Hounslow Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Hounslow Man and Van is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety across all removal and transportation services. Our objective is to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, subcontractors and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This policy sets out the principles, responsibilities and procedures we follow to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
The management of Hounslow Man and Van accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance within the business. We are committed to complying with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice for removal and transportation services.
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health through effective planning, risk assessment, staff training and supervision. We will provide appropriate resources to maintain, review and improve our health and safety arrangements.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for:
Ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for all removal activities, including packing, loading, transport and unloading. Providing and maintaining equipment and vehicles in a safe condition. Ensuring employees receive information, instruction, training and supervision appropriate to their roles. Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses, and implementing corrective actions. Reviewing this policy on a regular basis and updating it when necessary.
Employees are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Following all safety procedures, guidance and training provided by the company. Using work equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and reporting any defects immediately. Reporting accidents, incidents, hazards and near misses without delay. Cooperating fully with management to enable compliance with legal and company health and safety requirements.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Hounslow Man and Van will undertake risk assessments for all key tasks associated with removal services, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, operation of vehicles, use of lifting aids, working in and around customer premises, and handling fragile or bulky items.
From these risk assessments we develop safe systems of work which are communicated to all relevant staff. These may include specific procedures for access and egress at properties, safe loading and securing of goods, use of ramps, trolleys and lifting equipment, and restrictions on weight limits for manual lifting.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core activity in removal work and is carefully controlled to reduce the risk of injury. Staff receive training in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling aids. Wherever reasonably practicable, mechanical or wheeled aids such as sack trucks, skates or dollies will be used to reduce physical strain.
All equipment used in the course of removal operations will be inspected and maintained in good working order. Defective or damaged equipment will be taken out of service immediately until it has been repaired or replaced. Employees must never use equipment for which they have not been trained or that appears unsafe.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and legal requirements. Regular checks are carried out to ensure that brakes, lights, tyres, securing points and other critical components are in safe condition.
Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence and to follow safe driving practices at all times. This includes adhering to speed limits, securing loads correctly, planning routes to minimise risk, and allowing sufficient time for journeys to avoid fatigue and excessive time pressure. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that could impair their ability to drive safely.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working at customer addresses, we take care to protect both people and property. Walkways and working areas are kept as clear as reasonably possible, and staff are instructed to identify and report potential hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or restricted access.
Where work is carried out in shared or public areas, we take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access to work zones, such as by positioning vehicles safely, managing traffic around the work area where possible, and using warning signs or barriers when required. We will always act to minimise disruption and risks to neighbours, pedestrians and other road users.
Training, Communication and Consultation
Hounslow Man and Van provides appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction training for new staff and job-specific training for removal operatives and drivers. Refresher training is provided as necessary to ensure that standards are maintained and that employees are aware of changes to procedures or legislation.
We encourage open communication about health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safe working practices. Management will consult with employees on any significant changes to working methods that could affect health and safety.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Accurate records are kept and are used to identify trends, underlying causes and opportunities for improvement.
Where necessary, investigations will be carried out to determine how similar events can be prevented in future. The findings from investigations will be shared with relevant staff and any resulting changes to procedures or training will be implemented promptly.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if there are significant changes to our operations or relevant legislation. We are committed to a process of continuous improvement to ensure that health and safety standards remain robust and effective.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Hounslow Man and Van aims to provide reliable removal services delivered in a safe, responsible and professional manner for everyone involved.
