Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Elephant and Castle

Man with Van Elephant and Castle is committed to providing 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 removals, deliveries, loading, unloading, and driving operations.

Our objective is to prevent injuries, ill health, and damage to property while delivering reliable and efficient removal and transport services.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Elephant and Castle is responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining effective health and safety procedures. We will ensure that appropriate resources are provided so that health and safety considerations are integrated into all aspects of our removal and transport activities.

Managers and supervisors will:

Assess and manage risks associated with lifting, carrying, driving, loading, unloading, and working in customers homes or premises.

Provide information, instruction, and guidance to staff on safe working practices, including manual handling and the use of equipment.

Ensure vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, including regular checks of brakes, tyres, lights, and securing systems.

Monitor performance and investigate any accidents, incidents, or near misses to identify causes and prevent recurrence.

Review this policy periodically to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and compliant with current regulations and industry standards.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, including drivers and removal operatives, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Employees must:

Follow all safety instructions, training, and company procedures at all times.

Use equipment, tools, and vehicles only for their intended purpose and in a safe manner.

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for lifting, carrying, and working in various environments.

Report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents, or near misses to management as soon as possible.

Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances, or any medication that may impair safe performance.

Customer and Public Safety

We are committed to protecting the safety of our customers and any members of the public who may be present while our services are being carried out.

Our teams will:

Work carefully in and around customer homes, buildings, and shared areas to prevent trips, slips, and collisions.

Position vehicles, loading ramps, and trolleys so that entrances, pathways, and emergency exits are not obstructed unnecessarily.

Secure doors, drawers, and loose items before lifting or moving furniture and household goods.

Take special care when working in communal spaces, on pavements, and near roads to reduce risks to passers-by.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of our removal and transport services, and we recognise the risk of injury from lifting and carrying heavy or awkward items.

To minimise these risks, we will:

Provide training to staff on correct lifting techniques, team lifts, and the use of handling aids such as trolleys and straps.

Encourage staff to assess each lift, considering the weight, shape, and condition of the item, as well as the route to be taken.

Avoid lone lifting of heavy or bulky items wherever possible and use team lifting when required.

Plan moves in advance to ensure clear pathways, stable stacking, and safe methods of carrying items up or down stairs.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our services, and their safe operation is essential to protecting staff, customers, and other road users.

We will:

Carry out regular vehicle inspections and maintenance to ensure mechanical safety and reliability.

Ensure loads are distributed evenly, correctly secured, and within permitted weight limits.

Require drivers to follow road traffic laws, drive defensively, and adjust driving to weather, traffic, and road conditions.

Plan routes to minimise unnecessary mileage and reduce the risk of fatigue.

Promote safe parking and unloading practices, with particular attention to visibility, pedestrian areas, and traffic flow.

Working Environment and Housekeeping

Good housekeeping and an organised working environment play an important role in preventing accidents and protecting property.

Our staff will:

Keep work areas as tidy as reasonably practicable during packing, loading, and unloading.

Avoid leaving tools, packing materials, or equipment in walkways or on stairs where they may cause trips.

Use moving blankets, floor coverings, and other protective materials where appropriate to reduce the risk of damage and slips.

Ensure that doors, gates, and access points are used safely and kept clear for emergency purposes.

Equipment and Personal Protective Measures

We will provide and maintain appropriate equipment to support safe operations. This may include trolleys, lifting straps, ramps, and securing devices for loads.

Where necessary, personal protective measures will be considered, such as suitable gloves and protective footwear for certain tasks. Employees are responsible for using any provided equipment as instructed, reporting defects, and not using any item they believe to be unsafe.

Hazard Reporting and Incident Investigation

We encourage a positive safety culture where all staff feel able to report hazards and incidents without fear of blame.

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly. Management will investigate incidents to understand underlying causes and will take appropriate corrective action, which may include additional training, changes to procedures, or improvements to equipment and planning.

Training, Communication, and Policy Review

Health and safety expectations are communicated to employees as part of their induction and ongoing training. Staff will be kept informed of any significant changes to procedures or legal requirements affecting their work.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, best practice guidance, and any relevant legislation. Continued adherence to this policy is a condition of employment and a fundamental part of delivering our removal services safely and responsibly.