Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man and Van Finchley

Man and Van Finchley is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, unloading and transporting goods.

Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and disruption to the communities in which we operate. We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and work to continually improve our standards and performance.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man and Van Finchley rests with the company management, who will ensure that adequate resources, information, training and supervision are provided.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, ensuring that safe systems of work are in place and followed, and that staff understand their responsibilities.

All employees and regular contractors must take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. They must cooperate with the company to enable it to fulfil its legal obligations and follow all safety instructions and procedures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Man and Van Finchley carries out risk assessments for its core activities, including house removals, flat moves, office moves, loading and unloading vehicles, handling bulky or fragile items, and driving within our service areas. These risk assessments help us to identify hazards and put in place appropriate control measures.

Safe working practices are developed and communicated to staff, covering topics such as manual handling techniques, use of moving equipment, safe stacking and securing of loads, and vehicle safety checks. These procedures are regularly reviewed and updated in light of experience, changes in best practice or legislation.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a significant part of our removal work and is a key focus of our Health and Safety Policy. All staff receive guidance on correct lifting and carrying techniques designed to minimise the risk of strain, injury or long-term damage.

Where possible, mechanical aids and handling equipment such as trolleys, dollies, moving straps and ramps are used to reduce the need for heavy manual lifting. Employees are instructed not to exceed safe weight limits and to work in teams for larger or awkward items.

Items that are especially heavy, delicate or unusually shaped are assessed individually, and a suitable handling plan is agreed before any move begins.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points and loading areas.

Drivers are expected to hold the appropriate licences, obey all road traffic laws, and drive in a manner that is courteous and considerate to other road users. They must not drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any medication that may impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Loads are distributed evenly and secured correctly to avoid movement during transit. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited, and particular attention is paid to height, width and weight limits, especially when navigating residential streets and local roads within our service area.

Customer Premises and Site Safety

Our teams work in a variety of environments, including houses, flats, offices, storage units and communal areas such as stairwells and corridors. We always aim to minimise disruption and maintain safe conditions at all times.

On arrival, staff will assess access routes, steps, staircases, lifts and parking points to identify any hazards that might affect the move. This may include narrow walkways, low ceilings, uneven ground, poor lighting or obstructions.

Where necessary, we may adjust our working methods, move items in smaller sections, or request that customers clear pathways to reduce the risk of trips, slips, falls or damage. If a serious safety concern cannot be resolved, work may be paused until a safer method is agreed.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their roles. This includes manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, working in customers premises and general health and safety awareness.

Supervisors monitor working practices on site and provide guidance or corrective instruction where needed. Regular briefings are used to highlight particular risks, share learning from incidents and reinforce safe behaviour.

Health and safety information is communicated clearly and promptly to all staff. Everyone is encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and report any hazards they notice in the course of their work.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses that occur during our activities must be reported to management as soon as possible. This enables us to provide appropriate support, keep accurate records and investigate the circumstances.

Investigations are used to identify root causes and to implement measures to prevent similar events from happening again. These may include additional training, changes to working procedures or modifications to equipment or vehicles.

Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

Our work can be physically demanding, so we encourage staff to maintain good physical health, warm up before heavy tasks and take appropriate breaks. Employees must inform management if they experience health conditions or injuries that may affect their ability to carry out physical duties safely.

We do not tolerate the use of drugs or alcohol during working hours or in a way that could affect safety. Any concerns about fitness for work are treated sensitively but firmly in line with our responsibility to protect staff, customers and the public.

Cooperation with Customers and the Public

We ask customers to cooperate with our teams by providing clear information about access, parking, heavy or unusual items, and any specific risks related to their premises. Advance notice of restricted access, limited parking or time constraints helps us plan a safer and smoother move.

We also take care to minimise noise and obstruction to neighbours and other members of the public, especially in residential streets and shared buildings. Our crews are instructed to work considerately and leave access areas tidy and free from trip hazards once the job is complete.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals or when significant changes occur in our operations or legal requirements. Feedback from staff and customers, as well as lessons learned from incidents, is used to improve our practices.

By working together and maintaining a strong focus on safety, Man and Van Finchley is committed to delivering reliable, efficient and secure removal services throughout our operating area while protecting everyone involved in our work.