Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Shepherds Bush Man and Van

Shepherds Bush Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, subcontractors, customers and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with removals, transportation, loading and unloading, and all related man and van activities.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The aim of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health and property damage arising from our work. Our objectives are to identify and control hazards, comply with applicable health and safety legislation, and promote safe working practices across all our removal and delivery services.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management will ensure that:

Suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for removal work, including lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and vehicle movements. Safe systems of work are developed and communicated to all relevant staff. Equipment, vehicles and tools are maintained in a safe condition. Staff receive appropriate health and safety information, instruction and training. Accidents, incidents and near misses are recorded, investigated and used to improve our safety performance. This policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee and subcontractor working with Shepherds Bush Man and Van has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All workers must:

Follow the safety procedures, instructions and training provided. Use equipment, vehicles and protective gear correctly and report any defects immediately. Cooperate with management to enable compliance with health and safety requirements. Report hazards, accidents, incidents and near misses without delay. Avoid horseplay, unsafe behaviour or shortcuts that could put people or property at risk.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our key activities, including household removals, office moves, furniture transport and courier-style man and van services. These assessments consider risks such as manual handling, slips and trips, falls from vehicles, vehicle movements, securing loads and working in and around customers premises.

From these assessments we develop safe working practices, which may include:

Planning routes and access to minimise vehicle and pedestrian conflict. Checking floors, steps, staircases and pathways before moving items. Using appropriate lifting techniques and team lifts for heavy or awkward loads. Using trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids where appropriate. Securing items inside vehicles to prevent movement during transit. Avoiding work at height unless properly risk assessed and controlled.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a significant part of removal work and is managed carefully. We aim to reduce manual handling risks by:

Evaluating the weight, shape and condition of items before moving them. Splitting loads where possible, and using team lifts for heavy or bulky objects. Instructing staff on correct lifting techniques, including posture, grip and movement. Using mechanical aids where practicable to reduce strain and risk of injury. Refusing to move items that cannot be moved safely within reasonable means.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are essential to our man and van and removal services and are maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. To manage vehicle-related risks we:

Carry out regular checks and servicing of vehicles. Ensure that drivers hold valid licences and are competent to drive the vehicles they use. Require drivers to observe speed limits and drive according to road and weather conditions. Plan parking and loading areas to minimise risk to pedestrians and other road users. Ensure loads are evenly distributed and properly secured to prevent shifting during transit.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect customers, visitors, neighbours and members of the public while we are working. To achieve this we:

Take care when moving items through communal spaces, hallways and entrances. Keep walkways as clear as reasonably possible during loading and unloading. Communicate with customers about any hazards that may arise during the move. Use caution signs or verbal warnings where there is a particular risk of slips, trips or falls. Avoid obstructing public pathways or access routes wherever possible.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment and tools used in removal and man and van work are selected and maintained to be safe and fit for purpose. Where necessary, staff are provided with personal protective equipment such as gloves or safety footwear and are expected to use it correctly. Defective or unsafe equipment must be reported and taken out of use until repaired or replaced.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide relevant health and safety training to our staff so they understand the hazards associated with removal work and how to control them. Training may cover manual handling, vehicle safety, safe loading, customer care and incident reporting. New staff receive an induction that includes health and safety information. Ongoing supervision is provided to ensure that safety standards are maintained in day-to-day operations.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We keep records of these events and investigate them to identify causes and any corrective actions required. Where appropriate, we will update risk assessments and procedures to prevent recurrence. Serious incidents may be reported to the relevant authorities in accordance with legal requirements.

Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. Staff are encouraged to report any health concerns that could affect their ability to perform tasks safely. Workers must not present themselves for work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or substances that impair performance. Adequate rest breaks are encouraged, and staff are reminded to work at a safe pace rather than rushing.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Shepherds Bush Man and Van is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety. We review this policy regularly, particularly when there are changes in legislation, our services, equipment or operating methods. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and is used to help strengthen our approach to safety across all removal and man and van activities.

This Health and Safety Policy applies to all work carried out by Shepherds Bush Man and Van and is supported by more detailed procedures and guidance where appropriate.