Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man and Van Shepherd's Bush

Man and Van Shepherd's Bush is committed to maintaining the highest practical standards of health, safety and welfare for our customers, employees, subcontractors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, transportation, loading and unloading, and related man and van services across our service area.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We recognise that the nature of removal work involves manual handling, vehicle operations, working in and around homes, offices and public spaces, and potential interaction with other contractors and the general public. We aim to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm by planning our work carefully and training our people to carry it out safely.

Health and safety is an integral part of how we deliver our services, not an add-on. Everyone working with or for Man and Van Shepherd's Bush is expected to follow this policy and cooperate to achieve a safe working environment.

Legal Compliance and Continuous Improvement

We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised best practice for the removals and transport sector. We monitor changes in guidance affecting moving and handling, road safety and the safe use of equipment, and we update our procedures accordingly. We review this policy regularly to ensure it remains relevant, practical and effective.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing suitable resources, and ensuring that staff are trained, supervised and equipped to carry out their work safely. Managers and supervisors will lead by example, promote a positive safety culture and take prompt action to resolve any health and safety concerns that are raised.

Employees and subcontractors are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow training and instructions, use equipment correctly, avoid taking unnecessary risks and report hazards, near misses and incidents without delay.

Customers also play a part in safe working. We ask clients to provide clear and accurate information about access, parking, items to be moved and any special risks at the property so we can plan the job and allocate the correct resources.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before and during each job we identify hazards and assess the risks associated with carrying out the work. This may include considering access routes, stairways, lifts, parking restrictions, heavy or awkward items, fragile goods and the presence of other contractors or the public. Where necessary we will adjust staffing levels, vehicle choice or equipment to complete the move safely.

We develop and maintain safe systems of work for common tasks such as lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, securing loads, using ramps or trolleys, and working in confined or shared spaces. Staff are trained to follow these procedures and to stop work if they believe it is unsafe to continue.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key risk in removal activities. We provide training in safe lifting techniques, team lifts, use of mechanical aids and recognition of personal limits. Heavy, bulky or high-risk items are assessed individually and may require additional staff, specialist equipment or alternative methods of movement.

We use appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and ramps to reduce manual handling risks and protect property. All equipment is maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly. Damaged or defective items are taken out of service immediately and replaced or repaired as required.

Vehicle Safety and Load Security

Our vehicles are maintained to a safe standard and checked routinely. Drivers are required to carry out basic pre-use checks and report any defects immediately. Only authorised, competent drivers operate our vehicles and they must follow road safety rules, including speed limits and parking regulations.

Loads are planned and secured so that they are stable, balanced and protected in transit. Staff are trained to use lashing points, straps and padding correctly to prevent movement or damage. We take care to avoid overloading vehicles and to distribute weight safely.

Protection of Customers, Public and Property

We take appropriate precautions to protect customers, neighbours and the general public during our work. This may include controlling access to work areas, using warning signs where appropriate, and keeping entrances, pathways and stairwells as clear as reasonably practicable.

We handle customers belongings with care to avoid damage and ensure that property is protected as far as possible from scuffs, dirt and accidental impact. We respect privacy and conduct our work courteously and professionally in all locations we serve.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive induction training covering health and safety responsibilities, safe working procedures, accident reporting and emergency arrangements. Additional task-specific training is provided where necessary, for example in manual handling, use of specialist equipment and vehicle operation.

Supervisors monitor work on site, check that procedures are being followed and provide guidance where needed. We encourage open communication so that staff feel able to raise safety concerns and suggest improvements.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly to a supervisor or manager. We investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents and corrective actions are maintained and reviewed as part of our continuous improvement process.

Emergency procedures are in place for dealing with injuries, fire, vehicle breakdowns and other unexpected events. Staff are briefed on how to respond, who to contact and how to protect themselves, customers and the public during an emergency.

Review of This Policy

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legal requirements or industry best practice. Updated versions will be communicated to all staff and made available to customers who wish to understand how we manage health and safety in our removal and man and van services.