Ruislip Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Ruislip Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public. As a professional removals and man and van service, we recognise that our activities involve manual handling, vehicle movements, and work at domestic and commercial premises. We therefore take proactive steps to manage and reduce health and safety risks.
Policy Statement and Objectives
The objective of this Health and Safety policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. We aim to achieve continuous improvement in safety standards by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing sensible control measures. Senior management accepts ultimate responsibility for health and safety, and expects all employees and contractors to co-operate fully in the implementation of this policy.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for putting in place arrangements that ensure work is planned, supervised, and carried out safely. This includes providing appropriate training, equipment, and resources, and reviewing this policy on a regular basis. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation on jobs, including briefing staff, checking vehicles and equipment, and monitoring safe working practices.
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. This includes following instructions, using equipment correctly, wearing any specified protective equipment, reporting hazards, and stopping work if they believe it is unsafe to continue.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before each removal or transport job, we assess the key risks associated with the work. This may include access routes, parking and loading points, stairways, lifts, floor surfaces, lighting, and any unusual or heavy items. Where possible, a pre-move assessment will be conducted to identify hazards and agree a safe plan of work.
Findings from risk assessments are used to determine staffing levels, the selection of vehicles and equipment, safe lifting methods, and any additional controls required. Staff are briefed on the plan before the job starts and encouraged to raise any concerns so that adjustments can be made.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a major focus of our safety arrangements. All staff carrying out lifting and carrying tasks receive guidance in safe manual handling techniques, including team lifting, use of lifting aids, and recognising personal limits. Heavy or bulky items are handled with appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, or wheeled platforms where suitable.
We do not allow lone lifting of items that are too heavy, awkward, or unstable to be handled safely by one person. Routes are checked and cleared of obstacles before carrying loads, and staff are instructed to take regular breaks when carrying out physically demanding work.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
Only trained and authorised personnel may operate company vehicles. Drivers must comply with road traffic laws and drive in a manner that prioritises the safety of passengers, other road users, and pedestrians. Vehicles are inspected regularly and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. Any defects or safety concerns must be reported immediately and the vehicle taken out of service if it is unsafe to use.
All equipment used during moves, such as ramps, blankets, straps, and trolleys, is selected for suitability and inspected for damage or wear. Faulty or damaged equipment must not be used and is removed from service until repaired or replaced.
Customer Premises and Site Safety
Our teams work at a variety of properties, including homes, offices, and other commercial locations. We treat each site with care, aiming to protect both people and property. When arriving at a site, the team will identify safe access routes, check for hazards such as uneven surfaces or low headroom, and agree safe lifting and loading points.
Where required, we may ask customers to restrict access to certain areas while work is in progress, particularly around loading areas and stairwells. We request that children and pets are kept away from work areas to avoid accidents. Our staff will also take reasonable steps to prevent trip hazards by managing trailing straps, equipment, and packing materials.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risk assessments indicate that personal protective equipment is necessary, Ruislip Man and Van will provide it and ensure that employees know how to use it correctly. This may include gloves, safety footwear, or other items appropriate to the task. Employees are responsible for looking after the equipment provided to them and reporting any loss or damage.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All staff receive appropriate information and guidance relevant to their role. This includes induction guidance for new starters, updates on safe working methods, and specific instructions for specialised tasks. Supervisors monitor working practices and provide additional guidance where necessary to maintain consistent standards.
Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses
Any accident, injury, or near miss that occurs during our work must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. We record details, investigate the causes, and take action to prevent a recurrence. This may involve updating risk assessments, changing procedures, providing further training, or improving equipment.
Wellbeing and Fitness for Work
Ruislip Man and Van recognises that good health and wellbeing are important for safe working. Employees are expected to attend work in a fit condition, free from the influence of drugs or alcohol and able to carry out their duties safely. Anyone who feels unwell or physically unable to perform a task safely should inform their supervisor so that alternative arrangements can be made.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations or relevant legislation. Feedback from employees, customers, and other stakeholders is welcomed and used to improve our safety practices. By working together, we aim to maintain high standards of health and safety across all removal and transport activities carried out by Ruislip Man and Van.
