Health and Safety policy

Man and Van Ilford Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Ilford is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, clients and members of the public affected by our removal and transportation activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with household and commercial moves, furniture transport and related services.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health and property damage by identifying, controlling and wherever possible eliminating hazards linked to our removal operations. We recognise that effective health and safety management is an integral part of delivering reliable moving services.

Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the company management, who ensure that appropriate arrangements, resources and monitoring procedures are in place. Supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day to day basis, including briefing staff, checking equipment and overseeing safe working practices. All employees and contractors are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions while engaged in removal work.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our main activities, including household removals, office moves, loading and unloading vehicles, driving and parking, and handling bulky or fragile items. These risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change in our operations, equipment or working environment.

Safe systems of work are developed from these assessments and communicated to all team members. These include guidance on safe lifting techniques, use of trolleys and moving equipment, securing loads within vehicles, working on stairs and narrow access routes, and managing traffic and pedestrians around loading areas.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core aspect of our removals business and is therefore a key focus of our health and safety arrangements. We seek to minimise manual lifting where reasonably practicable by planning jobs effectively, using handling aids and ensuring adequate team numbers for heavy or awkward items.

All staff involved in lifting and carrying receive training in correct manual handling techniques. This includes assessing the weight and shape of loads, planning the route before lifting, coordinating team lifts, keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting movements and taking breaks when needed. Items that are exceptionally heavy or high risk may require specialist equipment or additional manpower, and will not be moved unless it can be done safely.

Vehicles, Driving and Loading Safety

Our vehicles are maintained to a safe standard and are inspected regularly. Drivers are required to follow all road safety regulations and to drive in a manner that protects themselves, their passengers, other road users and pedestrians.

Before departure, loads are checked and secured to prevent movement during transit. Weight is distributed evenly, and no vehicle is loaded beyond its safe capacity. Tail lifts and ramps, where fitted, are used in line with operating instructions and are checked for defects before and during use.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide appropriate equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, blankets and protective coverings to support safe and efficient moves. All equipment is inspected, maintained and replaced as necessary. Staff are trained in the correct use and limitations of each type of equipment.

Where required, personal protective equipment may be issued, such as gloves, safety footwear or high visibility clothing. Staff must use such equipment as directed and report any damage or defect immediately so that replacements can be arranged.

Client Premises and Public Safety

Our teams take care to protect the safety of clients, their families, employees and visitors while working on or near their premises. Where possible, we plan loading and unloading to minimise obstruction and trip hazards. Routes are kept clear of loose packing materials, and items are stacked securely.

We remain mindful of the presence of children, pets, neighbours and members of the public. If a situation arises where safe working cannot be maintained, operations will be paused and the issue discussed with the client to find a safe solution.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff engaged in removal work receive appropriate induction and ongoing training related to health and safety. This includes manual handling, safe loading and unloading, use of equipment, vehicle safety, hazard awareness and emergency procedures. Training needs are reviewed periodically and when new equipment or working methods are introduced.

Supervisors provide ongoing guidance and oversight, particularly for new or less experienced staff. Clear instructions are given before each job, including any specific hazards, access issues or special client requirements.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and damage to property are reported promptly to management, recorded and investigated where appropriate. The purpose of such investigations is to identify underlying causes and implement measures to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Our teams are briefed on what to do in the event of an accident, sudden illness, fire or other emergency. This includes securing the area, seeking medical assistance where required, informing the client and reporting the incident to management.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical demands of removal work and encourage staff to look after their general health and fitness. Employees are expected to present themselves for work in a fit state, free from the influence of alcohol or illegal substances, and to notify management of any health condition that may affect their ability to work safely.

Regular breaks are encouraged, particularly during physically demanding tasks or in hot or cold weather conditions. Drinking water and appropriate rest periods help reduce fatigue and the risk of accidents.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

We are committed to continually improving our health and safety performance. We monitor working practices, equipment condition, training effectiveness and incident reports to identify opportunities for improvement.

This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable for the nature and scale of our removal services, and to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance and company operations. Updated versions are communicated to all staff and are available to clients on request.

By following this policy, Man and Van Ilford aims to provide a reliable removal service that protects the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved in or affected by our work.