Health and Safety policy

Roehampton Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Roehampton Man and Van is committed to providing a professional removal service that prioritises the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, transportation and related activities carried out in homes, offices and on the road.

Policy Objectives

The objectives of this Health and Safety Policy are to prevent injuries, ill health and property damage during removal operations, to comply with applicable health and safety legislation, and to promote a culture where safety is a shared responsibility. We aim to continually improve the way we plan, carry out and review our work so that all moves are completed as safely as reasonably practicable.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes providing appropriate resources, equipment and training, ensuring that safe systems of work are developed and followed, and reviewing performance on a regular basis. Managers will lead by example, promote safe behaviour, and ensure that health and safety is considered in every aspect of planning and delivering removal services.

Employee 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. They must follow safe working procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents promptly, and cooperate fully with any health and safety instruction, training or investigation. No employee is expected to carry out work that they believe to be unsafe or beyond their capability or training.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before every removal, Roehampton Man and Van will assess the risks associated with the work. This includes considering access routes, parking, lifting requirements, staircases, floor conditions, weather, and any site-specific hazards. Where necessary, a written risk assessment and method statement will be prepared and communicated to the team.

Safe systems of work will be used for loading and unloading vehicles, lifting and carrying items, operating trolleys and handling fragile, heavy or awkward loads. Work will be planned to minimise manual handling risks and to avoid unsafe shortcuts. Where risks cannot be eliminated, appropriate control measures, equipment and team working practices will be used to reduce them.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal operations and will be carefully managed. Staff will be trained in safe lifting techniques, team carries and the use of handling aids. Heavy or bulky furniture and appliances will be moved by more than one person where required, and employees are instructed not to exceed their individual physical limits.

All handling and removal equipment, such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, blankets and ramps, will be maintained in good condition and inspected regularly. Defective or damaged equipment must be reported and taken out of use immediately until repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our service and will be operated safely at all times. Vehicles will be maintained, serviced and checked regularly to ensure they are roadworthy and suitable for use. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and company driving standards, and ensure that loads are properly secured before departure.

Drivers must not operate vehicles when fatigued or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any medication that may affect their ability to drive safely. Routes and schedules will be planned to allow sufficient time for travel, loading and unloading, reducing the risk of time pressure and unsafe driving.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working in or around customer premises, our teams will take care to protect people, property and the surrounding environment. Walkways and access routes will be kept as clear as possible, and trip hazards such as loose packing materials, tools and equipment will be managed and removed promptly.

Protective measures such as floor coverings, corner guards and safe stacking of items will be used where appropriate. Particular attention will be given to staircases, narrow corridors and communal areas to prevent accidents involving residents, visitors and members of the public.

Training, Information and Supervision

Roehampton Man and Van will provide appropriate health and safety training to staff, including induction training for new starters and refresher training where necessary. Topics may include manual handling, safe loading, use of equipment, hazard awareness and reporting procedures.

Supervisors and experienced team members will oversee removal operations to ensure that procedures are followed and to provide guidance where conditions change or new risks arise. Health and safety information, such as risk assessments and safe working procedures, will be communicated clearly before and during each job.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear, gloves or high-visibility clothing, it will be provided and must be used correctly. Staff are responsible for looking after any equipment issued to them and for reporting loss or damage so that it can be replaced.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses, injuries and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to the relevant supervisor or manager. Roehampton Man and Van will investigate incidents to determine root causes, identify any required corrective actions and prevent recurrence.

Lessons learned from investigations will be shared with staff and used to improve working practices, training and risk controls. Where necessary, incidents will also be recorded and reported in line with legal requirements.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

The company recognises the physical demands of removal work and encourages employees to maintain good health, fitness and hydration. Staff are expected to report any medical condition or injury that could affect their ability to perform tasks safely, particularly those involving driving or manual handling.

Breaks will be taken as needed to manage fatigue, particularly on longer jobs and during hot or challenging weather. No employee will be pressurised to continue working if they feel unwell or unfit to carry out their duties safely.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, and the nature of our removal services. Feedback from employees and customers, as well as data from incident reports and inspections, will be used to drive continual improvement.

By working together and following this policy, Roehampton Man and Van aims to deliver a reliable removal service while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our activities.