Health and Safety Policy for Man and Van Tufnell Park

Man and Van Tufnell Park 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 sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, unloading and transporting goods for customers.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our work. We will achieve this by identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing appropriate control measures and promoting a positive safety culture throughout our removals operations.

Health and Safety considerations are integrated into our planning and day to day work, from local flat moves to larger house and office relocations. All staff are expected to take reasonable care of themselves and others, follow safety procedures and report concerns promptly.

Legal Duties and Responsibilities

We comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance for manual handling, driving at work and the safe use of vehicles and equipment. Management has overall responsibility for ensuring the company meets its legal obligations and that suitable arrangements are in place for the safe delivery of man and van and removal services.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy, communicating safety standards, arranging training and monitoring performance. Employees and contractors must cooperate with the company on all health and safety matters, follow instructions, use equipment correctly and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments covering typical removal activities such as packing, lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and transporting goods. Where necessary we conduct site specific assessments for properties with restricted access, stairs, long carrying distances or other particular hazards.

Based on these assessments we establish safe systems of work, including limits on loads to be carried manually, the use of lifting aids, safe stacking in vehicles and procedures for working in shared spaces such as residential blocks and commercial buildings. These systems are reviewed regularly and updated when there are changes to work processes, equipment or locations.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of our removals service and is carefully controlled to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, safe team lifting and the use of trolleys, skates and other moving equipment.

We plan jobs to avoid unnecessary lifting and carrying, use suitable equipment for heavy or awkward items and encourage staff to ask for assistance rather than attempt unsafe lifts. Any equipment provided is maintained in good condition and inspected regularly to ensure it remains safe to use.

Vehicle Safety and Driving at Work

Our vehicles are an essential part of our man and van operations and are maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. Regular checks are carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points and loading areas. Loads are distributed and secured safely to prevent movement during transit and to protect both staff and our customers belongings.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws, adhere to speed limits and drive in a considerate manner. Fatigue, distraction and unsafe driving practices are not tolerated. Drivers are responsible for reporting defects, incidents or near misses related to vehicle operations.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to work safely at customer premises, in shared entrances, corridors, stairwells, pavements and parking areas. We aim to minimise disruption and hazards to customers, neighbours and the public while carrying out removal work.

Access routes are assessed for trip hazards and obstructions, and where possible we keep walkways clear and use safe lifting paths. Items are not left in positions that could cause falls or blocked exits. Care is taken when moving large items through doorways and communal areas to prevent damage and reduce the risk of injury to others.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate health and safety induction when joining the company, including information about this policy, safe working procedures and their responsibilities. Additional training is provided for tasks involving higher risk, such as handling heavy items, using specialist equipment or driving company vehicles.

Supervision is provided to ensure that safety procedures are followed correctly and that new or less experienced staff are supported in their roles. Instructions are communicated clearly before and during each job, and staff are encouraged to raise safety questions at any time.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents and near misses, however minor, must be reported immediately to management. We keep records of all such events and investigate them to identify root causes and any necessary corrective actions.

Where appropriate, we review risk assessments and working practices following an incident to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff, and additional training or equipment may be introduced as required.

Consultation and Staff Involvement

We value the input of our staff in improving health and safety performance. Employees are encouraged to suggest improvements, raise concerns and participate in discussions about safer ways of working in the removals and man and van environment.

Concerns raised about unsafe conditions or practices will be taken seriously and addressed promptly. No employee will be penalised for reporting a genuine health and safety issue.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

We monitor our health and safety performance through job reviews, vehicle and equipment checks, training records, accident statistics and feedback from customers and staff. This policy and our supporting procedures are reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards or the nature of our work.

Our aim is to continually improve our health and safety standards so that Man and Van Tufnell Park can provide a reliable and professional removals service while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.