Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Mayfair
Man and a Van Mayfair is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. As a professional removal company, we recognise that our activities involve manual handling, driving, loading and unloading, and work at various domestic and commercial locations. This policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow to manage health and safety effectively across all of our removal services.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our work. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice relating to removal and transport services. We aim to continually improve our safety performance through regular review, consultation, training and monitoring of our activities.
Management is responsible for ensuring that suitable resources are available to implement this policy, and that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning and decision making for all moving, packing and transportation tasks.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man and a Van Mayfair rests with senior management, who are accountable for ensuring that this policy is implemented and maintained. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day management of health and safety on jobs, including briefing staff, checking equipment and ensuring that safe working methods are followed.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes cooperating with management, following training and instructions, using equipment correctly and reporting hazards, near misses and incidents immediately.
Customers also have a role in supporting safe working by providing accurate information about access, parking, heavy or unusual items and any site-specific risks that may affect the removal process.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will identify and assess the risks associated with our removal and transport activities. Risk assessments will cover, as a minimum, manual handling, vehicle use, loading and unloading, work at height, slips and trips, and any environmental or site-specific hazards encountered during moves.
Findings from risk assessments will be used to develop and maintain safe systems of work and method statements. These will be communicated to employees through briefings and training. Where conditions change on site, staff are expected to reassess risks dynamically and adjust their work methods or seek guidance from a supervisor.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core aspect of our business and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed properly. We will minimise manual handling risks by using appropriate equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, blankets and ramps wherever possible. Loads will be assessed before movement to determine the safest method and the number of people required.
All staff involved in lifting and carrying will receive training in correct posture, team lifting, load assessment and safe handling of awkward or fragile items. No employee is required or permitted to lift or carry a load that they believe is unsafe or beyond their capability. Heavy items such as large furniture, appliances and safes will be handled using specific procedures and equipment.
Vehicles, Driving and Loading
Our vehicles are central to the safe delivery of our removal services. We will ensure that all vehicles are properly maintained, inspected and suitable for the tasks they are used for. Only authorised and appropriately licensed personnel may drive company vehicles.
Drivers must comply with road traffic laws and drive in a manner that prioritises safety over speed or convenience. This includes adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions, planning routes in advance and allowing sufficient time for loading and unloading.
Safe loading practices will be followed to ensure that goods are secured, weight is evenly distributed and access routes within the vehicle are kept clear. Loads will be checked before departure and during the journey where appropriate to prevent movement and damage.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
We will provide and maintain the tools and equipment necessary to complete removal work safely. This includes lifting aids, trolleys, straps, ramps and protective materials. Equipment will be inspected regularly and removed from use if damaged or defective.
Where the nature of the work requires it, appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility garments will be provided. Employees are expected to use any issued protective equipment correctly and report damage or wear so that items can be repaired or replaced.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams work at customer homes, offices and other premises, often in areas accessible to the public. We will plan work to minimise disruption and hazards, keeping access routes clear and avoiding unnecessary obstruction of pavements, corridors and stairways.
Where loading or unloading takes place on or near a public road or shared access, measures will be taken to protect pedestrians and other road users. This may include careful vehicle positioning, use of hazard warning lights or signage where appropriate, and supervision of any movement of large items across common areas.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man and a Van Mayfair will provide employees with training appropriate to their roles and responsibilities. This may include induction training, manual handling, safe driving, use of equipment, incident reporting and site-specific procedures. Refresher training will be provided as needed to maintain competence and awareness.
Employees will receive clear instructions and information before beginning work on a job, including any known site hazards, access issues or special requirements for the items being moved. Supervisors will monitor work to ensure that safe practices are followed and will intervene where unsafe behaviour or conditions are identified.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. We will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Records will be kept of incidents and any corrective actions taken.
Emergency procedures will be in place for situations such as fire, serious injury, vehicle accidents or sudden structural issues at premises we are working at. Staff will be briefed on how to respond, including how to summon emergency services, evacuate safely and secure the work area.
Monitoring, Review and Policy Communication
We will monitor our health and safety performance through regular checks, feedback from staff and customers, incident statistics and periodic internal reviews. This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed at regular intervals, and whenever there are significant changes in legislation, operations or identified risks.
The policy will be made available to all employees and to customers on request. It forms part of the wider commitment of Man and a Van Mayfair to operate as a responsible, professional removal company, safeguarding people, property and the communities in which we work.
