Health and Safety policy

Health And Safety Policy For Man With a Van Elephant And Castle

Man With a Van Elephant And Castle is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removal and transport services and describes the standards we expect from everyone who works with or for our business.

Policy Aims And Objectives

The primary aim of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property, and disruption to our services. We do this by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing sensible, practical control measures across all stages of our work, from initial booking through to the completion of each move.

We are dedicated to continual improvement in health and safety performance and to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and best practice guidance relating to removal and transport activities.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man With a Van Elephant And Castle is responsible for ensuring that effective health and safety systems are in place and properly maintained. This includes providing appropriate resources, training, and supervision to enable employees to work safely and efficiently.

Management will regularly review working practices, risk assessments, and incident reports and will take prompt action where improvements are needed. Health and safety considerations will form an integral part of planning and decision-making for all removal and man and van services.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, subcontractors, and temporary workers have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Everyone working for Man With a Van Elephant And Castle is expected to:

Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and training provided.
Use vehicles, tools, and equipment correctly and only for their intended purpose.
Wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment where required.
Report any hazards, defects, accidents, or near misses immediately to management.
Refrain from horseplay or unsafe behaviour on site, in vehicles, or at customer premises.

Failure to follow health and safety rules may lead to disciplinary action and, where appropriate, may result in workers being removed from operational duties.

Risk Assessment And Safe Working Practices

Risk assessments are carried out for our core activities, including domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading, driving, parking, and working inside properties, corridors, stairways, and shared spaces.

Before starting work at any location, the team will consider factors such as access routes, uneven surfaces, stairs, lighting, weather conditions, traffic, and the presence of other people. Where risks are identified, suitable control measures are put in place, such as using additional staff for heavy items, using trolleys or lifting equipment, adjusting routes, or rescheduling work if conditions are unsafe.

Manual Handling And Lifting

Manual handling is a significant part of removal work. To reduce the risk of injury, Man With a Van Elephant And Castle will:

Provide training in safe lifting and carrying techniques.
Plan jobs so that loads are manageable and properly shared between team members.
Use appropriate handling aids such as trolleys, straps, or sliders where possible.
Avoid lifting items that are excessively heavy, awkward, or unsafe without suitable assistance or equipment.

Employees are instructed never to attempt lifting any item they believe may cause strain or injury and to ask for help or guidance from the team leader when in doubt.

Vehicle Safety And Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our services, and their safe use is a key part of this policy. Man With a Van Elephant And Castle ensures that vehicles are regularly inspected, maintained, and kept in roadworthy condition.

Drivers must hold the correct licence, follow all road traffic laws, observe speed limits, and drive with consideration for other road users and pedestrians. Loads must be secured properly to prevent movement or damage during transit, and doors and ramps must be used safely when loading and unloading.

No driver is permitted to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair their ability to drive safely. Drivers are encouraged to take regular breaks to prevent fatigue and to report any mechanical issues immediately.

Customer Premises And Public Safety

Our teams often work in and around homes, offices, and shared spaces. To protect customers and the public, we will:

Keep access routes as clear as possible during moves.
Use safe lifting and carrying routes to minimise disruption and risk.
Take care to avoid damage to property, fixtures, and fittings.
Be mindful of noise, parking, and general conduct in residential and commercial areas.

Where necessary, our staff will politely request that customers or other persons keep clear of loading areas or moving items, particularly on staircases or in confined spaces.

Equipment, Tools, And Personal Protective Equipment

Any equipment or tools used during removals will be checked regularly to ensure they are in safe working order. Defective or damaged items will be taken out of service until they are repaired or replaced.

Where risk assessments indicate that personal protective equipment is required, such as gloves, safety footwear, or high-visibility clothing, it will be provided and must be used in accordance with training and instructions.

Training, Communication, And Supervision

All new employees receive an introduction to our health and safety arrangements and safe working procedures. Ongoing training is provided where work practices change or where additional skills are needed, for example in handling specialised items or using new equipment.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for ensuring that work is carried out safely on each job, that team members understand their responsibilities, and that any concerns are addressed promptly. Health and safety information is communicated clearly and in a form that can be easily understood by all members of the team.

Accident Reporting And Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and damage incidents must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Details will be recorded and investigated to identify causes and to prevent recurrence where possible.

In the event of an emergency, such as fire, serious injury, or traffic collision, staff are instructed to prioritise personal safety and the safety of others, raise the alarm, and contact the appropriate emergency services. First aid supplies are carried in vehicles, and at least one member of the team on each job will be familiar with basic first aid procedures.

Review Of This Policy

This Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Elephant And Castle will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, relevant legislation, or industry best practice. Revisions will be communicated to all employees and contractors, and updated procedures will be implemented as required.

By working together and following this policy, we aim to provide safe, reliable removal and man and van services while protecting the wellbeing of our staff, customers, and the wider community.