Ealing Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures that guide Ealing Man and Van in delivering safe, reliable moving and removal services. Our objective is to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our activities.

We are committed to operating in a responsible manner, identifying and controlling risks associated with transport, lifting, handling and working in residential and commercial premises. This policy applies to all staff and to all removal and delivery operations carried out under the Ealing Man and Van name.

Management Commitment and Responsibilities

Senior management at Ealing Man and Van has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management will provide the resources, information, instruction and supervision necessary to ensure that work is carried out safely and in line with relevant legal requirements.

Managers are responsible for:

Ensuring risk assessments are completed, recorded and reviewed regularly for all key tasks, including loading, unloading, driving and working at customer premises.

Providing suitable training and refresher training on manual handling, safe driving, use of equipment and emergency procedures.

Monitoring work practices, investigating incidents and taking corrective action to prevent recurrence.

Ensuring vehicles and equipment are maintained in a safe condition and removed from service if found to be unsafe.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and workers engaged by Ealing Man and Van share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Every team member is expected to:

Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided.

Use equipment, tools and vehicles correctly and report defects or damage immediately.

Report all accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions to a manager at the earliest opportunity.

Wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment when required by the nature of the task or as instructed.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Ealing Man and Van conducts regular risk assessments to identify hazards and implement suitable control measures. These assessments cover common removal and delivery activities, including:

Manual handling of furniture, appliances, boxes and other loads.

Use of trolleys, ramps and other handling aids.

Loading and unloading vehicles at kerbside or on private property.

Working in confined spaces such as stairwells, corridors and lifts.

Driving and parking in residential and commercial streets.

Based on these assessments, we adopt safe systems of work to minimise risk, such as planning routes in advance, checking access at collection and delivery points, and ensuring enough staff are present to carry out tasks safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a central part of removal services, and we place strong emphasis on safe lifting techniques. Staff are trained to:

Assess the load before lifting and seek assistance for heavy or awkward items.

Use proper posture, keeping the back straight and lifting with the legs.

Break down larger loads into smaller, manageable units whenever possible.

Use handling aids such as dollies, straps and sliders when appropriate.

Never attempt to lift items that exceed their capability or that cannot be moved safely in the available space.

Where an item cannot be moved safely due to weight, dimensions or access restrictions, the job will be reassessed and, if necessary, alternative arrangements will be made or the task will not proceed.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Safe vehicle operation is essential to protect our drivers, passengers, other road users and the goods we transport. Ealing Man and Van ensures that:

All drivers hold a valid licence for the type of vehicle driven and meet internal standards for driving competence.

Vehicles are checked regularly, with documented inspections for tyres, lights, brakes, fuel, oil, securing points and lifting equipment where fitted.

Loads are distributed evenly, secured properly and kept within the vehicle's permitted weight limits.

Drivers follow safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits, avoiding distractions and planning journeys to reduce time pressure.

Parking and unloading are carried out in a way that minimises risk to the public, avoiding obstructing pavements and exits where possible.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams work in a variety of environments, including homes, offices and shared access areas. To protect customers and the public, Ealing Man and Van will:

Plan work to reduce congestion in doorways, hallways and other routes used by occupants.

Keep walkways as clear as reasonably practicable, avoiding trailing straps and loose packaging.

Use safe techniques when moving items on stairs, landings and in lifts, and avoid tasks that would put people at unacceptable risk.

Exercise care to prevent damage to property, fixtures and fittings that could create hazards, such as sharp edges, broken glass or unstable structures.

Communicate clearly with customers about access, timings and any specific risks identified at the premises.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

Where equipment or tools are required to perform a removal or delivery safely, Ealing Man and Van will provide suitable items and ensure they are maintained in good condition. This may include trolleys, furniture blankets, straps, ramps and basic hand tools. Staff must never use damaged or defective equipment.

Where risk assessments identify a need for personal protective equipment, such as gloves or safety footwear, these will be provided and must be used as instructed.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive induction training covering company health and safety rules, emergency procedures, manual handling and vehicle safety. Additional role-specific training is provided where necessary, and refresher training is carried out at appropriate intervals or following incidents or changes in working practices.

Supervisors monitor work on site and during transport, especially when new employees are involved or when complex moves are undertaken. Feedback is encouraged so that working methods can be continually improved.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

Any accident, injury, near miss or damage to property must be reported promptly to management, who will record the details and investigate the cause. Corrective measures will be implemented, which may include changes to procedures, additional training or equipment upgrades.

Staff are instructed in basic emergency responses, such as how to react in the event of fire, serious injury, road traffic incidents or hazardous conditions at a customer site. Where required, emergency services will be contacted without delay.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Ealing Man and Van regularly reviews this Health and Safety Policy to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our services. Reviews take into account changes in legislation, industry best practice, feedback from staff and customers, and any incidents that have occurred.

We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. All employees are encouraged to contribute ideas for safer working methods and to raise concerns about any aspect of health and safety without fear of reprisal.

By following this policy, Ealing Man and Van aims to provide a professional, efficient and safe man and van and removal service for every customer.