Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Elephant and Castle

Man with Van Elephant and Castle is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our principles, responsibilities, and working practices to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property during all stages of our moving and delivery services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and maintain high standards of safety throughout all removal operations. We aim to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls that are reasonable and proportionate. We seek continuous improvement in safety performance through monitoring, training, and communication with everyone involved in our work.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Elephant and Castle is responsible for ensuring that effective health and safety arrangements are in place. This includes providing suitable vehicles, equipment, and systems of work, and ensuring that they are maintained in a safe condition. Management will allocate appropriate resources for health and safety, review this policy periodically, and ensure that it remains relevant to the nature and scale of our removals and transport services.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in day-to-day operations, leading by example, and promoting a positive safety culture. They will conduct or arrange risk assessments, communicate findings to staff, and make sure that any necessary control measures are put in place and followed.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, and cooperate with management in meeting our safety obligations. Employees must report accidents, incidents, near misses, and any perceived hazards so that corrective action can be taken promptly.

Employees are expected to refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety, including misuse of equipment, unsafe lifting practices, or working under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair judgment or performance.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct risk assessments for our typical work activities, including loading and unloading vehicles, lifting and carrying items, navigating stairs and confined spaces, operating removal equipment, and driving between locations. These assessments are used to develop safe working methods and to identify any additional training or equipment required.

Prior to each move or delivery, staff are encouraged to assess the environment, considering access routes, parking arrangements, floor surfaces, stairways, and any obstacles that may pose a risk. Where conditions are unsuitable or unsafe, work will be paused until a safe alternative arrangement can be made.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of our removal operations and is a key focus of this policy. Staff receive instruction in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, use of trolleys and other handling aids, and how to recognise loads that require additional assistance. Heavy or awkward items are never to be moved by a single person where this would create unnecessary risk.

All handling equipment, such as dollies, straps, and protective blankets, is to be checked regularly and used according to instructions. Damaged or defective equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported to management for repair or replacement.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

We recognise the importance of vehicle safety in our man and van operations. Vehicles used for removals and deliveries are maintained in good mechanical condition and are inspected regularly. Loads are to be secured properly to prevent movement during transit, with attention to weight distribution and stability.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and be medically fit to drive. They are expected to comply with road traffic laws, follow route plans where provided, and drive responsibly at all times. Fatigue management is essential, and drivers must take adequate breaks and not exceed safe driving hours. Any vehicle defects, accidents, or traffic incidents must be reported to management as soon as reasonably possible.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer homes or business premises, our staff take care to protect both people and property. This includes careful handling of furniture and belongings, use of protective coverings where appropriate, and clear communication with customers about access routes and any temporary hazards. Staff will avoid blocking fire exits, corridors, or shared walkways and will keep work areas as tidy as practicable.

We are mindful that our work may affect neighbours, passers-by, and other road users. Parking and loading are carried out with consideration for traffic flow and safe pedestrian access, and warning signs or cones may be used where necessary to highlight work in progress.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man with Van Elephant and Castle provides induction and ongoing training relevant to the roles and responsibilities of our staff. This includes manual handling techniques, use of equipment, emergency procedures, and safe driving practices. Additional training is provided where risk assessments identify specific needs.

Employees receive clear instructions about their tasks and are supervised proportionately to their experience and the level of risk involved. We encourage open communication so that staff feel confident raising safety concerns, asking for clarification, or requesting additional support where needed.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported promptly so we can investigate causes and prevent recurrence. Records of incidents are maintained and reviewed regularly to identify patterns and opportunities for improvement. First aid arrangements are in place, and staff know how to access assistance in the event of an injury or emergency.

In an emergency, the safety of people is always the priority. Staff are instructed to stop work if conditions become unsafe, to evacuate if necessary, and to contact the appropriate emergency services when required.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our activities, equipment, or relevant guidance. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and used to help improve our safety performance. By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Elephant and Castle aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.