Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Earls Court Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Earls Court is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with our removal and transport services, including loading, unloading, driving, and handling customers possessions.
Policy Statement and Scope
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe practices in all areas of our operations. This policy applies to all members of staff, whether full time, part time or temporary, and to any contractors working on our behalf. It also informs our customers of the safety standards they can expect when using our moving and delivery services.
Health and safety is an integral part of our day-to-day work, including domestic and commercial moves, small removals, man and van services, and transport of goods in and around our wider service area.
Management Responsibilities
Management has overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this policy. We will:
Ensure that health and safety considerations form part of our planning and decision-making processes for all removal and transport activities.
Provide and maintain vehicles, equipment and tools that are safe, serviced and fit for purpose.
Carry out risk assessments for typical moving tasks, including lifting, carrying, use of trolleys, loading ramps and securing loads in vehicles.
Provide appropriate training, instruction and supervision to all staff so they can carry out their duties safely and competently.
Ensure that safe systems of work are communicated clearly and followed in practice.
Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, and implement corrective actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Staff are required to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided by the company.
Use vehicles, tools, lifting aids and protective equipment correctly and for their intended purpose.
Report accidents, near misses, hazards, vehicle defects or unsafe conditions to management without delay.
Refrain from horseplay, unsafe behaviour or any activity that could put themselves or others at risk.
Maintain good standards of personal conduct, including fitness to drive and to undertake manual handling tasks.
Safe Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is central to our work and must always be carried out safely. Our approach includes:
Assessing the weight, size and shape of items before attempting to lift or move them.
Using team lifts for heavier or bulky items and never attempting to lift more than can be handled safely.
Using appropriate lifting aids, such as trolleys, dollies and straps whenever possible.
Applying correct lifting techniques, including stable footing, keeping loads close to the body and avoiding twisting motions.
Planning the route in advance, checking for steps, obstacles, uneven surfaces or restricted doorways.
Refusing to move any item where the risk of injury is considered unacceptable and seeking further guidance or assistance.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Vehicle safety is essential to protect drivers, passengers, customers and other road users. We will ensure that:
All vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition with regular inspections and servicing.
Loads are distributed evenly and secured correctly to prevent shifting during transit.
Drivers hold the appropriate licence, are competent, and follow all applicable road traffic laws.
Drivers plan journeys to allow sufficient time so that they are not pressured into unsafe driving or speeding.
Mobile phones and electronic devices are used safely and legally, and never in a way that distracts from driving.
Drivers take breaks as needed to avoid fatigue and are not permitted to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair performance.
Customer Premises and Access
Our teams often work in customers homes, offices and shared buildings. To maintain safety, we will:
Assess access routes, stairways, lifts and external approaches before moving items.
Take care to protect floors, walls and doorways where reasonably practicable to avoid damage and slips.
Keep work areas as clear as possible, reducing tripping hazards from packaging, tools and personal belongings.
Communicate clearly with customers about any limitations on what can be moved safely or where additional precautions are needed.
Refuse to carry out any task where conditions are unsafe, such as unstable structures, severe obstructions or dangerous materials.
Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Measures
We will provide suitable equipment to support safe working during moves. This may include trolleys, blankets, straps and other handling aids. Staff must:
Inspect equipment before use and report any damage or defects immediately.
Use equipment only as trained and instructed.
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.
Adopt additional protective measures where tasks present extra risk, such as handling sharp-edged items or working in confined spaces.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and significant incidents must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. We will:
Record details of incidents and investigate underlying causes.
Take prompt action to remedy hazards or unsafe practices that are identified.
Provide guidance to staff on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, road traffic collision or sudden illness.
Training, Monitoring and Policy Review
Man with Van Earls Court is committed to ongoing improvement in health and safety performance. We will:
Provide induction and refresher training on key topics, including manual handling, safe driving, load security and working at customer premises.
Monitor compliance with this policy through supervision, feedback and periodic checks.
Review this Health and Safety Policy regularly, and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, to ensure it remains effective and relevant.
Communicate updates to staff and, where appropriate, to customers and contractors.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Through cooperation between management, employees and customers, we aim to promote a culture where health and safety is a shared priority. By following this policy and applying safe working practices at all times, Man with Van Earls Court seeks to deliver reliable, professional removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.
