Hampstead Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Hampstead Man and Van is committed to providing a professional removals and transportation service that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, loading and unloading, transportation, and related services across our operating area.

We recognise our legal and moral responsibility to maintain safe working practices, safe systems of work, and a safety-conscious culture in all aspects of our operations. Health and safety considerations are integral to planning and delivering every move, whether domestic or commercial.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The aims of this Health and Safety Policy are to:

Promote a safe working environment for all employees and contractors engaged in removal services and associated activities. Reduce the risk of injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. Ensure that all vehicles, equipment, and working methods meet relevant safety standards. Provide information, instruction, training, and supervision so that all team members are competent to carry out their tasks safely. Continuously improve our health and safety performance through regular review and monitoring.

Management Responsibilities

Management has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and for ensuring that health and safety are given equal priority alongside operational efficiency and customer service. This includes:

Ensuring that risk assessments are completed for removal activities, including lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, and driving. Providing suitable equipment for moving and handling items, such as trolleys, straps, blankets, and protective gear. Maintaining vehicles so they are safe, roadworthy, and suitable for the loads they carry. Investigating incidents, accidents, and near misses to identify root causes and take corrective action. Allocating sufficient resources for health and safety training, equipment, and maintenance.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, including drivers, porters, and supervisors, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees are expected to:

Follow all health and safety procedures, guidance, and instructions provided by the company. Use vehicles, equipment, and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Maintain good manual handling practices and avoid taking unnecessary risks when lifting or carrying items. Cooperate with management in implementing this policy and participate in relevant training. Report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents, and near misses as soon as they occur.

Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work

Hampstead Man and Van conducts risk assessments for typical tasks involved in removals, including visiting premises, navigating stairways and tight access areas, packing, dismantling and reassembly of furniture, and transporting goods. Where necessary, site-specific assessments may be carried out prior to complex or high-risk moves.

Safe systems of work are developed based on these assessments, covering matters such as team sizes for heavy items, safe lifting techniques, safe stacking and securing of loads in vehicles, and procedures for working in shared or public spaces.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core aspect of removals work, and incorrect lifting can lead to serious injury. To minimise risks:

Staff are trained in correct manual handling techniques, including lifting with the legs, keeping loads close to the body, and avoiding twisting while carrying. Heavy, awkward, or bulky items are handled by teams rather than individuals wherever possible. Mechanical aids and handling equipment are used to reduce strain and prevent injury. Staff are instructed not to exceed safe lifting limits and to request assistance when required.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Safe driving and vehicle operations are essential to our removals service. Hampstead Man and Van ensures that:

All drivers hold the appropriate licences and are competent to drive the vehicles they operate. Vehicles are inspected regularly, maintained in a roadworthy condition, and loaded within permitted weight limits. Loads are distributed and secured safely to prevent shifting during transit. Routes and schedules are planned to support safe driving, allowing adequate time for traffic and loading. Drivers follow road traffic laws and company guidelines regarding speed, parking, and safe unloading.

Customer and Public Safety

During removal operations, we take steps to protect customers and members of the public from potential hazards. This includes:

Keeping access routes as clear as reasonably practicable while loading and unloading. Using caution when moving items through shared entrances, corridors, and footpaths. Communicating with customers about any temporary restrictions, trip hazards, or safety considerations. Taking care to prevent damage to property, fixtures, and fittings during handling and transportation.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Hampstead Man and Van is committed to ensuring that staff are trained and competent for their roles. This includes induction training for new employees, covering health and safety responsibilities, manual handling, vehicle safety, and incident reporting, task-specific training for lifting heavy or fragile items, and when using equipment, and ongoing refresher training as needed to maintain safe working standards.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring adherence to safe practices on site and for addressing unsafe behaviour or conditions immediately.

Accident and Incident Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. The company keeps records of such events, investigates where appropriate, and uses the findings to improve procedures and prevent recurrence.

Employees are expected to cooperate fully in any investigation and to provide honest and accurate information about circumstances leading to an incident.

Review of Policy

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed on a regular basis and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, best practice, or the nature of our operations. Any revisions will be communicated to employees, and relevant procedures will be amended accordingly.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Hampstead Man and Van aims to deliver a safe, efficient, and reliable removals service for all customers while safeguarding the wellbeing of our team and the wider community.