Health and Safety policy

Harrow Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Harrow Man and Van is committed to maintaining high standards of health, safety and welfare for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to preventing injury, ill health and damage to property while delivering professional moving and transportation services.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to conduct all removal and man and van operations in a way that minimises risk and promotes a safe working environment. We aim to:

Identify, assess and control risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, transport and working at customers premises.

Comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, regulations and industry best practice.

Provide clear information, instruction, training and supervision to staff.

Maintain safe vehicles, equipment and working methods.

Encourage a positive safety culture where all staff take responsibility for their own safety and that of others.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, ensuring adequate resources are available and reviewing performance. This includes planning safe systems of work, providing appropriate training and monitoring compliance.

Supervisors and team leaders must ensure that removal crews understand and follow health and safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and report hazards or incidents promptly.

All employees and operatives have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with Harrow Man and Van on safety matters, follow training and instructions, and report unsafe conditions or near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We undertake risk assessments for our core activities, including domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading vehicles, packing, handling furniture and goods, and operating in residential and business environments.

Where necessary, site specific assessments are carried out at customers properties to identify particular risks, such as restricted access, staircases, uneven ground, traffic routes or fragile items. Control measures and safe working methods are then put in place and communicated to the team.

Work is planned to avoid unnecessary manual handling, unsafe lifting, overreaching, working in poorly lit areas or leaving vehicles and loads unsecured.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. We provide training in safe lifting techniques, including team lifting, use of handling aids and correct posture.

Where possible, heavy or awkward items are moved using equipment such as trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and ramps. Staff are instructed not to exceed their individual capabilities and to seek assistance when required.

Items are packed, wrapped and secured to make them easier and safer to handle, reducing the likelihood of slips, trips, falls or dropped loads.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition with regular checks and servicing in line with legal and manufacturer requirements. Drivers are responsible for conducting daily walk around checks and reporting defects immediately.

Loading and unloading of vehicles is carried out in a controlled and orderly manner. Loads are distributed evenly, secured properly using straps and restraints, and checked before departure. Particular care is taken to prevent shifting loads, blocked exits or items that may fall when doors are opened.

Drivers must comply with road safety laws, drive considerately and adjust their driving to account for the characteristics of a loaded removal vehicle.

Working at Customers Premises

Our teams often work inside customers homes and business premises. We take particular care to protect people, property and goods while on site. This includes using safe access routes, keeping walkways clear, and controlling risks around stairs, doorways and entrances.

Protective coverings may be used to safeguard floors, doors and other surfaces where appropriate. Staff are instructed to respect customers property, maintain good housekeeping and avoid creating unnecessary hazards.

Noise, dust and disruption are kept to a minimum. Any damage, near misses or unsafe conditions observed at the premises are reported promptly and dealt with where reasonably practicable.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be fully eliminated by other means, suitable personal protective equipment is provided, such as gloves, safety footwear, high visibility garments and other protective items as identified by risk assessments.

Employees are required to use this equipment correctly and to take care of it. Defective or worn items must be reported so that replacements can be arranged.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide initial and ongoing training relevant to removal and transport work, including manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety and general site safety. New staff receive an induction covering our health and safety arrangements and expectations.

Instructions and procedures are communicated clearly and reinforced through supervision, toolbox talks and periodic refresher sessions. Where specialist equipment or techniques are used, additional training is provided as required.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work related ill health must be reported without delay. These events are recorded and investigated to identify causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures are in place for foreseeable situations, such as fire, serious injury, road traffic incidents or hazardous spills. Staff are made aware of these procedures and their responsibilities in an emergency, including how to raise the alarm and who to contact.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Harrow Man and Van encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safe working methods.

We review this policy and our safety performance regularly, taking into account changes in operations, legal requirements, industry guidance and feedback from staff and customers. Where improvements are identified, they are incorporated into our procedures and training.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to our activities or relevant legislation. The latest version is made available to employees and can be provided to customers upon request. Our aim is to keep health and safety at the centre of our man and van and removal services, ensuring a safe, efficient and professional service for everyone involved.