Edgware Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Edgware Man and Van 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. Safety is an integral part of how we plan and carry out every move, from single-item collections to full household and office relocations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
The objective of this Health and Safety policy is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that our removal operations are carried out safely, efficiently, and with minimal risk. This policy applies to all staff and to all activities undertaken in connection with our man and van and moving services.
We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by reviewing our procedures, learning from experience, and following relevant health and safety legislation and best practice guidance.
Roles and Responsibilities
Management at Edgware Man and Van is responsible for implementing this policy, setting safety standards, and providing the resources needed to maintain a safe working environment. Managers and supervisors must ensure that risk assessments are carried out, that safe systems of work are followed, and that staff receive appropriate information, instruction, and training.
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 or omissions. Staff must follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperate fully with health and safety measures put in place.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before work is undertaken, we assess the risks associated with removal and delivery tasks. This includes considering access routes, parking and loading, stairs and lifts, heavy or awkward items, fragile goods, and any specific customer requirements. Where necessary, site-specific risk assessments are carried out.
From these assessments, we develop safe systems of work that set out how tasks should be carried out to minimise risk. These may include the number of staff required, the use of handling equipment, lifting techniques, route planning, and any additional controls needed for particular items or environments.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All staff engaged in removal activities receive appropriate training relevant to their duties. This includes induction training on company safety procedures, manual handling, safe loading and unloading, use of equipment, and emergency arrangements. Refresher training is provided where necessary or when procedures change.
Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that safety standards are maintained and that less experienced staff are properly supported. Clear instructions are given before each job so that everyone understands their role, the risks involved, and the measures required to work safely.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of our moving and delivery work. We recognise the potential for injury if heavy or awkward items are lifted or carried incorrectly. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, including team lifting for heavy objects, maintaining good posture, and planning each move before it begins.
We provide appropriate handling aids, such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and protective materials, and these must be used where they can reduce risk. Employees must check equipment before use, report defects immediately, and not use damaged or unsafe items.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are an essential part of our removal service, and their safe operation is a priority. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence for the vehicles they operate and follow all road traffic laws and company driving procedures.
Vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained, and pre-use checks are carried out by drivers to identify any defects. Loads must be safely distributed and secured within the vehicle to prevent shifting during transit and to protect both staff and other road users. Drivers must not operate vehicles if they are unfit to drive or if a vehicle is unsafe.
Protection of Customers and the Public
We plan our work to minimise risks to customers and the public. This includes safe parking and loading, maintaining clear walkways, and careful movement of items through shared areas such as corridors, entrances, and staircases. Where appropriate, warning signs or barriers may be used to keep people away from hazardous areas.
Our teams are instructed to work tidily, avoid leaving trip hazards such as loose packing materials or tools, and to communicate clearly with customers about any temporary restrictions or safety considerations during the move.
Workplace Conditions and Welfare
We strive to ensure that working conditions, whether at our own premises, in vehicles, or at customer locations, are as safe and comfortable as reasonably practicable. This includes attention to lighting, ventilation, housekeeping, and access to drinking water and rest breaks, particularly during demanding moves or in adverse weather conditions.
Suitable clothing and personal protective equipment are provided where required, such as safety footwear and gloves. Staff are expected to use these correctly and to report any issues with fit or condition.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. We maintain records of incidents and investigate where necessary to identify causes and implement corrective actions.
Emergency procedures are in place for incidents such as fire, serious injury, or road traffic accidents. Staff are briefed on what to do in an emergency, including how to raise the alarm, how to evacuate premises safely, and how to obtain medical assistance.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
We regularly monitor our health and safety performance through inspections, feedback from staff and customers, and review of incident reports. This information is used to improve our procedures, equipment, and training.
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or relevant legislation. Updated versions are communicated to all employees, and staff are encouraged to contribute ideas to further improve safety in our removal and transport services.
Employee Cooperation and Policy Acceptance
Adherence to this Health and Safety policy is a condition of employment at Edgware Man and Van. We expect all staff to uphold our safety standards, cooperate fully with safety measures, and take an active role in creating a safe working environment for themselves, their colleagues, and our customers.
