Health and Safety policy

Clapham Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Clapham Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with house moves, office relocations, packing, loading, transportation, and unloading of goods.

Our Health and Safety Responsibilities

We recognise our responsibility to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and to apply best practice within the removals industry. Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate arrangements, resources, and competent supervision are in place so that health and safety standards are maintained and continually improved.

All employees, contractors, and temporary staff are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions while carrying out removal and delivery services.

General Policy Statement

Clapham Man and Van aims to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our operations. To achieve this, we will identify hazards, assess risks, and implement suitable control measures for all key activities, including packing, lifting, carrying, loading, driving, and working at customer premises.

This policy is communicated to all employees and is made available to customers upon request. It is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect operational changes, legislation, and industry standards.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before starting a removal or delivery job, we assess potential risks associated with the premises, access routes, items to be moved, and any specific customer requirements. As part of our planning, we consider factors such as staircases, narrow corridors, heavy or awkward items, parking arrangements, and potential interaction with the public.

Where a higher level of risk is identified, we put in place additional controls such as extra staff, specialist equipment, or changes to the planned method of work. Where necessary, our team may adjust timings or routes to maintain safe working conditions.

Training, Competence, and Supervision

We provide our staff with appropriate training to carry out removal and transport tasks safely and efficiently. This includes induction training for new employees and ongoing toolbox talks or refreshers for existing staff.

Core training areas include manual handling techniques, correct use of lifting aids and trolleys, safe loading and unloading, working safely in and around vehicles, and awareness of risks in customer homes and workplaces. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring working practices and intervening where unsafe behaviour or conditions are identified.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of our services, and we recognise the importance of managing this risk carefully. Our staff are trained to use safe lifting techniques, avoid unnecessary manual handling, work in teams when moving heavy or bulky items, and make full use of removal equipment such as dollies, trolleys, straps, and protective covers.

We select removal and handling equipment that is suitable for its intended purpose and maintain it to ensure it remains in safe working condition. Faulty or damaged equipment is taken out of service until it is repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are an essential part of our removal operations and are maintained to a high standard. Routine checks are carried out to ensure brakes, tyres, lights, and other safety-critical components are in good working order. Vehicles are loaded and secured safely so that items do not move during transit and do not obstruct the driver’s view or access.

Drivers are expected to hold the correct licence for the vehicles they operate and to adhere to road traffic laws at all times. We promote safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits, careful manoeuvring in residential streets, and consideration for pedestrians and other road users.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises, we take care to protect both the property and the people in and around it. Our teams plan access routes, keep work areas as clear as reasonably practicable, and use protective covers where necessary to safeguard floors, doors, and furniture.

We aim to minimise disruption to neighbours and other members of the public in the vicinity. Where our work may affect others, for example when carrying items along shared corridors or pavements, our staff are instructed to act courteously and to manage risks to public safety.

Housekeeping and Prevention of Slips, Trips, and Falls

Good housekeeping is essential to safe removal operations. We strive to maintain clear walkways, reduce clutter, and avoid leaving tools or packing materials where they could create trip hazards. Cables, straps, and other equipment are positioned carefully to minimise risk.

Our staff are trained to identify and report hazards such as uneven flooring, wet surfaces, or poor lighting so that appropriate measures can be taken, such as using additional lighting, warning colleagues, or adjusting the work method.

Protective Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment

Where identified by risk assessment, staff are provided with suitable personal protective equipment, such as protective footwear and gloves. It is the responsibility of employees to use this equipment correctly and to report any loss or defect immediately so that it can be replaced or repaired.

Accident, Incident, and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, and near-miss events involving our staff, customers, or members of the public are taken seriously. We encourage prompt reporting so that we can investigate what happened, identify the underlying causes, and take action to prevent recurrence.

Where appropriate, we maintain records of incidents and review them periodically in order to identify trends and opportunities for improvement in our health and safety arrangements.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise that the physical nature of removal work can be demanding. Staff are encouraged to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. Where necessary, we may adapt duties or allocate additional assistance to protect the health of the individual and the safety of the team.

We do not tolerate the consumption of alcohol or misuse of drugs during working hours or in circumstances that could affect an employee’s fitness for work. Anyone suspected of being unfit for duty will be removed from safety-critical tasks.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Clapham Man and Van is committed to continual improvement of our health and safety performance. We review this policy regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective in supporting safe, reliable removal services. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and used to refine our processes, training, and working methods.

By following this Health and Safety Policy, we aim to provide a professional removal service that protects our staff, our customers, their belongings, and the communities in which we operate.