Health and Safety policy

Man and Van Pimlico Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Pimlico is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, clients and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with home and office moves, transport of goods and related services.

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. Safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver every job, from initial booking to final completion.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy and for ensuring that health and safety considerations are fully integrated into all aspects of our operations. This includes allocating adequate resources for training, equipment, supervision and continuous improvement.

Managers will ensure that risk assessments are carried out for typical removal tasks and that any significant site-specific risks are identified before work begins. They will communicate relevant safety information to staff and contractors, monitor performance and take appropriate action where standards are not met.

Employee Responsibilities

Every member of staff has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and cooperate with management in implementing this policy.

Staff must report hazards, near misses, accidents, damage to equipment and any health issues that may affect their ability to work safely. No employee should undertake any work activity for which they have not been trained or that they consider unsafe without first discussing it with their supervisor.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We will carry out regular risk assessments covering key aspects of our removal and transport services. These assessments will identify hazards such as manual handling risks, vehicle movements, working in confined spaces, trips and falls, and the handling of fragile or heavy items.

Based on these assessments, we will establish safe systems of work, including clear methods for planning moves, loading and unloading vehicles, protecting property and coordinating work on site. All staff will be briefed on relevant procedures and expected to follow them at all times.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is treated as a priority. We will seek to reduce manual handling risks through careful planning, use of mechanical aids and team lifting techniques. Heavy, awkward or bulky items will be assessed before they are moved.

Staff will receive instruction in safe lifting methods, including maintaining good posture, assessing the load, working within personal limits and communicating clearly with colleagues during team lifts. Where an item cannot be moved safely due to its weight, size, condition or surroundings, alternative arrangements will be made.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular checks carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points and access steps. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic pre-use checks and reporting defects immediately.

All driving must comply with road traffic regulations and company standards. Loads will be distributed safely and securely, using appropriate restraints to prevent movement during transit. Access routes, parking arrangements and loading areas will be assessed for safety before operations begin.

Use of Equipment and Protective Measures

Where appropriate, we will provide moving equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and other protective materials to reduce manual strain and prevent damage. Staff will be trained in the safe use and limitations of this equipment.

Personal protective equipment will be provided where identified by risk assessment. This may include safety footwear, gloves and other protective items suited to the task. Employees must use provided equipment as instructed and report any defects or concerns immediately.

Client Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to ensure that our work does not create unnecessary risks to clients, visitors or members of the public in and around the premises where we operate. Work areas will be kept as tidy as reasonably practicable, with walkways maintained and trip hazards reduced.

Where possible, we will plan moves to minimise disruption, coordinate access and clearly communicate any restrictions or temporary hazards. Extra care will be taken when moving items through shared corridors, staircases or entrances to avoid collisions and damage to property.

Training, Supervision and Communication

All staff will receive appropriate induction and on-the-job training relevant to their role, including manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, incident reporting and emergency procedures. Additional training will be provided when new risks, equipment or working methods are introduced.

Supervisors will monitor working practices, provide guidance and correct unsafe behaviour. Health and safety information will be communicated through briefings, instructions and updates so that all staff understand their responsibilities and the standards expected of them.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as practicable to the responsible person on site. Incidents will be recorded, investigated where necessary and used to identify underlying causes and improvements.

We encourage open reporting and will not tolerate victimisation of anyone who raises genuine safety concerns. Lessons learned from incidents will be shared with staff to help prevent recurrence and improve overall safety performance.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We are committed to protecting the health and welfare of our staff. Employees must present fit for work, free from the influence of drugs or alcohol, and must not carry out duties if they feel unwell or impaired in a way that could affect safety.

Any existing medical conditions or injuries that may limit a person’s ability to lift, carry or drive safely should be disclosed to management so that suitable adjustments or alternative duties can be considered.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, services or legal requirements. We will seek feedback from staff, clients and contractors to help improve our standards and practices.

Man and Van Pimlico aims to achieve a culture where safety is embedded in every stage of our removal and transport services, with everyone taking responsibility for protecting themselves, their colleagues, our clients and the public.