Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Hampstead Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy explains how Man with Van Hampstead manages health, safety and welfare for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. Our removals and man and van services involve physical work, vehicle movements and handling of customers possessions, so we commit to controlling risks and continuously improving our safety standards.
Our Health and Safety Responsibilities
Man with Van Hampstead will take all reasonably practicable steps to protect the health, safety and welfare of everyone affected by our activities. Senior management is responsible for providing suitable resources, setting clear safety standards and monitoring compliance. Every member of staff is expected to work safely, follow instructions and report any concerns or incidents immediately.
We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice for removal and transport services. This includes safe driving, manual handling, use of equipment, and protection of property while work is carried out.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including loading and unloading vehicles, moving items within homes and business premises, and travelling between locations. Where needed, dynamic risk assessments are carried out on arrival at a property to identify hazards such as restricted access, uneven surfaces, traffic movement or environmental conditions.
Control measures may include planning safe routes, using appropriate lifting equipment, adjusting staffing levels, or refusing to move items that cannot be handled safely. Our teams are authorised to stop work if conditions become unsafe and to seek guidance from management.
Training, Competence and Supervision
All team members receive induction training on health and safety expectations, accident reporting, manual handling, and safe use of vehicles and equipment. Staff are briefed on site specific requirements where relevant, such as access restrictions or building regulations.
Only competent staff who hold the appropriate driving licence and have received internal training are permitted to drive company vehicles. New or less experienced workers are supervised until they demonstrate safe working practices and understanding of relevant procedures.
Manual Handling and Moving Items Safely
Manual handling presents a significant risk within removal services. We therefore:
Encourage team lifting for heavy, bulky or awkward items.
Use trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids where appropriate.
Plan routes in advance, clearing obstacles and ensuring adequate lighting.
Ask customers to move fragile or personal items themselves if we judge there is a risk to safety or property.
Our staff are trained to use correct lifting techniques, avoid twisting while carrying loads and to refuse tasks that would place them at unreasonable risk of injury.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
We recognise that safe driving and vehicle condition are critical to our operations. Man with Van Hampstead:
Maintains vehicles to a suitable standard, including regular checks of brakes, tyres, lights and load restraints.
Ensures all loads are distributed safely and secured correctly before departure.
Requires drivers to follow speed limits, parking rules and restrictions relating to loading and unloading.
Does not tolerate driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that impairs performance.
Drivers must take rest breaks in line with legal requirements and must report any vehicle defects, near misses or collisions as soon as possible.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our activities may affect customers, neighbours and the general public. To minimise risk we:
Take care when manoeuvring vehicles near pedestrians, cyclists and parked cars.
Use safe access routes when carrying items through shared areas, stairs or corridors.
Place equipment and items so they do not create unnecessary trip or fall hazards.
Monitor weather and lighting conditions and adjust work plans where necessary.
We may ask customers to keep pets, children and non essential visitors away from working areas while loading and unloading is in progress, to ensure everyone remains safe.
Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment and Maintenance
We provide and maintain suitable equipment to support safe working. This may include lifting straps, trolleys, protective blankets and other items used to move and protect goods. Equipment is inspected regularly and taken out of service if defective.
Where required, personal protective equipment such as gloves or high visibility clothing is provided. Staff are responsible for using issued equipment as instructed and reporting any damage or defects immediately.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses and damage to property must be reported to management as soon as reasonably possible. This allows us to investigate the cause, put corrective actions in place and update risk assessments if necessary.
In the event of serious injury or emergency, our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of those affected. Staff must summon appropriate medical assistance, inform emergency services if required and provide accurate information about the incident and location.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of staff being fit for duty. Employees are encouraged to inform management of any health conditions that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. We will make reasonable adjustments where practicable, such as reviewing duties or work patterns.
We do not allow staff to work under the influence of substances that affect judgement or coordination. Anyone considered unfit for work will be stood down until they are safe to resume duties.
Consultation, Communication and Continuous Improvement
We consult with staff on health and safety matters and encourage suggestions for improving safety. Feedback from customers about safe working practices is welcomed and used to enhance our procedures.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, the type of work we undertake or applicable legislation. Updated policies and procedures are communicated to all staff so that safe working stays at the centre of our man and van and removal services.
