Health and Safety policy

Man and Van Selsdon Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Selsdon is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, clients, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This Health and Safety Policy supports our aim to deliver secure, efficient man and van and removals services while minimising the risk of accidents, injuries, and damage to property.

Policy Statement and Objectives

We recognise our responsibility to manage health and safety as an integral part of our business operations. Our objectives are to:

Identify, assess, and control risks associated with removals, loading and unloading, transportation, and handling of goods.

Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards related to removal and transport services.

Provide appropriate training, information, and supervision to ensure staff can work safely and competently.

Promote a culture where safety, awareness, and responsibility are part of everyday working practice.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man and Van Selsdon rests with the company management, who will ensure that suitable arrangements, resources, and procedures are in place.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, including briefing staff, monitoring activities on site, and addressing any unsafe behaviours or conditions.

All employees and contractors must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. They are required to follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, incidents, or near-misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We will regularly carry out risk assessments covering typical removal activities, including packing, lifting and carrying, use of trolleys, loading and unloading vehicles, and transporting goods. These assessments will identify potential hazards such as manual handling injuries, slips and trips, falls from vehicles, collision risks, and damage to property.

From these assessments, we will develop and maintain safe working practices that are communicated clearly to all staff. Where necessary, site-specific checks will be carried out at collection and delivery addresses to identify restricted access, stairways, uneven surfaces, parking issues, and any other conditions that may affect safe working.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of our removals work. To reduce the risk of strain or injury, all staff involved in lifting and carrying must receive manual handling guidance appropriate to their role. This includes correct lifting techniques, team lifting for heavy or awkward items, and knowing when mechanical aids should be used.

We will provide, where appropriate, suitable equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, furniture blankets, and securing straps. Staff must inspect equipment before use and report any damage or defects immediately so that items can be removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our service and must be maintained in safe, roadworthy condition. Regular checks will be carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points, and loading areas. Any issues identified must be reported promptly, and the vehicle must not be used if it is unsafe.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence for the vehicle they are operating and follow road traffic laws at all times. They must not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair their ability to drive safely. Journey planning should allow adequate time for safe travel, loading, and unloading to avoid rushed or unsafe practices.

Loads must be evenly distributed, suitably secured, and within the vehicle’s permitted weight limits. Special care will be taken when transporting fragile, high-value, or bulky items to prevent movement during transit and reduce the risk of injury during unloading.

Site Safety at Collection and Delivery Locations

At every property or site, our staff must assess conditions before starting work. This includes checking access routes, staircases, lifts, doorways, and outdoor areas used for loading or unloading. Where possible, a safe loading area should be established that minimises risks from passing traffic, pedestrians, or other hazards.

Staff must take care when moving items through confined spaces, common areas, and shared entrances to prevent damage and avoid trips or collisions. Where necessary, protective coverings such as floor runners or corner guards may be used to help protect both people and property.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as protective gloves or safety footwear, this will be provided and maintained by Man and Van Selsdon. Employees and contractors must use the equipment as instructed and look after it with reasonable care. Any loss, damage, or defect must be reported so it can be replaced or repaired.

Training, Information, and Communication

We will provide all staff with relevant health and safety information during induction and, where required, refresher guidance. Topics may include manual handling principles, safe use of vehicles and equipment, emergency procedures, and client property protection.

Health and safety messages will be reinforced through ongoing communication, including briefings at the start of jobs, toolbox talks, and updates when procedures change. Employees are encouraged to raise safety concerns or suggestions for improvement at any time.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, and near-misses that occur during our removals work must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Details will be recorded and investigated to identify root causes and any corrective actions required. Where appropriate, lessons learned will be shared with staff to help prevent recurrence.

We will cooperate with any investigations by relevant authorities where required and will keep appropriate records in line with legal and industry expectations.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when operations, legislation, or best practice guidance change, or following significant incidents or feedback. Man and Van Selsdon is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and will adjust procedures, training, and controls to reflect experience and developing standards.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, we aim to ensure that our man and van and removals services are carried out as safely and responsibly as possible for everyone involved.