Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Elephant and Castle
Man and a Van Elephant and Castle is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers, visitors, 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 household and commercial removals, loading and unloading, driving, and handling goods.
Our Health and Safety Aims
Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing sensible control measures. We strive for continuous improvement in our health and safety performance and expect everyone associated with our services to behave responsibly and follow safe working practices at all times.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy and ensuring that health and safety considerations are built into our planning and delivery of removal services. This includes providing suitable vehicles, equipment, training, and supervision so that tasks are performed safely. Management will regularly review working methods, incidents, and feedback to ensure that our procedures remain suitable and effective.
Employee Responsibilities
All workers, whether full time, part time, or temporary, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Workers must follow instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperate fully with any health and safety measures put in place. No task should be undertaken if it cannot be done safely.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting a removal task, we consider the specific risks at the property or site, such as access routes, stairs, parking, traffic, lifting requirements, and any special characteristics of the items being moved. Where needed, we carry out formal risk assessments and develop safe systems of work. These may cover the number of people required for a lift, the type of equipment to be used, the order of loading, and any restrictions on manual handling or stacking.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Our work often involves lifting, carrying, and moving furniture, appliances, and boxes. To reduce the risk of back injuries, strains, and other musculoskeletal problems, we promote safe manual handling techniques. Workers are trained to assess the weight and shape of loads, request assistance when needed, and use mechanical aids such as trolleys and lifting straps where appropriate. We avoid unnecessary lifting, excessive carrying distances, and awkward postures, and we encourage regular breaks when handling heavy or repetitive loads.
Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety
Safe driving is essential to protect our workers, customers, and other road users. Only competent and authorised personnel are permitted to drive our vehicles. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences, follow road traffic laws, and ensure that vehicles are roadworthy before use. This includes checking tyres, lights, mirrors, fuel, and load security. Loads must be distributed evenly and secured so that they cannot move in transit. Drivers must not exceed speed limits, must plan routes carefully, and must not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair their ability to drive safely.
Household and Site Safety
When working at customers premises or commercial sites, we take care to minimise risks to occupants and visitors. Walkways are kept clear, cables and equipment are placed to avoid trip hazards, and heavy or unstable items are handled with particular caution. We take care around steps, narrow corridors, low ceilings, and fragile surfaces. Workers are instructed to respect the property, avoid damage, and report any concerns immediately to the person in charge.
Equipment and Vehicle Maintenance
All equipment used in our removal activities, including vehicles, trolleys, lifting aids, straps, and protective gear, must be fit for purpose and maintained in good condition. Management is responsible for arranging regular inspections and servicing. Defective equipment must not be used and should be reported, labelled, and removed from service until it has been repaired or replaced. Workers must check their equipment before use and follow the manufacturer instructions and any company procedures that apply.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where necessary, we provide personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves, and high visibility clothing to reduce the risk of injury. Workers must use this equipment as instructed and look after it properly. Any damaged or worn items must be reported so that they can be replaced.
Customer and Public Safety
We recognise our responsibility to safeguard customers, neighbours, and members of the public while we are carrying out removal services. We take care when loading and unloading near pavements or shared access areas and, where needed, we use barriers or signs to keep people away from hazardous zones. Engines are switched off when vehicles are parked for loading, and we avoid blocking fire exits or emergency routes.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible. This allows us to provide any necessary first aid, take immediate corrective action, and review how similar incidents can be prevented. Workers are briefed on what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, or other emergencies, including how to raise the alarm, evacuate safely, and contact emergency services.
Training, Supervision, and Communication
We provide appropriate training and information so that our workers understand the risks associated with removal work and know how to manage them. This may include induction training, on-the-job instruction, manual handling guidance, and refresher sessions. Less experienced workers receive closer supervision until they are competent to work more independently. We encourage open communication about safety concerns and suggestions for improvement.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our activities, the equipment we use, or applicable health and safety requirements. We monitor our performance, learn from incidents and feedback, and aim to improve our standards over time. Everyone involved in our services is expected to support this policy and contribute to a positive health and safety culture.
