Health and Safety policy

Islington Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Islington Man and Van manages the safety and wellbeing of employees, contractors, customers and members of the public during all removal and transportation activities. Our aim is to provide a professional removals service that is carried out safely, responsibly and in accordance with relevant health and safety requirements.

Policy Statement

Islington Man and Van is committed to preventing injury, ill health and damage to property or the environment arising from our work. Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver man and van and removal services. We expect all members of our team to work safely, follow agreed procedures and report any concerns so that risks can be identified and controlled.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Islington Man and Van rests with the company management. Management will provide suitable resources, guidance and supervision to ensure this policy is implemented and reviewed regularly.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day implementation of safe systems of work, ensuring staff follow guidance and that any incidents, near misses or hazards are reported and recorded.

All employees and workers have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with the company, follow training and instructions, use equipment properly and report unsafe conditions immediately.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for our man and van and removals operations, including loading and unloading, lifting and carrying, driving, working in customer properties and handling specialist or heavy items. These assessments inform safe systems of work and control measures which staff are required to follow.

Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are changes to work practices, equipment or legislation. Site specific risks, such as restricted parking, difficult access, stairs, high value or fragile items, are identified before work begins and appropriate controls put in place.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of any man and van service. To reduce the risk of injury, staff receive training in correct lifting techniques, use of handling equipment and team lifting. Our principles are to avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable, assess unavoidable handling tasks and reduce risk by planning and using appropriate equipment.

Heavy or bulky items are not lifted by a single person. Where necessary, we will use trolleys, dollies, moving straps, furniture blankets and other aids. Staff are instructed not to exceed their individual physical capabilities and to ask for assistance if they are unsure about the safety of a lift.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

All vehicles used for removal services are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected regularly. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and follow road traffic laws at all times. Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transit, which helps protect both staff and customer belongings.

Drivers are expected to plan routes sensibly, allow sufficient time for journeys and take rest breaks to avoid fatigue. Use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving is prohibited unless in accordance with hands free and safety regulations. Any defects, accidents or near misses involving vehicles must be reported immediately so that corrective action can be taken.

Workplace and Customer Premises Safety

Our work often takes place in customer homes, offices and other premises. Staff are trained to work considerately and safely in these environments. This includes keeping access routes clear, using warning signs when appropriate, avoiding trip hazards from tools, ramps or packing materials, and protecting floors and walls where reasonably practicable.

Where access is restricted, for example narrow stairways or low ceilings, additional care is taken to avoid injury and property damage. Where a task cannot be carried out safely, employees are instructed to stop work and contact management for guidance before proceeding.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Only trained personnel are permitted to use removal equipment such as tail lifts, ramps and specialist handling devices. Equipment must be inspected before use and any defects reported. It must never be used beyond its rated capacity.

Personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear and high visibility clothing is provided where necessary. Staff are required to use such equipment as directed and to keep it in good condition. PPE is not a substitute for safe working practices and engineering controls, but it is an important additional protection.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise that the physical nature of removals work requires attention to employee welfare and fitness for work. Staff must not work under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances or misused prescription medication. Fatigue, illness or injury that could affect safe performance of duties must be reported so that work can be adjusted if needed.

We encourage open communication about any health concerns that may impact manual handling ability or driving duties. Where appropriate, temporary or permanent adjustments will be considered to support safe working.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses, damage to property and health and safety concerns must be reported promptly to management. Incidents are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. The aim of investigations is to prevent recurrence, not to apportion blame.

Information from incident reports, customer feedback and staff suggestions is used to continually improve our health and safety arrangements.

Training, Communication and Review

Islington Man and Van provides appropriate health and safety training for all employees, including induction, refresher training and specific instruction for higher risk activities. Changes to procedures or new risks are communicated clearly so that everyone understands what is required.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations or in relevant regulations and guidance. All staff are expected to familiarise themselves with the policy and to work in line with its principles at all times.

Customer Cooperation

We ask customers to support safe working by providing accurate information about access, parking and items to be moved, and by keeping pathways clear during loading and unloading. When both our team and our customers cooperate, removal work can be completed efficiently while maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved.