Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Hampstead
Man and a Van Hampstead is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, visitors, and customers. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with our removal, collection, and delivery services, and outlines the responsibilities of everyone involved in our operations.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We recognise that professional removal services involve physical work, vehicle use, and handling of customers possessions, all of which can present potential hazards if not managed correctly. Our commitment is to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage by following safe working practices, complying with relevant health and safety legislation, and promoting a culture of awareness and responsibility.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all activities carried out by Man and a Van Hampstead, including domestic and commercial moves, furniture collection and delivery, loading and unloading, packing and unpacking, and short-distance and longer-distance removals. It covers all employees, casual workers, contractors, and any person who may be affected by our work, including customers and members of the public.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our main objectives are:
To identify and control risks associated with lifting, carrying, and transporting goods.
To reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and damage to property.
To ensure vehicles and equipment are maintained in a safe condition.
To provide staff with appropriate information, instruction, and training.
To continually review and improve our health and safety performance.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man and a Van Hampstead is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety is integrated into everyday operations. This includes:
Assessing risks associated with removal activities and introducing control measures.
Providing suitable work equipment, including protective gloves, moving straps, trolleys, and blankets.
Ensuring that company vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced, and clean, with particular attention to tyres, lights, brakes, and load security.
Organising health and safety training and refresher sessions for staff.
Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses, and taking steps to prevent recurrence.
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 must:
Follow all safety procedures and instructions given during training.
Use the equipment and tools provided for safe lifting and moving.
Report any hazards, unsafe conditions, or damaged equipment to management without delay.
Cooperate with accident investigations and health and safety initiatives.
Refrain from engaging in horseplay, dangerous behaviour, or shortcuts that compromise safety.
Safe Moving and Handling
Manual handling is a core part of our removal service, and poor technique can lead to injury. To minimise risk, we:
Encourage staff to assess the weight, size, and shape of items before lifting.
Use team lifting for heavy or bulky items such as wardrobes, sofas, and appliances.
Make use of moving aids including sack trucks, dollies, and sliders wherever appropriate.
Plan the route before moving large items, checking for obstacles, steps, or uneven surfaces.
Advise customers in advance where access might be restricted, so that items can be prepared safely for removal.
Vehicle Safety and Load Security
Our vehicles are essential to our service and must be operated safely at all times. Man and a Van Hampstead ensures that:
Drivers hold the appropriate valid driving licence for the vehicle they operate.
Daily vehicle checks are completed before starting work, covering tyres, lights, indicators, mirrors, fluid levels, and general condition.
Loads are distributed evenly and secured using straps, blankets, and other protective materials to reduce movement during transit.
Items are stacked safely to avoid instability and to protect both goods and personnel during unloading.
Drivers comply with road traffic laws, speed limits, and parking regulations throughout our service area.
Customer and Public Safety
We take care to protect customers, their property, and members of the public while work is being carried out. Our teams:
Keep access routes as clear as possible and minimise trip hazards such as boxes or loose packing materials.
Communicate clearly with customers before moving large or awkward items through tight spaces or shared areas.
Take extra care in communal entrances, stairwells, and on pavements to prevent accidents.
Use appropriate coverings and protection to reduce the risk of damage to floors, walls, and fixtures.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All staff receive induction training that covers safe lifting techniques, correct use of equipment, vehicle safety, and customer care. Additional training and guidance are provided when new equipment or procedures are introduced. Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that health and safety instructions are followed, and they provide feedback and correction where necessary.
Accidents, Incidents, and Reporting
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and damage to property must be reported to management as soon as possible. We keep appropriate records of incidents, investigate the causes, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences. Customers are encouraged to inform us of any safety concerns during a move so that they can be addressed immediately.
Health, Wellbeing, and Fitness for Work
Because removal work can be physically demanding, we encourage staff to look after their health and report any conditions that may affect their ability to lift, carry, or drive safely. Employees must not work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and any medication that may impair concentration or physical capability must be declared to management.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly, and at least annually, to ensure that it remains relevant to our services and complies with current legal requirements. Revisions may also be made following significant changes in our operations, the introduction of new equipment or vehicles, or after any serious incident.
By using Man and a Van Hampstead, customers can be confident that health and safety is treated as a priority throughout every stage of the moving process, from initial planning and packing to loading, transport, and final delivery.
