Health and Safety policy
Islington Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Islington Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and transportation activities. This policy sets out our overarching approach to managing health and safety across all services, including residential moves, office relocations, collection and delivery, and related handling of goods.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill-health, and damage to property by identifying and controlling the risks associated with removal and transportation work. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by:
Carrying out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all key tasks. Providing appropriate training, information, and supervision to all team members. Supplying and maintaining suitable equipment and vehicles in safe working condition. Encouraging a culture of safety, responsibility, and open reporting of concerns or near misses.
Roles, Responsibilities and Consultation
Health and safety is a shared responsibility within Islington Man and Van.
Management is responsible for implementing this policy, ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety legislation, allocating adequate resources, and reviewing safety performance. Supervisors and team leaders must ensure that safe systems of work are followed on each job, that staff use equipment correctly, and that any hazards or incidents are reported and dealt with promptly. Employees and contractors must 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 properly, and reporting unsafe conditions or practices immediately.
We encourage open communication on safety matters. Staff are invited to contribute ideas for improving safety procedures and can raise concerns without fear of reprisal.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We assess the risks associated with our activities, including manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, working in and around customer premises, and use of tools or equipment. For each job, we consider access routes, parking arrangements, staircases, lifts, floor surfaces, and any site-specific hazards.
Safe systems of work are developed based on these assessments and may include:
Using appropriate lifting techniques and team lifts to prevent strain and injury. Planning the route for moving large or bulky items to avoid obstructions and trip hazards. Using suitable moving equipment, such as trolleys and dollies, where necessary. Ensuring that vehicles are loaded and unloaded in a controlled and stable manner.
Risk assessments and safe working practices are reviewed regularly and updated where changes to our operations or customer requirements introduce new risks.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of our removals work and is managed carefully to protect our staff and customers.
All staff receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, including assessing the weight and shape of items before moving them, avoiding twisting movements, keeping loads close to the body, and asking for assistance when needed. Where reasonably practicable, we use mechanical aids to reduce the risk of injury.
Equipment such as straps, blankets, trolleys, ramps, and other moving aids is selected to be suitable for the task and is maintained in good condition. Damaged or faulty equipment is taken out of service immediately and reported for repair or replacement.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to providing a safe and efficient removal service. We are committed to maintaining them in a roadworthy condition and to promoting safe driving practices.
Vehicles are subject to regular checks and servicing in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers must complete basic safety checks before each journey, such as inspecting tyres, lights, mirrors, and securing loads. Loads are positioned and restrained to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of accidents and protecting customer property.
Drivers are expected to comply with traffic laws, drive considerately, and adapt to weather and road conditions. They must not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and must report any incidents, collisions, or near misses promptly.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
During removals and deliveries, we work within and around customer homes, offices, and public spaces. Protecting the safety of customers, visitors, and the general public is a priority.
Our teams seek to minimise disruption and hazards by keeping routes clear, avoiding blocking fire exits, and marking or guarding any temporary hazards where possible. Care is taken when moving items through shared areas, doorways, and stairwells to avoid collisions or damage. Where necessary, we may temporarily restrict access to certain areas while heavy or awkward items are being moved.
Training, Information and Supervision
We ensure that all employees are competent to carry out their work safely.
New team members receive induction training covering our health and safety expectations, manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures. Ongoing training and refresher sessions are provided where needed, especially when new equipment, procedures, or types of work are introduced.
Supervisors monitor working practices on site to ensure procedures are followed and provide guidance and correction where necessary. Additional supervision is given to less experienced staff until they demonstrate safe and competent performance.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as practicable so that they can be investigated and, where necessary, corrective actions can be taken.
Our teams are instructed on what to do in the event of an accident, fire, or medical emergency, including raising the alarm, contacting the appropriate emergency services, and securing the area to prevent further harm. First aid provisions are made available and vehicles carry basic safety equipment as appropriate to the work being undertaken.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Islington Man and Van is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We monitor how this policy is implemented through site observations, feedback from staff and customers, review of incident reports, and periodic audits of our procedures.
This policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation, or best practice guidance. Updated versions are communicated to all employees and contractors, and we expect full cooperation with any revised procedures.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Islington Man and Van aims to deliver safe, reliable, and professional removal services for every customer while protecting the wellbeing of our staff and the public.
