Man and Van Catford Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Catford 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. We recognise that effective health and safety management is essential to delivering efficient moving services and to protecting people, property and the environment.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health associated with removals, loading and unloading, driving and on-site activities. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to identify hazards, assess risks and implement appropriate control measures in every part of our service area.

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for applying safe systems of work on each job, ensuring that staff follow agreed procedures and that any issues are reported promptly. Every employee and contractor has a duty to work safely, use equipment correctly and cooperate with health and safety arrangements.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting removal work, we carry out risk assessments that are appropriate to the scale and nature of the job. These assessments consider factors such as access routes, stairs, parking, loading areas, weather conditions and the size and weight of items to be moved. Where necessary, we adapt our plan to minimise risk, including scheduling additional staff, using specialist equipment or adjusting the route.

Safe working practices are developed from these assessments and are communicated to the team before work begins. Staff are expected to follow agreed methods, report any changes in conditions and stop work if they believe that continuing would present a serious risk to themselves or others.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core element of our removal services, and we take particular care to control the related risks. Our staff receive instruction in correct lifting techniques, including maintaining good posture, keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting movements and seeking assistance with heavy or awkward items.

Wherever possible, we use handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps and ramps to reduce the physical strain associated with moving goods. No employee is expected to lift or carry a load they consider beyond their capability. We encourage early reporting of any discomfort or signs of strain so that adjustments can be made and further injury avoided.

Vehicle Safety and Transport

Safe operation of our vans is essential to protecting our staff and other road users across our operating area. Vehicles are maintained regularly and checked before use for issues such as tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors and securing points. Any defects are reported immediately and vehicles are taken out of service if they are not roadworthy.

Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence, follow all highway rules and regulations and drive with consideration for traffic, weather and local conditions. Loads are distributed evenly and secured within the vehicle to prevent movement during transit. Doors and ramps are used carefully during loading and unloading to prevent slips, trips and falls.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide suitable equipment to support safe removals, including lifting aids and protective materials. Staff are trained in the correct use of all equipment and are instructed not to use any item that appears damaged or unsafe. Faulty equipment is removed from service until it has been repaired or replaced.

Where the risk assessment identifies a need for personal protective equipment, such as gloves or safety footwear, it is provided and must be worn as directed. Employees are responsible for taking reasonable care of equipment issued to them and reporting any loss or damage.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect customers, visitors and members of the public while carrying out removal work. We plan vehicle positioning and loading areas to minimise obstruction and keep routes clear wherever possible. Trip hazards such as loose packaging materials or tools are kept under control and removed promptly when no longer required.

When working in shared spaces or near public walkways, we take additional care with moving large items and equipment, using spotters where necessary to guide movement and avoid contact with other people or property.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive induction training that covers our health and safety expectations, safe handling techniques, vehicle procedures and emergency arrangements. Additional training is provided when new equipment, processes or risks are introduced. Supervisors monitor work practices on site, provide guidance and take corrective action if unsafe behaviour is observed.

Health and safety information is communicated clearly, and employees are encouraged to ask questions if they are unsure about any task. We promote a culture in which raising concerns about safety is welcomed and acted upon.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, near misses, injuries and damage to property that occur during our work must be reported to management as soon as possible. We investigate these events to understand their causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with the team and incorporated into our procedures, training and risk assessments.

This policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice or the nature of our services. We are committed to continuously improving our health and safety performance to support safe, reliable removals for every customer we serve.