Clapham Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Clapham Man and Van is committed to providing removal and transport services in a manner that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our general aims and the arrangements we have in place to manage risks associated with removals, packing, loading, transport and delivery activities.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing suitable control measures. Health and safety is an integral part of our planning and decision-making for all removal work, whether domestic or commercial and regardless of job size or location.
We will provide resources, information, training and supervision to ensure that all work is carried out safely and in line with current legislation and recognised industry good practice.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Clapham Man and Van rests with senior management. They are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed, and that appropriate procedures and safe systems of work are in place for all removal activities.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy on site and in vehicles. They must ensure that staff follow safe working practices, use equipment correctly, and report any concerns or incidents without delay.
All employees, including drivers and porters, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. They must cooperate with management by following instructions, using protective equipment where required and reporting hazards, near misses and accidents.
Customers and contractors are expected to cooperate with our teams by providing accurate information about access, parking, building conditions and any known risks at the premises, and by keeping areas clear so that work can proceed safely.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before starting a removal job, we assess the key health and safety risks associated with the task. This includes consideration of property access, staircases, lifts, parking arrangements, traffic conditions, manual handling demands, fragile or heavy items and any special requirements such as out-of-hours moves.
Where necessary, a site visit or detailed pre-move questionnaire will be used to obtain information so that appropriate staffing levels, vehicles, equipment and protective measures can be planned. Risk assessments are reviewed whenever the nature of the work changes or new hazards are identified.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
The removal industry involves significant manual handling, including lifting, carrying and loading furniture, appliances and boxes. To minimise the risk of injury, staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, use of team lifts and the correct operation of trolleys, dollies, ramps and other handling aids.
We plan jobs so that loads are split where possible, heavy or awkward items are handled by more than one team member and suitable equipment is used to avoid unnecessary strain. Staff are instructed not to exceed safe lifting limits and to refuse to move items if it cannot be done safely with the resources available.
All handling equipment and vehicle loading systems are inspected regularly and removed from service if any defects are found.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected at regular intervals. Drivers must carry out basic checks before use and report any defects immediately so that corrective action can be taken.
Drivers are required to follow road traffic laws, drive considerately and adjust their driving to suit weather, traffic and local conditions. Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transit and to protect both the team and other road users.
We plan routes and schedules to avoid unnecessary pressure on drivers and to allow adequate time for safe loading, travel and unloading.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working at customer premises, our teams take care to protect both the property and everyone present. This includes keeping walkways clear, managing trip hazards from packaging materials, and controlling access to loading areas where vehicles are being moved or large items are in transit.
Where work is carried out in shared buildings, on public roads or pavements, we take appropriate steps to warn others of removal operations and to minimise obstruction and disturbance.
Training, Information and Supervision
All new staff receive an introduction to our health and safety procedures, including manual handling, vehicle safety and incident reporting. Ongoing training and refresher sessions are provided where needed, particularly when new equipment, vehicles or working methods are introduced.
Supervision levels are adjusted according to the complexity of the job and the experience of the staff involved, to ensure that health and safety standards are maintained at all times.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported promptly to management. These events are investigated to identify underlying causes and to determine where additional controls, training or changes to procedures are required.
Records of accidents and incidents are kept in line with legal and company requirements, and are reviewed periodically to identify patterns and opportunities for improvement.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly, and in any event following significant changes in our operations, legislation, industry standards or after serious incidents. We are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance and to maintaining a positive safety culture throughout Clapham Man and Van.
By working together, following this policy and taking a proactive approach to risk management, we aim to ensure that every removal is carried out as safely and efficiently as possible for our staff, customers and the wider community.
