Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Camden Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Camden is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all 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 the principles and procedures we follow to reduce risks and promote safe systems of work across all moving and delivery services.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise that managing health and safety is an essential part of delivering reliable removal services. The company aims to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing appropriate control measures. We comply with applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice, and we review our approach regularly to ensure it remains effective and proportionate to our operations.

Health and safety is an integral part of planning and carrying out our work, including domestic moves, office relocations, collection and delivery, loading and unloading, and driving to and from jobs. Everyone representing Man with Van Camden is expected to promote safe behaviour and report any concerns promptly.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management. Management will:

Ensure this policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. Provide information, instruction, training and supervision so that staff can carry out their work safely and competently. Supply suitable vehicles, equipment and protective gear that are fit for purpose and properly maintained. Plan work to minimise risks associated with manual handling, driving, working at height, use of equipment and interaction with the public. Investigate incidents and near misses, and take corrective action to prevent recurrence.

Employees and contractors also have important responsibilities. All drivers, porters and support staff must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safety procedures, instructions and training provided. Use vehicles, tools, lifting aids and personal protective equipment correctly. Report hazards, defects, unsafe conditions, accidents and near misses without delay. Cooperate with any investigation, training or improvement measures related to health and safety.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting any removal or transport task, we assess the potential risks to people, property and the environment. Where appropriate, a site-specific risk assessment will be carried out, taking into account factors such as access routes, stairs, parking, lifting requirements, time pressures, weather conditions and interaction with customers and other contractors.

Based on the findings of these assessments, we establish safe systems of work. These may include defining the number of staff required, specifying lifting techniques, using trolleys or lifting straps, planning vehicle positioning, and identifying any items requiring special handling. Staff are expected to follow these systems and to stop work if a task cannot be carried out safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of our removals service, and we treat it as a priority area for risk control. To reduce the risk of back injuries, strains and other musculoskeletal disorders, we:

Provide training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifts and the use of mechanical aids. Encourage staff to assess the weight, shape and stability of items before lifting. Use trolleys, dollies, sack trucks, moving blankets, straps and other equipment where suitable. Avoid unnecessary carrying distances by planning loading points and parking locations carefully. Prohibit unsafe practices such as twisting while lifting, overreaching or attempting to lift items that are clearly too heavy or awkward for the individual or team.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Safe driving is essential to our transport and removal operations. Our procedures include:

Ensuring vehicles are roadworthy, regularly inspected and maintained. Securing all loads properly to prevent movement during transit and to protect both staff and other road users. Planning routes to allow sufficient time and to avoid unnecessary risks where possible. Complying with speed limits, parking rules and all road traffic requirements. Requiring drivers to be fit to drive, free from the influence of alcohol or drugs, and not excessively fatigued.

Drivers must carry out basic vehicle checks, report defects immediately and avoid using mobile devices while driving.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Where equipment is provided to assist with lifting, securing or protecting goods, it must be used correctly and maintained in good condition. Only trained individuals are permitted to use any specialist equipment. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, high visibility clothing or other items will be provided when necessary and must be worn as instructed.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams work in a wide range of properties and environments, and we are committed to minimising risks to customers, neighbours and the general public. We will:

Keep access routes as clear as reasonably practicable. Use safe stacking and storage methods during loading and unloading. Take care when moving items through confined spaces, doorways, corridors and staircases. Place warning signs or communicate verbally where there are trip hazards, slippery areas or other temporary risks. Show respect for the property and surroundings, taking care to prevent avoidable damage or disturbance.

Training, Communication and Consultation

All staff receive appropriate induction and job-specific training, including manual handling, safe driving practices and emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided when needed, and additional support is offered when tasks or equipment change.

We encourage open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safer working methods. Information about hazards, incidents and policy updates is shared in a timely and clear manner.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

Any accident, incident, near miss or case of work-related ill health must be reported to management as soon as possible. Accurate records are maintained so that trends can be identified and improvements made. Where necessary, appropriate authorities will be notified in line with legal requirements.

Emergency procedures are in place for situations such as fire, serious injury, vehicle collisions or sudden illness. Staff are trained to respond calmly, seek medical assistance when needed and cooperate with emergency services.

Monitoring and Review

Man with Van Camden regularly monitors its health and safety performance through inspections, feedback, incident analysis and policy reviews. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and updated when required to reflect changes in law, industry standards or the nature of our removal and transport activities.

By working together and following this policy, we aim to maintain a safe, reliable and professional service for all those who work with us or use our moving and delivery services.