Man With a Van Clapham Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Clapham is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods for domestic and commercial customers.

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and disruption to our clients. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and continually review and improve our working practices to promote a strong health and safety culture across our operations.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety Policy and ensuring that adequate resources, information, instruction and supervision are provided. This includes assessing risks, establishing safe working procedures, providing appropriate equipment and ensuring that staff are trained and competent to carry out their duties safely.

Supervisors and team leaders must promote safe working practices, monitor compliance with this policy on each job, and address any unsafe behaviour or conditions. They are responsible for ensuring that vehicles, lifting aids and personal protective equipment are used correctly and maintained to a suitable standard.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, contractors and operatives engaged by Man With a Van Clapham have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Every individual must cooperate with management in the implementation of this policy and follow all safety procedures and instructions.

Team members must report hazards, near misses, accidents or damaged equipment immediately so that corrective action can be taken. They must not misuse or interfere with anything provided for health, safety or welfare and must only undertake tasks for which they are trained and authorised.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We conduct risk assessments for our typical moving and transport activities, including manual handling, use of vehicles, loading and unloading, working in stairwells, confined spaces and shared access areas. Where specific or unusual risks are identified on a job, additional on-site assessments will be carried out before work begins.

Safe systems of work are developed from these assessments and communicated to staff through training, briefings and supervision. These systems are regularly reviewed and updated in light of operational experience, incident reports and changes in legislation or industry guidance.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a key focus of our health and safety arrangements. All staff receive training in safe lifting techniques, the use of lifting aids and the importance of assessing each item before moving it.

Wherever possible, heavy or bulky items such as furniture and appliances are moved using trolleys, skates, straps or team lifts to minimise the risk of strains, sprains and other musculoskeletal injuries. Items that are too heavy or awkward to move safely will not be carried until suitable control measures, additional manpower or specialist equipment are in place.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular checks to tyres, lights, brakes, restraints and loading areas. Drivers are required to carry out pre-use checks before each job and to report any defects or concerns without delay.

Loads are planned and arranged to maintain vehicle stability and security during transit. Items are secured using appropriate straps, blankets and fixings to reduce the risk of movement, damage or injury. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited, and safe access to the loading area is maintained as far as reasonably practicable.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises, our staff must consider not only their own safety but also that of customers, neighbours, visitors and other contractors. Access routes, staircases and doorways are checked for obstacles, poor lighting and other hazards before work begins.

Where practicable, we will use signage, barriers or verbal warnings to alert others to moving operations. Care is taken to avoid blocking fire exits, communal corridors or emergency access routes. Any damage or unsafe condition identified at a property that could affect safety will be brought to the customer’s attention.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is provided where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. This may include gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing and other items as identified by risk assessments. Staff are required to use the equipment provided, keep it in good condition and report any defects or losses.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new team members receive an introduction to our health and safety procedures, safe handling techniques and vehicle safety requirements. Additional task-specific training is provided where necessary. Refresher training and toolbox talks are carried out periodically to reinforce good practice and update staff on any changes.

Supervision is provided according to the experience and competence of staff and the complexity of the work. Less experienced operatives will work under closer supervision until they have demonstrated safe and reliable performance.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near misses, however minor, must be reported to management as soon as possible. This enables us to investigate the circumstances, take corrective action and learn from the event to prevent recurrence.

Records of incidents and investigations are maintained and reviewed regularly. Where necessary, working methods will be changed, additional controls introduced or further training given.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man With a Van Clapham is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We review this policy regularly to ensure it remains relevant to our services, reflects current legal requirements and incorporates industry best practice.

Feedback from staff and customers is encouraged and valued. Suggestions for improving safety will be considered and, where appropriate, integrated into our procedures, helping us maintain safe and reliable removal services across our operating area.