Health and Safety policy
Man and a Van Balham Health and Safety Policy
Man and a Van Balham 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 removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, loading and unloading, driving, and handling of furniture and personal belongings.
We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance and strive to continually improve our standards. Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver our removal services in Balham and the surrounding areas.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The aims of this policy are to prevent injury, ill health, and property damage arising from our operations, and to promote a positive safety culture throughout the business. Our key objectives include identifying and managing hazards, providing appropriate training and equipment, and encouraging staff to report issues so that corrective action can be taken promptly.
This policy forms part of our wider commitment to quality and professionalism in all removal services that we provide, whether for small local moves or larger household and office relocations.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man and a Van Balham is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place for health and safety. This includes:
Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, reviewed regularly, and communicated to staff. Providing safe systems of work for lifting, carrying, loading, and driving. Supplying appropriate equipment such as trolleys, straps, blankets, and suitable vehicles. Ensuring that vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Making sure that all operatives receive adequate information, instruction, and training. Investigating accidents, near misses, and complaints and taking corrective action where needed.
Management will allocate sufficient resources to health and safety and will lead by example in promoting safe behaviour at all times.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee and contractor working for Man and a Van Balham has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff responsibilities include:
Following all safety procedures, instructions, and training they have received. Using equipment and vehicles properly and not misusing or interfering with safety devices. Wearing any personal protective equipment provided when required by the task or risk assessment. Reporting hazards, defects, accidents, incidents, and near misses to management as soon as possible. Cooperating with management in the implementation of this policy and all associated procedures.
No employee will be asked to work in unsafe conditions, and everyone has the right to stop work and raise concerns if they believe there is a serious risk to health or safety.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct risk assessments for typical removal activities, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, stair work, use of lifting equipment, loading and unloading of vehicles, and driving between locations. For complex or higher risk jobs, a site-specific assessment will be completed, particularly where access is restricted, items are unusually heavy or fragile, or there are shared areas with other businesses or the public.
From these assessments we develop safe working practices, which may include limiting load weights, using team lifts for heavy items, planning clear routes, securing loads in vehicles, and controlling vehicle movements in tight streets or busy areas. Employees are briefed on these safe systems and are expected to follow them at all times.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of our work and a main focus of our safety management. All staff receive guidance on correct lifting techniques, team handling, and the use of trolleys and other aids. We aim to minimise the need for heavy manual lifting where reasonably practicable by planning the job, breaking loads down into smaller components, and using suitable equipment.
Equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, and furniture blankets is inspected regularly and maintained in good condition. Defective items are removed from service immediately. Staff are required to use these aids when available and appropriate rather than attempting to move heavy items unaided.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are central to our removal operations and are maintained to a high standard to ensure safety on the road. Regular checks and servicing are carried out in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers perform daily pre-use checks and report any defects without delay.
All drivers are expected to follow road traffic laws, drive considerately, and allow sufficient time for journeys. Loads must be properly distributed and secured within the vehicle to prevent shifting during transit. Particular care is taken when operating in residential streets and busy local roads, with attention to pedestrians, cyclists, and parked vehicles.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams take care to protect customer premises and ensure the safety of other occupants and visitors during the moving process. This may include using protective coverings, managing trip hazards from boxes and equipment, and keeping routes clear. When operating in shared buildings or public areas, we plan access to minimise disruption and risk to others.
Customers will be advised where safety considerations may affect the order in which items are moved, access points used, or the number of staff required on site. We may decline to move items in a manner that we consider unsafe or likely to cause damage or injury.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Staff receive appropriate induction and on-the-job training relevant to their roles, including manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, and general site safety. Refresher training is provided as necessary, and additional instruction is given when new equipment or procedures are introduced.
Supervisors and experienced team members monitor working practices and provide guidance to less experienced staff. Safety information is communicated through briefings, toolbox talks, and job-specific instructions prior to each move.
Accidents, Incidents, and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, near misses, and significant health and safety concerns are recorded and investigated to identify causes and implement improvements. We use this information to refine risk assessments, update procedures, and enhance training where required.
Man and a Van Balham is committed to reviewing this Health and Safety policy regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legal requirements, or industry best practice. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed as part of our efforts to maintain a safe, reliable, and professional removal service throughout our operating area.
