to customers, neighbours and the general public during our work. This includes managing access routes, keeping walkways clear, and avoiding unnecessary noise or obstruction.

Where appropriate, we may use protective coverings on floors, walls or doors to help prevent damage to property. Items belonging to customers are handled with care, and any pre-existing damage or hazards observed on site are noted and, where relevant, brought to the attention of the customer.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as protective footwear or gloves, suitable items will be provided and must be worn as directed. Employees are responsible for taking reasonable care of any protective equipment issued to them and reporting defects or issues promptly.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man and Van Streatham provides information and guidance to help staff understand the hazards associated with their work and the controls in place to manage them. New staff receive an introduction to our safety procedures and working practices, and further guidance is provided as tasks and responsibilities develop.

Supervision is provided proportionate to the level of experience and the nature of the work. Where necessary, additional support or refresher guidance is given to ensure that all tasks are completed safely.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses or cases of work-related ill health must be reported as soon as possible to management. We maintain records of such events and review them to identify trends, underlying causes and opportunities for improvement.

Employees are informed of emergency procedures relevant to their work, including actions to take in the event of fire, serious injury, traffic collision or other urgent situations. Staff must follow these procedures and cooperate with emergency services when required.

Monitoring, Review and Policy Communication

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, our services or the nature of risks we face. Any significant changes will be communicated to employees and contractors.

The policy is made available to staff and customers on request so that all parties understand our approach to safety. By working together and maintaining high standards, Man and Van Streatham aims to provide removal and transport services that are both efficient and safe.