Health and Safety Policy for Edgware Man and Van

Edgware Man and Van 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 removals and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transporting, loading, and unloading goods as part of our removal services.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. We will work to continually improve our health and safety performance and to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and industry good practice relevant to removal and transport operations.

Responsibilities and Leadership

The management of Edgware Man and Van holds overall responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety Policy and ensuring that adequate resources are available to support it. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day management of health and safety within their teams, including the communication of safe working practices and the monitoring of compliance.

All employees and contractors are required to take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions. Every team member is expected to follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards, and raise any health and safety concerns promptly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will undertake risk assessments for our removal and transport activities, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, use of moving equipment, vehicle operations, working in and around customers homes and premises, and loading and unloading at different locations. Identified risks will be controlled by safe systems of work, appropriate equipment, and clear instructions.

Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly, and whenever there is a significant change in work practices, equipment, or the nature of the services we provide. Staff will be briefed on relevant risks before starting work at new or unusual sites.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal services and can pose significant risk of injury if not properly managed. We will minimise manual handling risks by planning tasks, using lifting aids, and ensuring sufficient manpower is available for heavy or awkward items. Staff will be trained in correct lifting techniques and the safe movement of bulky items through confined spaces, stairways, and doorways.

Where necessary and appropriate, we will provide equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, and protective covers. All equipment will be inspected regularly and taken out of service if it is damaged or defective. Only trained and authorised personnel may operate specialist equipment.

Vehicle Safety and Transport Operations

Our vehicles are essential to our removal services and must be operated safely at all times. We will ensure that vehicles are regularly maintained and inspected in line with manufacturers guidance and legal requirements. Drivers must hold appropriate licences, be medically fit to drive, and follow all road traffic laws.

Before each journey, drivers must check that loads are evenly distributed, secure, and do not exceed the vehicles safe working load. Care will be taken when parking and manoeuvring at collection and delivery addresses to protect pedestrians, property, and other road users. Engines should be switched off when loading and unloading where it is safe and practical to do so.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Health and safety considerations extend to customer premises and public areas where we operate. We will take reasonable steps to protect customers, their families, neighbours, and passers-by from risk arising from our activities. This includes safe positioning of vehicles, careful handling of items through shared spaces, and maintaining clear access routes and exits.

Where necessary, we will use warning signs, verbal instructions, and cordons to highlight potential hazards such as trailing straps, ramps, or partially obstructed pathways during loading and unloading.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We will provide our staff with appropriate training and information to enable them to carry out their duties safely and competently. This includes induction training, role-specific instruction on safe lifting and handling, use of moving equipment, vehicle safety, and dealing with unexpected hazards at customer sites.

Training needs will be reviewed regularly and refresher training will be provided where required. Supervisors will monitor working practices, provide guidance, and intervene if unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment will be provided, such as gloves, safety footwear, and high-visibility garments. Staff must use this equipment as instructed, keep it in good condition, and report any damage or defects immediately so that it can be replaced.

Accident, Incident, and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, and near-misses arising from our removal and transport operations must be reported as soon as practicable. We will investigate these events to determine root causes and identify improvements to prevent recurrence. Records will be kept of all significant incidents and any corrective actions taken.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the importance of our employees physical and mental wellbeing. Staff undertaking physically demanding tasks such as lifting and carrying must be fit for work and should inform management of any health conditions that may affect their ability to work safely.

We will provide reasonable rest breaks, access to drinking water during working hours, and guidance on safe working methods to reduce fatigue, strain, and stress. Alcohol and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited during working hours and staff must not report for duty under their influence.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to make suggestions for improving safety and to report any concerns without fear of reprisal. Feedback from staff and customers will be used to refine our practices and raise standards.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice, and the nature of our services. A current version of this policy will be made available to employees and customers on request.

Commitment

Edgware Man and Van is committed to high standards of health and safety throughout all aspects of our removal and transport services. By working together, following safe procedures, and maintaining awareness of risks, we aim to protect everyone involved in or affected by our operations and to deliver a professional, reliable, and safe moving experience.