Battersea Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Battersea Man and Van manages health, safety and welfare for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public affected by our removals and delivery operations. Our aim is to provide a safe, professional and reliable service while preventing injuries, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

Battersea Man and Van is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety performance across all aspects of our removal and transport services. We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and are dedicated to continuous improvement in our safety management and working practices.

We will provide suitable resources, information, training and supervision to ensure that health and safety standards are understood, implemented and maintained by everyone who works for or on behalf of the company.

Responsibilities

The management of Battersea Man and Van holds overall responsibility for ensuring this policy is implemented and reviewed regularly. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day health and safety arrangements, including safe planning of work, equipment maintenance, and ensuring that staff follow agreed procedures and use protective equipment correctly.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They are expected to cooperate with management, follow instructions and training, report hazards or incidents promptly, and not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health and safety purposes.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will identify and assess risks associated with our removal and transport activities, including manual handling, loading and unloading, driving, working at height, and working in and around client premises. Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and whenever work processes or conditions change significantly.

Based on these assessments, we will develop safe systems of work and method statements appropriate to each task. Staff will be briefed on these procedures and must follow them at all times. Where necessary, site-specific checks will be carried out before starting work at a client location.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is treated as a key safety priority. We will minimise manual handling risks by planning work carefully, using mechanical aids where reasonably practicable, and ensuring sufficient staff are allocated for heavy or awkward items.

All team members will receive manual handling training, including correct lifting techniques, team lifting, use of trolleys, straps and other aids. Staff must not attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their individual capability or that present an obvious risk of injury or damage.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Battersea Man and Van will ensure that all vehicles used for our services are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with legal requirements and manufacturer recommendations. Regular safety checks, servicing and defect reporting procedures will be in place to keep vehicles in good order.

Only competent and authorised drivers will operate our vehicles. Drivers must follow all road traffic laws, plan journeys to allow adequate time, and drive in a considerate and defensive manner. Loads will be secured properly to prevent movement or damage during transport, and vehicles will never be overloaded beyond their rated capacity.

Working at Client Premises

Our teams often work inside homes, offices and other premises. We will respect each location and take care to protect people, property and the working environment. Before starting work, staff will identify potential hazards such as trip risks, restricted access, fragile surfaces, sharp edges, or other service installations.

Protective coverings may be used where appropriate, and routes will be planned to reduce manual handling distance and avoid unnecessary risks. Staff will maintain clear communication with clients about access issues, parking, timing and any concerns related to health and safety.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be eliminated or adequately controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment will be provided. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and other protective items relevant to the task.

Employees and contractors are required to use the equipment as instructed, keep it in good condition and report any defects or issues so that replacements can be arranged promptly.

Training, Information and Supervision

Battersea Man and Van will provide appropriate health and safety training for all team members, including induction training for new staff and refreshers where necessary. Training will cover areas such as manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, incident reporting and emergency procedures.

Supervisors will monitor working practices to ensure procedures are followed and to identify opportunities for improvement. Health and safety information and instructions will be communicated clearly and updated as needed.

Accident, Incident and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, work-related ill health, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as practicable. We will investigate incidents to determine root causes, learn from them and implement corrective actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Records of incidents and investigations will be maintained and reviewed to identify any trends or areas requiring additional control measures, training or resources.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in the ongoing development of our safety procedures. Constructive feedback is used to refine our risk control measures, training and operational planning.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in legislation, business activities or working practices. Updated versions will be communicated to staff and made available to clients on request.

Policy Approval and Review

The management of Battersea Man and Van endorses this policy and is committed to providing the leadership and resources needed to implement it effectively. All employees and contractors are required to cooperate in upholding these standards to ensure that our removal and transport services are carried out safely, responsibly and professionally.

This policy is effective from the date of publication and will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains suitable, sufficient and aligned with our commitment to health and safety.