Man with Van Streatham Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Streatham is committed to providing removal and transport services in a way that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our customers, employees, contractors, and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to planning and carrying out work safely, with particular focus on lifting, handling, loading, unloading, and road transport activities.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property, and disruption to our customers. We aim to identify and control risks arising from removal and transport operations, maintain safe equipment and vehicles, and ensure that everyone working for or on behalf of Man with Van Streatham understands and follows safe working practices.
Legal Compliance and Responsibilities
We will comply with applicable health and safety laws and regulations relevant to removal and transport activities. Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy, providing appropriate resources, and reviewing performance. Employees and contractors are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, and for following the procedures and instructions outlined in this policy.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting any removal, we will consider the specific characteristics of the property, items to be moved, access routes, parking, and any known hazards. Where required, we will carry out risk assessments to identify potential dangers such as awkward loads, trip hazards, stairs, limited access, or weather-related risks. We will then implement safe systems of work to minimise these risks, which may include adjustment of lifting methods, use of additional manpower, or rescheduling work if conditions are unsafe.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a major part of removal work, and we place strong emphasis on safe lifting techniques. Staff will be instructed to:
Assess the load before lifting and seek assistance with heavy or awkward items. Use proper lifting posture, keeping the load close to the body and avoiding twisting. Use equipment such as trolleys, skates, or straps where appropriate. Take extra care when negotiating stairs, tight corners, and uneven surfaces. Refuse to lift items that are unsafe to handle or exceed safe limits without additional support or equipment.
Where possible, heavy or bulky items will be disassembled to reduce manual handling risk.
Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are an essential part of our service. We will keep vehicles in a roadworthy condition through regular checks and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, obey road traffic laws, and drive with consideration for other road users. Loads will be securely packed and restrained to prevent movement during transport, with special care taken for fragile, sharp, or hazardous items. Drivers are instructed to plan routes that are suitable for the size of vehicle and road conditions, and to avoid unsafe manoeuvres or parking locations.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
We will provide suitable equipment for lifting and moving items, such as trolleys, ramps, and protective materials. Equipment will be checked regularly and removed from use if defective. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, footwear with protective toes and non-slip soles, and high-visibility clothing where required, will be used in accordance with risk assessments and specific job needs. Staff are expected to use and care for protective equipment properly and report any defects immediately.
Customer and Public Safety
We recognise our responsibility to safeguard customers, their property, and members of the public during our operations. This includes keeping access routes clear where possible, managing cables, tools, and packaging to prevent slips and trips, and ensuring safe movement of items through shared areas. We will communicate with customers about any specific safety considerations on the day of the move, including where it may be necessary to restrict access to certain areas while loading or unloading.
Household Goods, Special Items, and Hazardous Materials
We handle a wide range of household goods and personal belongings. Items that are particularly heavy, fragile, or of unusual shape will be assessed individually, and we may apply additional controls or require the customer to make specific preparations. We do not transport certain hazardous materials or substances that could pose an unacceptable risk to people, vehicles, or property. Customers are asked to inform us in advance of any items that may contain fuel, chemicals, or other potentially dangerous contents, so that we can agree safe arrangements or advise if we cannot carry them.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Staff and regular contractors involved in removals and driving activities receive appropriate information on safe methods of work, including safe lifting, loading, and driving practices. New team members are supervised until they demonstrate competence in required tasks. Where work involves unusual items or environments, additional instructions and briefings will be provided before the job begins.
Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses
All accidents, injuries, vehicle incidents, and significant near misses are to be reported as soon as possible. We will investigate such events to identify root causes and put appropriate corrective actions in place, which may include changes to procedures, improvements in equipment, or additional training. Records of incidents will be kept and reviewed periodically to monitor trends and drive continuous improvement.
Consultation and Communication
We encourage staff and contractors to raise health and safety concerns, suggest improvements, and report hazards that could affect themselves, colleagues, customers, or the public. We will take all reasonable steps to address such concerns promptly. Clear communication with customers is also essential; we will explain any limitations on what we can safely move, and any precautions customers should take before, during, and after the move.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations, legal requirements, or best practice in the removals and transport sector. We are committed to continually improving our health and safety performance by learning from experience, feedback, and developments in safe working techniques.
Man with Van Streatham regards this policy as central to providing a professional, reliable, and safe removal service across our operating area, and expects everyone associated with our work to uphold these standards at all times.
