Health and Safety policy

Man and Van Hampstead Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Hampstead is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting, and unloading goods in our service areas.

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and putting appropriate control measures in place. Health and safety is an integral part of our planning and decision-making for all moving and transportation work.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man and Van Hampstead accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance within the company. This includes ensuring that suitable resources are allocated to maintain safe systems of work, appropriate equipment, and relevant training for our teams.

Management will regularly review this policy to ensure it remains effective, practical, and compliant with applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Reviews will consider incidents, near misses, feedback from staff and customers, and any significant changes in our operations, such as new equipment, vehicles, or methods of work.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working with Man and Van Hampstead share a responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. We expect every team member to:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of people who may be affected by their actions; follow the safety instructions and procedures provided; use lifting techniques and equipment as trained; report hazards, near misses, injuries, or unsafe conditions without delay; and cooperate fully with management in all matters relating to health and safety.

No employee is expected to carry out any work they believe to be unsafe. Concerns must be reported immediately so that work can be paused and the risk properly assessed and addressed.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting any removal or transport task, Man and Van Hampstead assesses the risks associated with the work. This includes considering access to and from properties, stairs, narrow passages, parking and loading locations, weather conditions, manual handling demands, and any special requirements for fragile or heavy items.

Where necessary, we adopt specific safe systems of work, including planning the route of movement, using extra staff for difficult lifts, and agreeing safe loading and unloading zones. Our teams are instructed to adapt their approach on site if new hazards are identified, and to communicate clearly with customers about any limitations or changes needed to maintain safety.

Manual Handling and Safe Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of our operation, and we take particular care to reduce risks of strains, sprains, and other injuries. All staff involved in lifting and carrying are trained in safe manual handling techniques, including posture, team lifting, and the use of handling aids when appropriate.

We aim to minimise the need for hazardous lifts by using equipment such as trolleys and dollies where conditions allow. Extremely heavy or awkward items will only be moved after a specific risk assessment, and in some cases we may decline to move an item if it cannot be handled safely with the resources and access available.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vans and vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular checks and servicing. Drivers are required to conduct basic pre-use checks and report any defects immediately so that they can be rectified before the vehicle is used for work.

All driving for work must be carried out in accordance with road traffic laws and safe driving practices. This includes observing speed limits, maintaining safe distances, securing loads properly, and planning routes to minimise unnecessary risk. Drivers must be fit to drive and must not operate vehicles while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any medication that may impair their ability to drive safely.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Where appropriate, Man and Van Hampstead provides equipment to assist with safe moving and loading, such as straps, blankets, trolleys, and other handling aids. Staff are trained in the correct use of this equipment and are expected to use it whenever it is needed to reduce risk.

Personal protective equipment may be required for certain tasks or environments, such as protective footwear or gloves. When issued, it must be worn and used in accordance with instructions, kept in good condition, and replaced when damaged or worn.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Many of our activities take place at customer homes, offices, and other premises. We recognise our duty to protect not only our staff, but also customers, neighbours, and members of the public who may be in or near these locations.

We will, as far as reasonably practicable, ensure that work areas are kept clear of unnecessary obstacles, that doors and pathways are used safely, and that items are not left where they could cause trips or other hazards. Where loading or unloading takes place near roads or public walkways, we will take steps to reduce risks, such as careful placement of the vehicle and clear communication with anyone who needs to pass through the area.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man and Van Hampstead provides appropriate health and safety training for all relevant staff. This may include induction training, manual handling instruction, safe use of equipment, safe driving, and emergency procedures. Training needs are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in work activities or equipment.

Employees are kept informed about health and safety matters through verbal briefings, written instructions, and updates from management. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are followed on site and that any issues are raised promptly.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, and significant near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. This allows us to provide assistance, record details, and investigate causes so that we can prevent similar incidents in the future.

Where an incident occurs at a customer location or in a public area, we will cooperate with any necessary emergency response and provide relevant information. Our staff are instructed in basic emergency procedures, including how to respond to injuries, fire risks, and vehicle incidents.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man and Van Hampstead is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We regularly review our risk assessments, working methods, training, and equipment to ensure they remain suitable and effective for the range of removal and transport services we provide.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically, and also when there are significant changes in legislation, guidance, or the nature of our work. Updated versions will be communicated to staff and will replace any previous editions.

By working together and taking health and safety seriously at every stage of the moving process, Man and Van Hampstead aims to ensure that our services are carried out safely, efficiently, and with respect for the wellbeing of everyone involved.