Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Elephant and Castle

Man with Van Elephant and Castle 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 delivery activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods in homes, offices and other premises within our service area.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our main objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe practices during all removal and man and van operations. We aim to identify hazards, control risks, provide suitable information and training, and continually improve our health and safety performance. We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry good practice for moving and handling.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, ensuring appropriate resources are available, and monitoring that health and safety standards are maintained across all jobs. Managers and supervisors will:

Ensure that risk assessments are carried out for typical removal activities and that control measures are put in place and followed. Provide suitable equipment for lifting, carrying, loading and securing goods in vehicles. Make sure vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses and take corrective action to prevent recurrence. Review this policy regularly and update it in line with changes in operations or legal requirements.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, contractors and crew members working with Man with Van Elephant and Castle share responsibility for safe working. Every team member must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safety instructions, training and safe systems of work. Use the provided equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Report hazards, near misses, injuries or unsafe practices to their supervisor without delay. Co operate with management to help fulfil legal and company health and safety duties.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Health and safety are considered at each stage of our removal work, from initial planning to completion. We conduct risk assessments covering typical tasks such as packing, dismantling, lifting, carrying, loading, securing loads in vehicles, driving and unloading at the destination.

Where a job involves unusual items, restricted access, heavy or fragile goods, upper floor moves or other specific challenges, additional assessment and planning are undertaken. We may request information and access in advance to assess staircases, lifts, parking, loading restrictions and any particular risks at the collection and delivery addresses.

Safe Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of our work and can pose a risk of injury if not carried out correctly. We reduce these risks by:

Providing training to staff on safe lifting techniques and team handling. Using appropriate lifting aids and moving equipment where practicable. Planning routes within properties to minimise carrying distances and obstacles. Limiting the weight of individual items to what is safe for the team available. Taking extra care with bulky, awkward or delicate items.

Equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets, ramps and other aids are regularly checked and maintained so that they remain safe and fit for purpose.

Vehicle Safety and Load Security

Vehicles used by Man with Van Elephant and Castle are maintained to a high standard, with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers are responsible for ensuring that vehicles are safe before use and that loads are properly secured.

We ensure that loads are distributed evenly, secured with suitable fixings and protected to prevent movement, damage or risk to people. Access to loading areas is controlled as far as reasonably practicable, and members of the public are kept away from moving vehicles and lifting operations.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working in homes, offices or shared buildings, we take care to protect both the property and the people present. This includes:

Planning safe access routes and keeping walkways as clear as possible. Using floor protection and corner guards where appropriate. Avoiding blocking fire exits and keeping escape routes accessible. Communicating with customers and building users about any temporary restrictions during the move. Working with consideration for neighbours and other occupants.

We take particular care when moving items in communal areas, on stairs, near glass, and through doorways to avoid collisions, falls and impact damage.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide appropriate health and safety training to all team members, including induction training for new staff and job specific guidance relating to removals and man and van services. Training covers safe manual handling, vehicle safety, load security, use of equipment, protection of property and emergency procedures.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that less experienced staff are properly supported on site and that safe working practices are followed at all times. Additional instruction is given when new equipment, vehicles or working methods are introduced.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where necessary, personal protective equipment is provided, such as protective footwear, gloves and high visibility clothing for roadside or loading operations. Staff are required to wear and look after any protective equipment that is issued to them and to report loss or damage immediately.

Accidents, Incidents and First Aid

All accidents, injuries and significant near misses must be reported as soon as practicable. We maintain records of such incidents and review them to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Basic first aid provisions are available in our vehicles or at the workplace, and staff are made aware of the procedures to follow if an injury occurs during a removal job. Where necessary, professional medical assistance will be sought without delay.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Elephant and Castle is committed to continually improving health and safety performance. We review this policy on a regular basis, and also when changes to our services, vehicles, equipment or legal requirements make it necessary. Feedback from staff and customers regarding safety matters is welcomed and used to develop better working practices.

By following this health and safety policy, we aim to deliver reliable man and van and removal services while protecting our employees, our customers and the wider community.