Health and Safety policy

Hammersmith Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Hammersmith Man and Van is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety across all of our removal and transport services. Our aim is to protect our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public from injury, ill health and avoidable risk during house moves, office relocations and all related activities.

This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in our day-to-day operations and within our wider service area. It is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant and compliant with current legislation and industry best practice.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Hammersmith Man and Van rests with the company management. They ensure that adequate resources, information, training and supervision are provided so that this policy is implemented effectively.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring on-the-job activities, identifying hazards, enforcing safe working procedures and reporting any incidents, near misses or unsafe conditions.

All employees, including drivers and porters, must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff are required to follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, cooperate with training, and immediately report any concerns or accidents.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including household removals, commercial moves, loading and unloading, and transport. These assessments identify potential hazards such as manual handling risks, trips and falls, vehicle movements, traffic conditions and work in confined or shared spaces.

Based on these assessments, we develop and implement safe systems of work. These include agreed methods for lifting and carrying, safe loading plans, use of lifting aids where appropriate, and procedures for working in stairwells, corridors, entrances and shared areas at collection and delivery addresses.

Risk assessments are reviewed and updated when there are significant changes to our activities, new equipment is introduced, or lessons are learned from incidents or feedback.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key element of removal work and is one of the main areas where staff and customers could be at risk of injury. Hammersmith Man and Van places strong emphasis on safe lifting and carrying techniques.

All staff involved in removals receive training in correct manual handling practices, including assessment of load weight, planning the route, team lifting, and the use of equipment such as dollies, trolleys and straps. Employees are instructed never to attempt to lift items beyond their capability or to carry loads in a way that obstructs their view or compromises balance.

Where items are unusually heavy, bulky or awkward, additional staff, specialist equipment or alternative methods are used to complete the move safely.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks and servicing are carried out in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers are required to conduct pre-use checks on tyres, lights, mirrors, securing points and general vehicle condition before starting a journey.

All loads are secured to prevent movement during transit. Heavy items are positioned to maintain vehicle stability and weight is distributed evenly wherever possible. Drivers must comply with speed limits, parking regulations and any site-specific traffic rules.

Journey planning considers traffic conditions, access restrictions and safe loading and unloading locations. Drivers are expected to drive responsibly, avoid distractions and report any road traffic incidents or vehicle defects immediately.

Customer and Public Safety

Hammersmith Man and Van takes reasonable steps to protect customers, their property and members of the public from harm arising from our activities. During loading and unloading, we aim to keep access routes clear and minimise obstruction to pavements, driveways and communal areas.

Where work is carried out in shared spaces such as corridors, reception areas or car parks, staff are trained to remain alert to the presence of others, use safe lifting routes and communicate clearly. Items are stacked securely and never left in unstable positions where they might fall or cause trips.

We ask customers to keep children and pets away from working areas during moves and to inform us of any hazards at their property, such as loose flooring, low ceilings, restricted access or other safety concerns.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide and maintain suitable equipment for removal activities, including trolleys, moving blankets, straps and other handling aids. Equipment is inspected regularly and removed from use if found to be damaged or defective.

Where appropriate, staff are supplied with personal protective equipment such as safety footwear and gloves. Employees are required to use this equipment correctly and to report any loss, damage or issues affecting its performance.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new employees receive an induction that covers the key elements of our health and safety policy, safe working procedures and emergency arrangements. Role-specific training is provided for manual handling, vehicle operation and use of equipment.

Ongoing training and refresher sessions are provided to maintain competence, with additional instruction given when new services, tools or systems are introduced. Supervisors monitor working practices and provide guidance to ensure that procedures are followed consistently.

Accidents, Incidents and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Details are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and any necessary corrective actions. Where appropriate, risk assessments and procedures are updated in light of what has been learned.

We encourage employees to raise health and safety suggestions or concerns without fear of reprisal. Feedback from staff and customers is used to improve our practices and to promote a positive safety culture throughout the company.

Review of this Policy

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to relevant legislation, company operations or organisational structure. Updated versions are communicated to all employees so they remain aware of their responsibilities and of the standards expected during all removal and man and van work.

By following this policy, Hammersmith Man and Van aims to deliver efficient, reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our operations.