Notting Hill Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Notting Hill Man and Van manages health, safety and welfare in the course of providing man and van and removal services. Our goal is to prevent injury, protect property and minimise risks to workers, clients and members of the public while carrying out collections, deliveries and removals.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Notting Hill Man and Van is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety across all removal and transport activities. We recognise our duties under relevant health and safety legislation and aim to follow recognised industry best practice for lifting, loading, driving and on-site conduct.
We will provide the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure that work is carried out safely and without unacceptable risk to health, whether in homes, offices, storage facilities or on the road.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing and reviewing this policy, ensuring that safe systems of work are in place, that risk assessments are carried out and that appropriate equipment and protective measures are provided.
Employees and contractors must:
1. Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work.
2. Follow all safe working procedures, training and instructions issued by the company.
3. Use vehicles, equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
4. Report accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards so that appropriate action can be taken.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before undertaking removal or man and van jobs, we will assess foreseeable risks related to lifting and carrying, access routes, stairways, parking and loading areas, traffic and public contact. Where necessary, we will adapt the plan of work, allocate extra staff, or use additional equipment to ensure tasks can be completed safely.
Safe systems of work will cover, as appropriate, planning the route, securing parking spots where lawful, establishing safe loading zones, protecting floors and walls, and managing movement of goods through communal or shared spaces.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and can present a high risk of injury if not managed correctly. We will:
1. Assess the weight, size and shape of items before moving them.
2. Use team lifting for heavy or awkward items.
3. Use trolleys, dollies, straps and other aids where reasonably practicable.
4. Train staff in safe lifting techniques and body positioning.
5. Avoid unnecessary carrying over long distances by careful planning of vehicle access and loading.
Where an item cannot be moved safely with the available personnel or equipment, we reserve the right to refuse or postpone the task until a safe solution is arranged.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Our vehicles are central to our man and van and removal services. To protect drivers, passengers, other road users and pedestrians, we will:
1. Keep vehicles in a roadworthy condition through regular inspections and servicing.
2. Ensure loads are evenly distributed and adequately secured to prevent movement during transit.
3. Require drivers to follow road traffic laws, speed limits and parking rules at all times.
4. Plan routes to minimise unnecessary risk, such as unsuitable roads for larger vans.
5. Manage working hours to reduce fatigue and encourage adequate rest breaks.
Client Premises and Public Areas
Work is often carried out in occupied homes, communal areas and public spaces. Our teams will take reasonable steps to:
1. Keep walkways as clear as possible and avoid creating trip hazards from tools, packaging and equipment.
2. Use warning signs or verbal warnings where there is temporary risk, such as ramps, trailing straps or open doors.
3. Minimise noise, disruption and risk to residents, neighbours and passers-by.
4. Respect property boundaries and shared areas, including stairwells, lifts and hallways.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
We will provide equipment appropriate to the job, such as moving blankets, straps, trolleys and protective coverings. When necessary, personal protective equipment may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and any other suitable items.
All equipment will be maintained in good condition. Employees are expected to check equipment before use and report any concerns so that unsafe items are removed from service and replaced or repaired.
Training, Information and Supervision
Staff engaged in removal work will receive training proportionate to their role. This may include manual handling, safe lifting, use of equipment, vehicle safety, communication on site and dealing with unforeseen hazards. New staff will receive an induction that covers relevant health and safety procedures.
Supervision and periodic checks will be carried out to ensure that procedures are followed, and refresher training will be provided where necessary.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, injuries, damage and near misses must be reported promptly. We will keep appropriate records, investigate the causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence where practical. Learning from incidents forms an essential part of continuous improvement in our health and safety performance.
Cooperation with Clients and Third Parties
Health and safety is a shared responsibility. We ask clients to inform us in advance of any known hazards at the collection or delivery address, such as restricted access, fragile structures, unsafe stairways or building works. Where other contractors or building managers are present, we will cooperate with them to coordinate activities and reduce risks.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice or the nature of our man and van and removal services. Any significant changes will be communicated to staff and, where relevant, to clients.
By following this policy, Notting Hill Man and Van aims to provide safe, reliable and professional removal services while safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone affected by our operations.
