Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Chelsfield

Man with Van Chelsfield is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors 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 associated with domestic and commercial moves, loading and unloading vehicles, and handling furniture and other items.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent injuries and ill health, protect property, and minimise disruption during all moving and transport operations. We aim to identify hazards in advance, implement sensible control measures, and promote a positive safety culture across the company.

We will regularly review our working methods to improve safety performance and ensure that our procedures remain appropriate for the size and nature of our removal services.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Chelsfield is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that adequate resources are available to meet our health and safety obligations. This includes providing suitable equipment, arranging training, maintaining vehicles in roadworthy condition, and monitoring working practices on moves.

Managers will ensure that risk assessments are carried out for typical removal activities such as lifting and carrying, access to properties, vehicle loading, and working in confined or shared spaces. Control measures will be communicated clearly to all staff before work begins.

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 the instructions and training provided, use equipment correctly, report hazards, near misses and accidents promptly, cooperate with management on health and safety matters, avoid taking shortcuts that could compromise safety.

Employees are expected to attend required training sessions and briefings, and to ask for guidance if they are unsure about any aspect of safe working practices.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before each removal job, our team will consider the key risks associated with access, manual handling and transport. Where appropriate, we will carry out a documented risk assessment and agree safe working methods with the team prior to starting work.

Typical control measures may include assessing staircases, corridors and doorways before moving large items, planning the order of loading and unloading to reduce handling, using straps, trolleys and other handling aids where appropriate, setting clear communication signals between team members when lifting and carrying, restricting access to work areas to prevent interference by others.

We will adapt our working practices if conditions change during the job, such as poor weather, unexpected obstacles or changes in access arrangements.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not carried out correctly. All staff will receive training on safe lifting techniques, team lifting and the proper use of handling equipment.

We will, so far as is reasonably practicable, avoid single-person lifts of heavy or awkward items and use team lifts or mechanical aids. Staff must not attempt to move any item they consider unsafe to handle. Where necessary, items may be dismantled or alternative methods arranged.

All handling equipment, such as sack trucks, dollies, straps and blankets, will be inspected regularly and used only for their intended purpose.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

Our vehicles will be maintained in safe, roadworthy condition with regular checks carried out on tyres, brakes, lights and load securing points. Drivers are responsible for completing basic pre-use checks and reporting any defects immediately.

Loading and unloading will be planned to maintain vehicle stability and prevent movement of goods during transit. Items will be secured using appropriate straps and restraints. No person is permitted to travel in the load area of any vehicle.

Drivers must observe all road traffic laws, adjust driving style to suit road and weather conditions, and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.

Working at Customer Premises

When working at customer premises, our teams will show consideration for the property and the people present. We will keep walkways as clear as reasonably practicable, use floor protection where necessary, and take care around children, pets and other visitors.

If access is unsafe for any reason, such as damaged steps, poor lighting or blocked routes, the team will stop work and inform the customer so that the issue can be resolved before continuing.

Personal Protective Equipment

Man with Van Chelsfield will provide appropriate personal protective equipment where required by risk assessment. This may include safety footwear, gloves and high-visibility clothing. Employees must use any protective equipment provided in accordance with training and report defects or losses immediately.

Training, Information and Supervision

We will provide health and safety induction for new staff and ongoing training relevant to removal work, including manual handling, safe driving practices and the correct use of equipment. Supervisors will monitor compliance with safe systems of work and provide guidance and correction where needed.

Information about hazards, control measures and emergency procedures will be communicated clearly, using verbal briefings and written instructions where appropriate.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will investigate these events to identify underlying causes and take action to prevent recurrence. Records will be kept of all reportable incidents, and any trends will be reviewed during policy reviews.

Housekeeping and Environment

Good housekeeping is essential for safe removal work. We will keep work areas tidy, coil or remove loose straps and packing materials promptly, dispose of waste responsibly, and avoid blocking fire exits, driveways or access routes.

Where possible, we will minimise noise, dust and disruption to neighbours and other building users during moves.

Review of Policy

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary, for example following significant changes to our services, the introduction of new equipment or changes in relevant guidance. Any revisions will be communicated to all employees, and updated procedures will be incorporated into staff training.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Man with Van Chelsfield aims to maintain a safe and professional removal service for all customers and staff.