Stockwell Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Stockwell Man and Van manages health, safety and welfare for our team, our customers and the public. As a professional removals and man and van business, we recognise that our work involves manual handling, driving, working in varied environments and using equipment that must be managed safely at all times.

Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health, while providing a reliable, efficient removals service. We are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance and to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and guidance that applies to our operations.

Management Responsibilities

The overall responsibility for health and safety within Stockwell Man and Van rests with the company management. Management will:

Ensure that effective health and safety arrangements are in place, implemented and reviewed regularly. Provide suitable resources, including time, equipment and information, to manage health and safety matters. Maintain clear lines of responsibility and accountability for safety throughout the company. Monitor performance, investigate incidents and put in place corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Promote a positive safety culture where concerns can be raised and addressed without delay.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee, contractor and temporary worker has an important role in maintaining a safe working environment. All personnel must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of other people who may be affected by their work. Follow all training, safe systems of work, and company procedures. Use vehicles, equipment and protective gear correctly and report defects immediately. Co operate with management on health and safety matters, including risk assessments and investigations. Report accidents, near misses, hazards and unsafe conditions as soon as possible so that action can be taken.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Stockwell Man and Van conducts risk assessments to identify hazards associated with removals work, transport and related tasks. We assess the likelihood and potential severity of harm and implement appropriate control measures. These may include:

Planning access routes and parking to minimise reversing and vehicle movements in congested areas. Checking floor surfaces, stairways, lifts and entrances to identify obstructions, trip hazards and restricted spaces. Determining suitable numbers of staff for each job and allocating tasks to avoid overloading individuals. Using appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies and straps to move heavier items safely. Establishing safe loading and unloading procedures, including securing loads and preventing falls of objects.

Safe systems of work are reviewed regularly and updated if the nature of our work or any risks change.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a central part of removals work and requires careful management to prevent injury. We will:

Provide training on correct lifting techniques, team lifting and the use of handling aids. Discourage lone lifting of heavy or awkward items and encourage staff to seek assistance. Assess items in terms of size, weight and shape before moving them and plan the route in advance. Use suitable handling equipment where possible to reduce strain on the body. Remove or minimise hazards such as loose rugs, cluttered walkways and unstable steps before moving items.

All tools, lifting equipment and vehicles are to be used only by trained personnel and in accordance with manufacturer instructions and company procedures.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

As a removals company, road safety is a critical part of our overall health and safety approach. Stockwell Man and Van will:

Ensure that vehicles are maintained, inspected and serviced at appropriate intervals. Check that loads are evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent shifting during transit. Require drivers to comply with road traffic laws, speed limits and parking regulations. Encourage safe driving practices, including allowing adequate travel time and avoiding distractions. Monitor incidents and vehicle defects and take appropriate corrective action.

Drivers must report any concerns about vehicle condition, loading arrangements or journey plans so that they can be addressed promptly.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect customers, visitors and members of the public from risks arising from our activities. To support this, we will:

Plan moves to minimise disruption to access routes used by others. Use clear communication to advise customers about any temporary hazards during loading and unloading. Keep work areas as tidy as reasonably practicable, reducing trip and fall hazards. Position vehicles and equipment to limit risks to pedestrians and other road users. Take extra care in shared spaces such as communal hallways, pavements and car parks.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive information and training relevant to their roles. This may include:

Induction training on company health and safety policies and procedures. Manual handling and safe lifting training. Vehicle safety, loading practices and route planning. Use of personal protective equipment where required. Emergency procedures, including fire safety and first aid arrangements.

Supervision levels will reflect the experience and competence of individual staff members, with additional oversight provided for new starters or those taking on new types of work.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work related ill health must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will:

Record details accurately and investigate the underlying causes. Take reasonable steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. Provide appropriate support to any injured parties, including first aid where available. Review emergency procedures, including how to respond to injuries, fires, vehicle incidents and hazardous situations.

Where necessary, we will co operate with relevant authorities and comply with any reporting requirements that apply to our operations.

Consultation and Policy Review

Stockwell Man and Van values input from employees and customers in improving health and safety. We encourage suggestions, feedback and the reporting of concerns. This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when changes to legislation, industry practice or our work activities require it. Updated versions will be communicated to staff so that everyone understands their responsibilities and the standards expected.

By working together and following this Health and Safety Policy, Stockwell Man and Van aims to provide a safe, efficient and professional removals service that protects our staff, our customers and the wider community.