Man and Van Elephant and Castle Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Elephant and Castle is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers 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 moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods in residential and commercial settings.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise our duties under applicable health and safety legislation and are committed to continuous improvement in our safety performance. Our objectives are to prevent injury, protect health, and promote safe working practices in all aspects of our man and van and removal operations across our service area.

Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning and decision making. Management at all levels is responsible for implementing this policy and providing the resources necessary to maintain safe systems of work.

Responsibilities and Competence

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day safety arrangements on jobs, including briefing teams, monitoring working methods and stopping work if unsafe conditions arise.

Every employee and contractor has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All staff are expected to follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards promptly and cooperate with any risk control measures that are in place.

We are committed to ensuring that only competent personnel carry out removal and handling activities. Staff receive appropriate training and guidance before undertaking tasks that could present a risk.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our removal and transport activities. These assessments consider hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, working in confined or obstructed spaces, loading and unloading vehicles, driving and reversing, and dealing with heavy or awkward items.

Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work and method statements where appropriate. These may include guidelines on minimum team sizes for specific tasks, use of lifting aids, vehicle loading plans, agreed access routes, and safe procedures for handling fragile, valuable or hazardous items provided by the customer.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of our business and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries. Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including assessing the load, planning the lift, team lifting for large objects and using equipment where necessary.

We use suitable handling equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, lifting straps and ramps when reasonably practicable. All equipment is selected, used and maintained so that it is safe and fit for purpose. Employees are instructed not to exceed equipment load limits or to attempt to move items that are beyond safe manual handling capability.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are an essential part of our operations and are maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points, ramps and other safety related features. Defects are reported immediately and vehicles are taken out of service if they present an unacceptable risk.

Drivers are expected to comply with road traffic laws, drive responsibly, and allow sufficient time for journeys to avoid the need for excessive speed. Loads are secured so that they cannot move or fall during transit, with particular attention paid to heavy or unstable items. When reversing or manoeuvring in tight areas, drivers are encouraged to use a banksman or spotter whenever possible.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises, our teams take care to minimise risks to residents, staff, visitors and members of the public. This may include planning safe routes through the property, using floor protection where appropriate, positioning ramps and equipment safely, and maintaining clear access and exit routes.

Where work may affect shared spaces, pavements or communal areas, we take steps to reduce trip hazards and obstructions. Where reasonably practicable, we will cordon off or clearly indicate work areas to reduce the risk of accidents involving the public.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive an induction that covers the key health and safety requirements relevant to our removal services. Ongoing training is provided on topics such as manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, incident reporting and customer care.

Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and the competence and experience of the team members. Less experienced staff are supported by more experienced colleagues and are not asked to perform high risk tasks without appropriate supervision and instruction.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Arrangements

All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. We investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents are kept and reviewed to identify patterns and areas for improvement.

Our teams are briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency, such as injury, fire, suspected structural damage or road traffic collisions. This includes contacting the emergency services where necessary, making the area safe if possible and informing the customer and management without delay.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We value the input of our staff in identifying hazards and improving safety. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safe working methods. Constructive feedback from customers about safety is also welcomed and reviewed.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly, and at least annually, to ensure it remains relevant to the nature and scale of our man and van and removal operations. Changes in legislation, industry guidance, our services or the types of work we undertake may prompt an earlier review. Updated versions of the policy are communicated to all staff.

Policy Availability

This policy is available to employees, contractors and customers on request. It reflects the commitment of Man and Van Elephant and Castle to carrying out all removal and transport work in a manner that protects people, property and the wider community.