Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Soho

Man With a Van Soho is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, transport, loading, unloading, and on-site work at homes, offices, and business premises.

Policy Objectives

Our objectives are to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property while carrying out removal services. We aim to identify and control hazards, provide suitable training and equipment, and promote a culture of safety and responsibility across all aspects of our operations.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Man With a Van Soho complies with applicable health and safety legislation and relevant regulations governing manual handling, transport, and workplace safety. We review this policy regularly to ensure it reflects current legal requirements and industry standards.

Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Management is responsible for providing a safe working framework and for reviewing procedures. Employees are responsible for following instructions, using equipment correctly, and reporting hazards or incidents without delay. Customers and site controllers are asked to support safe working practices when our teams are on their premises.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We assess risks for typical removal activities, including packing, lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, and transporting goods. Where specific jobs present unusual hazards such as restricted access, heavy or awkward items, or difficult parking arrangements, additional risk assessments are carried out and control measures implemented.

Control measures may include using additional staff, specialist moving equipment, alternative access routes, or revised loading plans. Work is paused or refused if conditions present unacceptable risk to staff, customers, or the public.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal service, and we manage this risk carefully. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of trolleys, dollies, straps, and other handling aids. Loads are assessed for weight, shape, and stability before being moved.

Employees are instructed not to lift items beyond their capability and to seek assistance for heavy or awkward objects. Where necessary, items are dismantled before moving to reduce weight or improve handling. Pathways are cleared of obstacles before lifting begins, and breaks are taken as needed to prevent fatigue-related injuries.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

Our vehicles are maintained in roadworthy condition, with routine checks on brakes, lights, tyres, securing points, and access steps. Drivers hold appropriate licences and are responsible for safe driving, route planning, and adherence to road regulations.

Loading and unloading are carried out methodically to prevent falls, trips, and crush injuries. Loads are distributed evenly, secured using appropriate restraints, and checked for stability before departure. Care is taken to avoid overloading and to maintain clear access within the vehicle. Doors and ramps are operated according to the manufacturer’s guidance, and vehicles are parked safely to minimise risk to staff and the public.

Working at Customer Premises

Our teams work in a variety of environments, including homes, offices, storage facilities, and shared buildings. On arrival, staff assess access routes, stairs, lifts, and loading areas to identify hazards such as poor lighting, slippery surfaces, loose flooring, or obstructed pathways.

Protective coverings may be used where appropriate to reduce the risk of slips and trips and to protect floors. Items are moved with care to avoid damage to property and to reduce the risk of falling objects. Staff are encouraged to communicate with customers about any concerns and to agree on safe access and working arrangements before starting.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide suitable equipment for lifting, carrying, securing, and transporting goods. This includes trolleys, sack barrows, moving blankets, straps, and ramps as required. Equipment is inspected regularly, and defective items are removed from use until repaired or replaced.

Where appropriate, employees are provided with personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety footwear. Staff are expected to use this equipment correctly and report any damage or defects immediately.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Employees receive training relevant to their role, including manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, and customer site conduct. New staff are inducted into our safety procedures before working independently, and refresher training is provided when required or when procedures change.

Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure adherence to this policy, support staff with on-the-job guidance, and intervene if unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed. Feedback from staff is encouraged to improve our health and safety processes.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, damage to property, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. Reports are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Where necessary, working practices are adjusted, and additional training or equipment provided to prevent recurrence.

We encourage open reporting without blame so that lessons can be learned and risks reduced across the business.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

Employees are expected to present for work in a fit state, free from the influence of alcohol or illegal substances, and able to perform their duties safely. Any health conditions that may affect lifting, driving, or general safety should be made known to management so that appropriate adjustments can be considered.

Regular breaks are encouraged during demanding physical work and long driving periods to help prevent fatigue, loss of concentration, and related accidents.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man With a Van Soho is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. This policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in operations, legislation, or identified risks. Employee and customer feedback, incident investigations, and industry developments all contribute to these reviews.

By following this Health and Safety Policy, we aim to protect everyone involved in or affected by our removal services and to deliver reliable, professional, and safe moves throughout our service areas.