Elephant and Castle Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Elephant and Castle Man and Van manages safety for our staff, customers and members of the public during all removal and man and van activities. Our service regularly involves lifting, carrying, loading, transporting and unloading goods, so a clear and practical approach to health and safety is essential.
Policy Statement
Our aim is to carry out all work in a way that prevents injury, protects health and safeguards property. We are committed to complying with relevant health and safety legislation, industry best practice and any site-specific rules that apply where we are working.
Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Management will provide planning, information, and training, while employees and subcontractors are required to work safely, follow instructions and immediately report hazards or incidents.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for leading on health and safety, carrying out risk assessments, providing suitable equipment, arranging training, monitoring standards on jobs and responding to accidents, near misses and complaints related to safety.
Employees and regular subcontractors must cooperate with this policy, use equipment correctly, follow safe working procedures, attend required training, report defects or hazards and look after their own safety and that of colleagues, customers and the public.
Customers are asked to support safe working by providing clear access where possible, advising of any known hazards at the property and keeping children, pets and visitors away from moving vehicles and active loading areas.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We assess foreseeable risks associated with our work, including manual handling, moving bulky items, working in stairwells and tight spaces, vehicle movements, traffic, weather conditions and work at height when using ramps or access platforms.
For all regular tasks we develop simple, practical safe systems of work. Staff are briefed on these procedures and are expected to follow them. For unusual jobs or higher-risk environments, a dynamic on-site assessment is carried out and the work method adapted as required.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Manual handling is a core part of our removal work. To reduce the risk of strain, sprain or other injury, we:
Provide guidance on safe lifting techniques, such as keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting and team-lifting heavy or awkward items. Use handling aids including trolleys, dollies, furniture sliders, straps and blankets whenever appropriate. Plan routes in advance to avoid unnecessary carrying, steep steps where possible and trip hazards. Set reasonable limits on the size and weight of items that can be carried by a single person, and encourage staff to ask for help when unsure.
Where items are exceptionally heavy, fragile or awkward, we will discuss options with the customer which may include specialist equipment or additional labour.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are an important part of our service and can present significant hazards if not managed properly. We ensure that vehicles are maintained in line with legal requirements and that visible defects are reported and addressed before use. Drivers must hold a valid licence, obey speed limits and road rules, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Loads are positioned and secured to prevent movement, damage or instability, and vehicles are not overloaded. When reversing or manoeuvring in tight spaces, drivers use a guide or banksman where available and take particular care to protect pedestrians and property.
Safe Loading and Unloading at Properties
Loading and unloading often take place in busy streets, residential areas and shared access points. To keep everyone safe we position vehicles as safely as practicable, using hazard lights and warning signs or cones where available and appropriate. We aim to keep routes to and from the vehicle as clear as possible and avoid blocking fire exits or shared entrances.
Heavy or large items are moved slowly and carefully, using team lifts and handling aids. We take reasonable steps to protect floors, walls, doors and fixtures from damage while also reducing slip and trip risks caused by coverings and equipment.
Protection of Customers, Public and Property
Our teams are instructed to work with care around customers, neighbours and passers-by. Where necessary we will temporarily restrict access to areas where heavy lifting or vehicle manoeuvring is taking place. We take reasonable measures to avoid damage to property, including using protective blankets, corner protectors and other safeguards.
Customers are advised to keep children and pets away from work areas and to inform us of any particular risks such as fragile structures, low ceilings, loose steps, alarm systems or sensitive equipment so that we can plan accordingly.
Work Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
We provide appropriate work equipment for removal activities and keep it in good condition. Staff must visually check equipment before use and report any faults immediately. Damaged or defective equipment is taken out of service until repaired or replaced.
Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing is provided. Staff are responsible for using it as instructed and taking reasonable care of it.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff and regular subcontractors receive information and guidance relevant to their role, including safe lifting techniques, use of equipment, vehicle safety and emergency arrangements. Less experienced workers are supervised more closely until they demonstrate that they can work safely and competently on their own.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur during our work must be reported as soon as possible. We record basic details, provide or arrange first aid where required and, if necessary, advise the person to seek medical attention.
We investigate incidents to identify any root causes and take steps to prevent a recurrence, which may include updating procedures, providing additional training or changing equipment or work methods.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
Removal work can be physically demanding. We expect staff to present fit for work and to tell us about any condition or injury that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. Where appropriate, duties may be adjusted to reduce risk to the individual and others.
We discourage lone working for high-risk tasks and encourage staff to take reasonable breaks, remain hydrated and work at a sensible pace rather than rushing and increasing the chance of accidents.
Review of this Policy
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our work activities, legal requirements or industry guidance. Updated versions will be communicated to employees and made available to customers on request.
By implementing this policy and continually improving our practices, Elephant and Castle Man and Van aims to provide a safe, reliable and professional removal service for every job we undertake.
