Health and Safety policy

Acton Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Acton Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public affected by our removal and transportation services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our principles, responsibilities and procedures for managing risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, loading and unloading, driving and on-site activities.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe practices in every aspect of our work. We will identify, assess and control risks that may arise during packing, lifting, carrying, loading, transport, unloading and placement of items at customer locations. We will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and aim for continuous improvement in our performance.

This policy applies to all employees and to any contractors working on behalf of Acton Man and Van. We expect all staff to take personal responsibility for working safely, following procedures and reporting hazards immediately.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Acton Man and Van is responsible for providing clear direction on health and safety and for ensuring that adequate resources are in place. This includes appropriate training, supervision, equipment, vehicles and time to perform tasks safely. Management will regularly review this policy, conduct periodic risk assessments, investigate incidents and near misses, and implement corrective actions where required.

Senior personnel will ensure that safe systems of work are established for removals, including safe lifting practices, manual handling techniques and secure loading of vehicles. They will also ensure that employees understand their responsibilities and have access to guidance and support.

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. All staff must follow the procedures and instructions provided by Acton Man and Van, including the correct use of equipment and personal protective equipment where issued.

Employees must report any hazards, unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, near misses, incidents or injuries to management as soon as reasonably practicable. Staff must not misuse or interfere with anything provided for health, safety or welfare purposes, and must never attempt tasks that they are not trained or physically capable of performing safely.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Acton Man and Van will carry out risk assessments for typical removal activities and for any non-routine or higher risk tasks. These assessments will identify potential hazards such as heavy lifting, awkward loads, confined spaces, trip and slip risks, working on stairs, working near traffic, weather conditions and site-specific issues at customer premises.

Based on the findings of these assessments, we will implement control measures including safe lifting techniques, use of trolleys and lifting aids, appropriate staffing levels for heavy or bulky items, route planning within properties, and clear communication between team members. Staff must follow these safe systems of work at all times.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a central part of our removal services and presents significant risk if not managed properly. Acton Man and Van will provide instruction on correct lifting techniques, team lifts, and the use of handling equipment such as dollies, sack trucks and furniture sliders. Wherever practicable, loads will be reduced in weight, broken down into smaller parts or moved with mechanical assistance.

Employees must assess each lift before starting, considering weight, size, shape, stability, route and environmental conditions. No employee should attempt to lift or carry items they believe to be beyond their capability, and must request assistance or alternative methods where necessary.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our operations and must be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Acton Man and Van will ensure that vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced and kept clean and tidy to reduce risks during loading, unloading and transport. Daily pre-use checks will be carried out by drivers, and any defects will be reported and addressed promptly.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, obey speed limits and traffic regulations, and drive in a manner that takes account of load, road conditions and weather. Loads must be distributed evenly and secured using appropriate restraints to prevent movement during transit. Doors, ramps and tail lifts, where fitted, must be used correctly and safely.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer homes or business premises, our teams must consider the safety of occupants, visitors and members of the public. Routes will be agreed with customers where possible to minimise disruption and risks. Trip hazards, such as trailing straps or packing materials, will be avoided or clearly controlled.

Where work is carried out near entrances, pavements or shared access, staff will maintain awareness of pedestrians and other users. Heavy or bulky items will be moved carefully to avoid collision or damage, and staff will communicate clearly with each other and with customers throughout the move.

Training, Information and Supervision

Acton Man and Van will provide appropriate health and safety training for all employees, especially new starters and those taking on new roles or responsibilities. Training may include induction, manual handling, safe loading and unloading, use of equipment, driving standards and emergency procedures.

Supervisors and team leaders will monitor working practices on site and in vehicles, provide guidance and correct unsafe behaviour. Refresher training will be provided as required to maintain competence and awareness.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Acton Man and Van will maintain records of such events, investigate their causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Employees will be informed of emergency procedures relevant to their work, including what to do in case of fire, road traffic collision, personal injury or sudden illness during a job. First aid provisions will be made available as appropriate for the size and nature of our operations, and staff will be informed how to access them.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of employee fitness and wellbeing. Staff are expected to present for work in a fit state, free from the influence of alcohol or drugs, and capable of performing their duties safely. Any health issues that may affect safe working should be discussed confidentially with management so that reasonable adjustments can be considered.

Acton Man and Van will aim to organise work in a way that reduces excessive fatigue, encourages breaks where appropriate and minimises unnecessary strain. We will promote a culture in which staff can raise health and safety concerns without fear of blame or disadvantage.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes to legislation, our operations or identified risks. Staff will be informed of any important changes and are encouraged to contribute suggestions for improving safety standards.

By working together and following this policy, Acton Man and Van aims to deliver efficient, reliable and safe removal services while protecting our staff, customers and the wider public at all times.