Man and a Van Fulham Health and Safety Policy
Man and a Van Fulham is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, and customers. This policy sets out our approach to health and safety in relation to our removal and transport services, including packing, loading, unloading, and the handling of furniture and personal belongings.
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health, and to continuously improve our health and safety performance. We recognise that effective health and safety management is integral to the quality of our moving services and to maintaining the confidence of our customers.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man and a Van Fulham is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes ensuring that suitable arrangements, resources, and training are in place to manage risks associated with removal work and associated activities.
Managers will:
Ensure that all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practices are considered in our day-to-day operations. Carry out and regularly review risk assessments for typical moving tasks, including lifting and carrying heavy items, packing, driving, and working in and around customers premises. Provide appropriate equipment, such as trolleys, moving straps, ramps, blankets, and personal protective equipment where required. Make sure that vehicles used for removals are properly maintained, inspected, and suitable for the loads they are required to carry. Investigate any accidents, incidents, or near misses to identify causes and put in place measures to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
All staff working for Man and a Van Fulham, whether permanent, temporary, or subcontracted, share responsibility for maintaining safe working conditions. Every team member is expected to cooperate fully with this policy and follow all instructions, training, and procedures relating to health and safety.
Employees must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, including colleagues, customers, and members of the public. Use all equipment, tools, and vehicles properly and in accordance with training and manufacturer guidance. Report any defects or issues with vehicles, equipment, or premises as soon as they are identified, so that corrective action can be taken. Follow safe lifting and handling techniques at all times and never attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their capability or that require additional support. Report accidents, incidents, near misses, or hazards to their supervisor or manager without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Our removal services involve manual handling, driving, working in different types of properties, and operating in varied traffic and weather conditions. We conduct risk assessments to identify hazards and implement control measures to reduce risks associated with these activities.
Safe working practices include:
Planning each move in advance so that access, parking, loading points, and potential hazards are identified early. Using safe moving techniques and suitable equipment to minimise the risk of injury when lifting and carrying heavy or awkward items such as wardrobes, appliances, and sofas. Ensuring clear communication within the team when moving large items, particularly when negotiating stairs, narrow corridors, and shared areas. Avoiding unsafe short cuts such as overloading trolleys, blocking fire exits, or leaving trip hazards in walkways. Taking particular care when working in shared buildings or on busy streets to protect both staff and the public.
Manual Handling
Manual handling is a key part of our removal work and a significant area of risk. All staff are trained to recognise manual handling hazards and to use correct lifting and carrying techniques.
Our approach includes:
Assessing each item before moving it to determine weight, shape, and any special considerations such as fragility or sharp edges. Using team lifting or equipment such as dollies and lifting straps whenever items are too heavy or bulky for individual handling. Avoiding twisting, overreaching, or carrying loads that obstruct the view of the route. Taking sufficient breaks during intensive manual handling operations to reduce fatigue-related accidents.
Vehicle Safety and Driving
Safe driving and vehicle operation are essential to our services. We are committed to reducing risks associated with road transport and loading.
Key measures include:
Regular inspection, servicing, and cleaning of vehicles to maintain them in safe working order. Ensuring that loads are evenly distributed, properly secured, and within the vehicle load limits before starting any journey. Requiring drivers to follow road traffic laws, speed limits, and parking regulations at all times. Planning routes to minimise exposure to high-risk conditions where feasible and allowing adequate time for safe travel. Prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving, except through legally compliant hands-free systems where this does not distract from safe driving.
Work at Customer Premises
Our teams frequently work in customers homes, offices, and shared buildings. We aim to protect both our staff and customers from harm during removal activities.
We will:
Respect and protect customers property and belongings by using appropriate coverings, padding, and handling techniques. Keep work areas as tidy as possible, with clear walkways and minimal trip hazards from packing materials and tools. Be mindful of children, pets, and vulnerable persons present at the premises, ensuring they are kept safely away from moving operations where possible. Follow any specific safety requirements requested by building management, such as use of service lifts, loading bays, and restricted access routes.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man and a Van Fulham provides training and guidance to ensure that staff are competent to carry out their duties safely. Training may include induction for new starters, on-the-job instruction, refresher training in manual handling and safe driving, and updates when procedures or equipment change.
Supervisors and experienced team members monitor work practices to ensure that safety procedures are followed and offer support and corrective guidance when necessary.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as practicable. This enables us to provide support to anyone affected and to learn from events in order to improve our procedures.
Emergency procedures may include first aid, contacting emergency services, and making a scene safe following an incident either on the road or at a customer location. Staff are instructed on how to respond appropriately, including how to evacuate premises safely if required.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We encourage suggestions and feedback from employees and customers about health and safety matters. Constructive comments, concerns, or ideas for improvement are welcomed and will be considered by management as part of our ongoing review of policies and procedures.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are changes in legislation, working methods, or the nature of the services we provide. Our goal is to maintain a safe, reliable, and professional removal service that protects everyone involved in our operations.
