Health and Safety policy

Man and Van Balham Health and Safety Policy

Man and 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 the principles and practices we follow to manage risks effectively and to continually improve our safety performance across all moving and delivery services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. We aim to achieve this by identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing appropriate control measures, and reviewing our arrangements on a regular basis. We integrate health and safety considerations into all aspects of our planning and decision making for moves, collections, deliveries, and storage-related tasks.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Man and Van Balham complies with all relevant health and safety legislation and associated regulations applicable to our activities. We recognise our responsibility to provide and maintain safe systems of work, safe equipment, and appropriate information, instruction, and supervision.

Management is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources are made available to support this policy and that health and safety standards are implemented and maintained. All employees and contractors are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their actions, and to cooperate fully with the company in meeting its legal and policy obligations.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for our removal and transport operations to identify potential hazards such as manual handling, working in confined or cluttered spaces, use of vehicles, handling of heavy or awkward items, and working in residential and commercial environments.

Based on these assessments, we implement safe systems of work which may include the use of appropriate lifting techniques, team lifting, mechanical aids, route planning, parking assessments, and safe loading and unloading procedures. Risk assessments are reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there is a significant change in our operations or working practices.

Manual Handling and Lifting Practices

Manual handling is a key element of our services, and we take particular care to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including assessing the weight and shape of items before lifting, using correct posture, and seeking assistance when necessary.

Where possible, we use trolleys, dollies, straps, and other handling equipment to minimise physical strain. We plan moves to ensure clear pathways, avoid unnecessary carrying distances, and reduce the need to navigate obstacles such as stairs and narrow corridors without adequate support and planning.

Vehicle Safety and Load Security

All vehicles used in our operations are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Drivers are expected to conduct pre-use checks and report any defects immediately so that appropriate corrective action can be taken.

We follow safe loading and unloading procedures to ensure that goods are stable, evenly distributed, and secured within the vehicle to prevent movement during transit. Heavy items are loaded first and positioned low, with lighter items above, and securing equipment is used where appropriate. Drivers must comply with road traffic laws and drive in a manner that prioritises safety for passengers, other road users, and pedestrians.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man and Van Balham provides appropriate health and safety training to all staff according to their role. This includes induction training, manual handling instruction, use of equipment, safe driving practices, and awareness of site-specific hazards.

Employees are given information about the risks associated with their work and the control measures in place. Supervisors and managers monitor working practices to ensure that procedures are followed and to identify opportunities for improvement. Additional training and refresher sessions are provided as needed to maintain competency and awareness.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect customers and members of the public while we carry out our work. Our teams take reasonable steps to minimise disruption and to maintain safe access and egress at all locations where we operate.

This includes careful planning of loading areas, use of appropriate warning where necessary, and maintaining tidy working areas free from avoidable trip hazards such as trailing straps or loose packing materials. We take particular care in communal areas, entrances, stairwells, and shared driveways to protect both people and property from harm.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide and maintain suitable equipment for lifting, moving, and protecting items during transport. All equipment is inspected regularly and taken out of use if any defect is identified until it has been repaired or replaced.

Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, we provide appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves or safety footwear, and ensure that it is used correctly and maintained in good condition.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported promptly to management. We investigate these events to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents are maintained and reviewed as part of our ongoing improvement process.

Our teams are briefed on emergency procedures including what to do in the event of fire, personal injury, or vehicle breakdown. Where relevant, we cooperate with building managers, customers, and local authorities to align with existing emergency arrangements on site.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and report hazards without fear of reprisal. Consultation may take place through team meetings, briefings, or direct discussions with supervisors or management.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective in light of changes to our services, working methods, or applicable legislation. Where improvements are identified, we implement them as part of our commitment to continually enhancing the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in our removal and transport operations.