Health and Safety policy
Ealing Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Ealing Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and the wider public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, man and van services and related activities. Our aim is to prevent injury, protect property and safeguard the environment wherever we operate.
Policy Statement and Objectives
We recognise that health and safety is an integral part of delivering professional and reliable removal services. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to:
Identify, assess and control risks arising from our work activities in homes, offices, storage sites and on the road. Provide and maintain safe vehicles, tools, equipment and work systems. Ensure employees are competent to perform their tasks through information, instruction and training. Promote a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility and concerns can be raised without hesitation. Continuously monitor and improve our health and safety performance.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Ealing Man and Van is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety considerations are integrated into all planning and decision making. This includes:
Carrying out and reviewing risk assessments for removal, loading, unloading and driving operations. Ensuring vehicles are roadworthy, serviced and inspected at appropriate intervals. Providing appropriate work equipment, such as moving trolleys, straps and protective materials, and maintaining it in safe condition. Making sure all staff understand safe working procedures and are supervised where necessary. Investigating incidents and near misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee and contractor working with Ealing Man and Van has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions. All staff are expected to:
Follow company safety procedures and instructions at all times. Use vehicles, tools and equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Cooperate with management on health and safety matters, including attending training sessions. Refrain from any reckless behaviour or shortcuts that could endanger themselves, colleagues, customers or the public. Promptly report all accidents, near misses, hazards and unsafe conditions.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before starting a removal or delivery, staff must consider the specific risks of the job and environment. This includes:
Assessing access routes, stairways, lifts and parking arrangements. Identifying potential trip, slip or fall hazards such as loose carpets, wet floors or cluttered areas. Evaluating the size, weight and fragility of items to be moved. Planning lifting techniques, required manpower and appropriate use of handling aids. Considering weather and lighting conditions that may affect safety.
Where significant risks are identified, the team leader will adjust the work method, request additional resources or, if necessary, postpone the work until it can be carried out safely.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core element of removal work and presents a risk of injury if not managed properly. Ealing Man and Van will provide guidance on correct lifting techniques and the use of handling aids. Employees must:
Avoid lifting loads that are too heavy or awkward for one person. Keep loads close to the body, maintain a stable stance and avoid twisting while lifting. Make full use of trolleys, dollies, straps and other equipment provided. Seek assistance from colleagues when moving large, bulky or delicate items. Stop and reassess if a lift or manoeuvre feels unsafe at any point.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are central to our services and must be operated with care to protect drivers, passengers and other road users. We will maintain our fleet in a safe condition and expect all drivers to:
Carry out basic pre-use checks, including tyres, lights and load security. Drive in accordance with road traffic laws and local regulations. Allow sufficient time for journeys to avoid rushing or unsafe driving. Secure loads properly to prevent movement during transit and to protect items from damage. Never drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that impairs judgement.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working at customer premises or in public areas, our staff must take care to minimise disruption and risk to others. This includes:
Keeping access routes as clear as reasonably possible. Using warning signs or verbal communication when moving large items through shared spaces. Protecting floors, walls and doorways with suitable materials where practical. Being mindful of noise and behaviour, particularly in residential areas. Ensuring that tools and equipment are not left unattended in a way that could cause harm.
Training, Information and Supervision
Ealing Man and Van will provide suitable information and instruction on health and safety matters relevant to our work. This may include induction training, toolbox talks, updates on safe lifting techniques and guidance on new equipment or procedures. Less experienced staff will be supervised and supported by more experienced colleagues or team leaders until they demonstrate competence.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage to property must be reported as soon as practicable to the responsible person. This allows us to take immediate action where necessary and to learn from events. In the event of a serious incident, staff must prioritise preserving life, contacting emergency services where required and making the area safe. Afterwards, a review will be conducted to identify improvements to our processes, equipment or training.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We encourage open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and share good practice from their day-to-day work. Management will review this policy periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legal requirements or industry standards. Any updates will be communicated to staff and incorporated into our working procedures.
Policy Review and Availability
This Health and Safety Policy forms part of our commitment to responsible removal and man and van services. It is available to employees, contractors and customers on request. The policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant, effective and aligned with our goal of providing a safe, reliable and professional service.
