Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Colliers Wood Man and Van

Colliers Wood Man and Van is committed to providing removal and man and van services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing risk during house moves, office relocations, furniture deliveries and all related moving and handling tasks.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property, and to promote safe working practices in every aspect of our removals operations. We aim to identify and control risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and transporting goods, so that every move is completed safely and efficiently.

Legal Responsibilities and Compliance

We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, regulations and approved codes of practice applicable to removal and transport activities. Management will keep our procedures under review to reflect any changes in legal requirements or industry standards, and will ensure that staff understand their responsibilities.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Colliers Wood Man and Van has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and providing a safe working environment. This includes:

Ensuring that safe systems of work are in place for removals, loading, unloading and driving. Providing appropriate tools, equipment, vehicles, protective gear and resources to work safely. Conducting and reviewing risk assessments for typical removal tasks and any non-routine work. Planning moves so that staffing, access and time allowances support safe practices. Monitoring performance, investigating incidents and taking corrective action where required.

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. Staff must:

Follow the training, instructions and safe systems of work provided. Use equipment, tools, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly. Report hazards, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions to management. Co-operate fully in any health and safety investigation or review. Avoid taking shortcuts that could create risk to themselves, colleagues or customers.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our core removal activities, including manual handling, working in confined spaces such as narrow hallways and stairwells, and operating in busy streets and residential areas. These assessments are used to develop safe methods of work that consider:

Access to properties, including stairs, lifts, doorways and parking arrangements. The weight, size and shape of items to be moved, such as furniture and appliances. The need for lifting aids, trolleys, straps and protective covers. Environmental conditions, including lighting, weather and traffic. The physical capabilities and training of the staff involved.

Where the level of risk is unacceptable, the work will be reorganised, additional staff or equipment will be used, or the task will be declined.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is central to removal work, and we pay particular attention to safe lifting and carrying. We will:

Provide training in correct lifting techniques and team lifting. Encourage staff to assess each item before lifting and to refuse unsafe loads. Use trolleys, dollies, skates, straps and similar equipment to reduce strain. Plan routes within properties to minimise carrying distances and obstacles. Rotate tasks where reasonably practicable to avoid repetitive strain.

Only trained and authorised staff may operate specialist equipment. All equipment will be maintained in good condition and removed from service if found to be defective.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our man and van services and must be operated safely at all times. We will:

Ensure that drivers are competent, licensed and familiar with their vehicles. Keep vehicles roadworthy through regular checks, servicing and inspections. Load vehicles safely, ensuring loads are evenly distributed and properly secured. Plan routes to allow sufficient time, avoiding undue pressure on drivers. Promote safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits and driving breaks.

Drivers must carry out daily vehicle checks, immediately report defects and refrain from driving if a vehicle is unsafe.

Customer and Public Safety

While working at customer premises or on public roads, we take all reasonable steps to protect customers and passers-by. This includes:

Maintaining clear walkways and exits during moves. Using warning signs or verbal warnings when carrying large or bulky items. Avoiding leaving equipment or packing materials where they could cause trips or falls. Handling customer belongings carefully to prevent damage and associated hazards.

We will liaise with customers before and during the move to agree safe access, parking locations and any special precautions needed.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide initial and ongoing health and safety training tailored to removal work. This may include manual handling, safe loading techniques, vehicle safety, personal protective equipment use and dealing with challenging environments. New staff receive induction training, and existing employees are refreshed as necessary.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring on-site behaviour, correcting unsafe practices and mentoring less experienced staff.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as reasonably possible. We will record, investigate and analyse incidents to identify root causes and implement improvements.

Emergency procedures are in place for incidents such as personal injury, fire, vehicle accidents and damage to property. Staff are trained to respond calmly, seek medical assistance where necessary and cooperate with emergency services.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. This policy and our associated procedures will be reviewed regularly, and in response to operational changes, significant incidents or updated legal requirements.

Suggestions from employees and customers regarding health and safety are welcomed and will be considered as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe, reliable and professional man and van removal service.