Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Clapham

Man with Van Clapham is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, including packing, lifting, loading, transportation, unloading, and storage of goods.

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our activities. Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver all man and van and removal services.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Clapham is responsible for ensuring that health and safety standards are implemented, maintained, and regularly reviewed. We will provide clear procedures, appropriate training, and suitable equipment for all staff involved in our services.

We will actively identify and assess risks associated with removal work, driving, manual handling, and working at customers premises. Where risks cannot be eliminated, they will be reduced to as low as reasonably practicable through safe systems of work, instruction, and supervision.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, drivers, and removals operatives are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes co-operating with management, following all safety instructions, using equipment correctly, and reporting hazards, incidents, or near-misses without delay.

No employee should undertake any task for which they have not received appropriate instruction or training, or which they believe cannot be carried out safely within the available time and resources.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before any removal or delivery, we will consider the specific risks relating to the property, access, items to be moved, and any special customer requirements. This may include narrow stairways, heavy or fragile items, long carrying distances, or parking constraints.

Where necessary, site-specific risk assessments will be completed. Control measures may include using additional staff, adjusting the route of movement, using mechanical aids, or re-scheduling work to safer conditions. Safe systems of work will be communicated to the team before tasks commence.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed properly. All staff involved in lifting or carrying will receive training in correct manual handling techniques, including team lifts, use of handling equipment, and recognition of personal limits.

Heavy, bulky, or awkward items will be assessed before movement. Where items are too heavy or unsafe to lift manually, mechanical aids such as trolleys or dollies will be used, or additional operatives will be allocated. Staff must never attempt to lift beyond their capability or in a way that compromises their posture or stability.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are central to our operations and will be maintained in a roadworthy condition. Regular inspections and planned maintenance will be carried out, and any defects reported immediately and rectified before the vehicle is used.

Drivers must hold the correct licence and be competent to operate the vehicle and any associated equipment. They must comply with road traffic legislation, observe speed limits, and drive in a manner appropriate to the load, weather, and traffic conditions. Fatigue management, rest breaks, and journey planning are important to reduce driving-related risks.

Loading, Unloading and Securing Loads

All items must be loaded and unloaded in a controlled and safe manner. Walkways and exits should be kept clear to prevent slips, trips, and falls. When working at the rear or side of vehicles, operatives must be aware of moving traffic and other site hazards.

Loads must be positioned and secured to prevent movement during transit. Straps, blankets, and protective materials will be used to stabilise and protect items, and care will be taken to avoid overloading or unbalancing the vehicle. Only authorised staff may enter the load compartment during loading and unloading, and the area must be clear before doors are closed.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to protect customers and the public when we are working at or near their premises. Routes will be planned to minimise disruption and avoid unnecessary obstruction of pathways or entrances. Where cables, ramps, or equipment cross walkways, they should be positioned to reduce trip hazards.

Children, pets, and unauthorised persons should be kept clear of working areas. Our team will act with courtesy and communicate clearly with customers about any potential hazards during the move.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment and tools used in removal work will be suitable for their intended purpose and maintained in good condition. Any defective equipment must be taken out of service and reported to management immediately.

Personal protective equipment will be provided where necessary, for example safety footwear and gloves. Staff must use such equipment correctly, keep it in good order, and report any damage or loss. PPE is a last line of defence and does not replace safe working practices.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Clapham will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction training for new starters and refresher training when required. This will cover general safety awareness, manual handling, safe driving, emergency procedures, and any specialist tasks relevant to their role.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring work practices, ensuring that procedures are followed, and providing guidance where needed. Concerns about unsafe practices should be raised immediately and will be dealt with constructively.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near-misses, and incidents of damage must be reported to management as soon as possible, whether they occur at our base, on the road, or at customer premises. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Emergency procedures, including dealing with fires, vehicle collisions, and injuries, will be communicated to staff. When working at customer sites, our team will familiarise themselves with relevant exits and any local emergency arrangements.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

We are committed to the continual improvement of our health and safety performance. This policy and associated procedures will be reviewed regularly and updated in line with changes in legislation, industry best practice, and the nature of our removal activities.

All employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and feedback to improve safety across our services. By working together, we aim to ensure that every move is carried out efficiently, professionally, and with the highest regard for the wellbeing of everyone involved.