Man and Van Soho Health and Safety Policy
Man and Van Soho is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our general approach and the arrangements we have in place to manage safety in all moving, lifting, loading, unloading and transport operations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and incidents on the road by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by reviewing working practices, encouraging staff participation and responding promptly to any issues or incidents.
This policy applies to all aspects of our work, including domestic and commercial moves, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, short-distance and longer-distance transport and any related handling of furniture, equipment and personal belongings.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety considerations are integrated into day-to-day operations. This includes providing suitable resources for safety, ensuring that all staff receive appropriate training and supervision, and monitoring performance to verify that safe working practices are followed.
Managers will ensure that risk assessments are carried out for removal and transport tasks, that findings are communicated to staff, and that any required control measures are put in place and maintained. Management will review this policy regularly and update it when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice or company operations.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, including drivers, porters and supervisors, share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Staff must take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following training and instructions, using equipment correctly and cooperating fully with health and safety procedures.
Employees are expected to report hazards, near-misses, incidents and concerns to management without delay. Staff must not misuse or interfere with any equipment provided for safety purposes and must not undertake any task for which they have not been trained or authorised.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Man and Van Soho identifies and manages risks associated with manual handling, working in confined or restricted spaces, operating on stairs, handling heavy or awkward loads, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, and working in customers premises. Formal risk assessments are carried out where necessary, and the findings are used to develop safe systems of work.
Before commencing a job, staff will consider access routes, parking arrangements, lifting requirements, potential obstructions and any specific risks at the premises. Where hazards are identified, appropriate controls will be implemented, such as using additional staff, mechanical aids or alternative methods of handling.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Lifting and carrying is a core part of our removal activities and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, use of trolleys and other handling aids. Wherever reasonably practicable, heavy or bulky items are moved using equipment or by more than one person.
Employees are instructed not to attempt to lift items that are beyond their capability or that present an unreasonable risk. Loads are assessed for weight, size, shape and stability before moving, and clear communication between team members is required during joint lifts and manoeuvres on stairs, ramps and tight spaces.
Vehicle and Road Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular inspections and servicing. Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner at all times.
Loads are secured within the vehicle to prevent movement, damage or instability during transit. Staff are trained in correct loading patterns, weight distribution and use of straps, blankets and other securing devices. Vehicles must not be overloaded, and access to doors and emergency exits must be kept clear.
Working at Customer Premises
When operating at customers homes or business premises, our staff will take steps to protect people, property and belongings. This includes using protective covers where appropriate, maintaining clear walkways, and positioning ramps or equipment safely. We will make reasonable efforts to minimise trip hazards, noise and disruption.
Where access is shared with other users, such as in communal hallways, lifts or loading bays, our team will coordinate work to reduce risk, communicate clearly with others in the area, and adhere to any site-specific safety rules provided by the customer or building management.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment will be provided and used. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and other protective items relevant to the task. Staff are responsible for using PPE correctly, reporting defects and storing it appropriately.
Training, Supervision and Competence
Man and Van Soho provides training appropriate to each role, including induction training, manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety and emergency procedures. Additional training is provided when new equipment or processes are introduced, or when risk assessments indicate a need.
Supervisors monitor work to ensure that safe practices are being followed and that new or less experienced staff receive adequate guidance. Competence is reviewed on an ongoing basis and refresher training is provided where necessary.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near-misses and damage to property must be reported to management as soon as possible. Reports are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions that will help prevent recurrence.
We encourage open reporting and do not tolerate any form of reprisal against staff who raise safety concerns in good faith. Lessons learned from incidents are shared with staff and, where appropriate, incorporated into revised procedures, training and risk assessments.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise the physical demands of removal work and aim to protect the health and welfare of our staff. Employees are expected to attend work in a fit condition, free from the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, and to inform management of any health issues that may affect their ability to work safely.
Regular breaks, access to drinking water and reasonable working hours are provided to reduce the risk of fatigue. Where necessary, adjustments may be made to tasks or working methods to accommodate individual health needs, as far as is reasonably practicable.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Man and Van Soho is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety management. We review our procedures, training and risk assessments in light of experience, staff feedback and changes in our working environment.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and updated when necessary to ensure it remains relevant and effective for our removal and transport operations. All staff are informed of any significant changes and are expected to familiarise themselves with the current version.
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| Transit Van | 1 Man | 2 Men |
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| Per half day /Up to 4 hrs/ | from £240 | from £336 |
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Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 07:00-00:00
Postal code: W1H 1NF
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Web: https://manandvansoho.org.uk/
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