Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man and Van Earls Court

Man and Van Earls Court is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety within our operations and forms an integral part of how we plan and deliver our moving services.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. We will identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for all tasks associated with home moves, office moves, packing, loading, transport, unloading, and related activities. Health and safety considerations are incorporated into our day to day decision making and longer term planning.

We will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and relevant industry best practice. We recognise that safe working is a shared responsibility and we expect everyone involved in our activities to follow this policy and any associated procedures, training, and instructions.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man and Van Earls Court rests with the company management. Management is responsible for setting standards, providing resources, monitoring performance, and ensuring that this policy is implemented and reviewed regularly.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for ensuring that removal work is planned and carried out safely, that staff are briefed on risks, and that safe systems of work are followed. They must ensure that vehicles, moving equipment, and protective gear are used correctly and are in a safe condition.

All employees, including drivers and porters, have a duty to take 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 properly, report hazards and incidents, and refrain from interfering with safety measures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, working in stairwells, confined spaces, and at customers premises. Where specific risks are identified, suitable control measures are implemented and communicated to staff.

Before each removal job, staff are expected to visually assess the working environment, taking into account access routes, parking, traffic, building layout, floor conditions, and any special risks such as fragile items, heavy or awkward loads, or limited access. If conditions are unsafe or significantly different from what was expected, the team must pause work, inform management, and agree a safe way forward.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of our removal operations. We aim to eliminate or reduce manual lifting wherever practicable through the use of trolleys, dollies, lifting straps, and other aids. When lifting by hand is required, staff are trained to use correct technique, including assessing the load, team lifting for heavy or bulky items, keeping the load close to the body, and avoiding twisting or sudden movements.

All moving equipment, including trolleys, ramps, and securing straps, must be inspected before use and taken out of service if defective. Only trained personnel are allowed to operate any specialised equipment provided for lifting or securing loads.

Vehicle Safety and Load Security

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with the manufacturers recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers must carry out basic checks of tyres, lights, mirrors, and safety features before starting work. Any defects must be reported immediately and the vehicle must not be used if it is unsafe.

Loads must be arranged and secured to prevent movement during transit, using appropriate straps, blankets, and restraints. Heavy items are positioned low and evenly distributed to maintain vehicle stability. Overloading is strictly prohibited. Doors and ramps must only be operated by staff who are trained in safe methods of use.

Working at Customer Premises

Our teams work regularly in homes, offices, and commercial premises. We respect that these are often occupied environments, and we take steps to protect customers, their property, and any other persons on site. This includes keeping walkways clear, using protective coverings where appropriate, and maintaining good housekeeping to minimise trip and slip hazards.

Where access involves stairs, narrow corridors, or shared entrances, extra care is taken in planning routes and moving bulky items. If conditions such as poor lighting, wet floors, or structural issues present additional risk, work may be delayed or adapted until it can be carried out safely.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We provide suitable training and information to employees so that they can perform their tasks safely and efficiently. This includes induction training on company procedures, manual handling techniques, safe vehicle operations, use of equipment, and emergency arrangements. Refresher training is provided as needed, particularly when new equipment, processes, or risks are introduced.

Managers and supervisors monitor working practices, provide guidance, and intervene if unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed. Feedback from staff is encouraged and used to improve our safety procedures.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, damage to property, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We investigate significant events to understand what happened and to identify corrective and preventive measures. Where required, incidents will be recorded in our internal records in line with legal obligations.

We promote a culture of learning and openness, where reporting of near misses and concerns is encouraged and not discouraged or ignored. This helps us address small issues before they lead to more serious incidents.

Health, Wellbeing, and Fitness for Work

Removal work can be physically demanding, and tasks must be matched to the capabilities of staff. Employees are expected to inform management of any condition that may affect their ability to work safely. We do not permit the use of alcohol or drugs during working hours, and no one may work or drive while under the influence of substances that impair judgement or performance.

Where appropriate, we will consider adjustments to work methods, allocation of tasks, or use of additional support to protect the health and wellbeing of our teams.

Continuous Improvement and Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed on a regular basis and updated when necessary, for example following changes in legislation, introduction of new equipment or procedures, or after significant incidents. We are committed to continually improving our safety performance and to involving employees in the development of safer working methods.

By following this policy, all those involved in Man and Van Earls Court removals contribute to a safer environment for our staff, our customers, and the wider community we serve.