Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Soho
Man and a Van Soho is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety for our employees, customers, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This policy sets out our approach to creating and maintaining a safe working environment in all locations where we operate.
Policy Aim and Scope
The aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health, and damage to property arising from our removal and delivery services. It applies to all employees, contractors, agency staff, and any other individuals engaged in work on behalf of Man and a Van Soho, whether at customer premises, on the road, or at any temporary storage or loading area.
We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and are committed to complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry best practices relating to removal, lifting, and transportation work.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man and a Van Soho holds overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes:
Ensuring that health and safety is given equal priority with operational and commercial activities. Providing appropriate resources for training, equipment, and supervision to support safe working practices. Carrying out and reviewing risk assessments for key activities, including moving heavy items, loading and unloading vehicles, and working in confined or shared spaces. Ensuring that vehicles and equipment used for removal services are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition.
Managers and supervisors are expected to lead by example, promote a positive safety culture, and ensure that employees understand and comply with this policy.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions at work. This includes:
Following all safety instructions, procedures, and training provided by Man and a Van Soho. Using vehicles, tools, and equipment correctly and only for their intended purpose. Reporting hazards, near misses, accidents, or unsafe conditions to a manager as soon as possible. Wearing appropriate workwear and personal protective equipment where required. Cooperating with any health and safety investigations or reviews.
No employee is expected to carry out any task that they reasonably believe to be unsafe. Concerns should be raised immediately with a manager so that appropriate measures can be taken.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We identify, assess, and manage risks associated with our removal and transport operations. Typical risks include manual handling of heavy or bulky items, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, vehicle movements in busy streets, working on stairs or in narrow corridors, and potential contact with fragile or hazardous items at customer premises.
To control these risks, we implement safe working practices such as:
Planning each removal job in advance, taking into account access routes, parking, and any special handling requirements. Using team lifting techniques, trolleys, and other mechanical aids where appropriate to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries. Ensuring that pathways, driveways, and stairways are assessed for slip, trip, and fall hazards before work begins. Taking extra care when working in shared areas, communal entrances, and public spaces so that members of the public are not put at risk.
Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and updated following any incident, significant change in working practices, or introduction of new equipment.
Vehicles, Equipment and Maintenance
Man and a Van Soho maintains all vehicles and equipment used in connection with our removal services to a safe standard. This includes:
Carrying out routine checks of tyres, brakes, lights, and securing systems on vehicles used for transporting goods. Inspecting removal equipment such as straps, blankets, trolleys, and ramps for defects and removing damaged items from service. Loading vehicles in a way that maintains stability, prevents shifting of goods during transit, and protects both staff and customers property.
Only trained and authorised personnel may drive company vehicles or operate any specialist moving or lifting equipment used by the business.
Manual Handling and Preventing Injury
Manual handling is a key part of removal work and is a major focus of our health and safety arrangements. We work to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries by:
Providing training on correct lifting techniques, posture, and team coordination. Encouraging staff to assess the weight, size, and shape of each item before lifting and to request assistance where necessary. Planning routes that minimise the need to carry heavy loads over long distances or up multiple flights of stairs. Using appropriate equipment to assist with moving heavier or awkward items wherever reasonably practicable.
No employee should attempt to lift or move an item that exceeds their capabilities or for which safe handling equipment or support is not available.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We recognise that our work often takes place in homes, offices, and shared residential or commercial buildings. We take reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours, and members of the public by:
Maintaining clear access routes where possible and keeping them free of trailing straps, packaging, and other trip hazards. Communicating with customers about any temporary restrictions on access during loading or unloading. Handling furniture and belongings carefully to avoid damage to floors, walls, fixtures, and fittings which could create safety hazards.
Where necessary, staff may ask customers or visitors to stay clear of certain areas while heavy items are being moved to prevent accidental injury.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man and a Van Soho provides its staff with information, instruction, and training appropriate to their role. This may include induction training, manual handling guidance, safe driving practices, use of equipment, and incident reporting procedures.
Supervision is provided to ensure that safety standards are maintained, especially for new employees or those undertaking unfamiliar tasks. Refresher training is arranged as needed, and changes to procedures are communicated promptly.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, and near misses occurring during our work must be reported to management as soon as possible. This enables us to investigate incidents, identify causes, and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
Employees are briefed on emergency procedures relevant to their work, such as responding to injuries, vehicle breakdowns, or fire alarms at customer premises. Where appropriate, first aid arrangements are made available and staff are encouraged to familiarise themselves with local emergency contacts and exit routes.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
We are committed to continual improvement in our health and safety performance. Feedback from employees, customers, and other stakeholders is encouraged and is considered when reviewing risk assessments and procedures.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes in legislation, our operations, or identified risks. The current version of the policy is made available to all staff and is accessible to customers upon request.
By working together to follow this policy, Man and a Van Soho aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone involved.
