Health and Safety policy

Acton Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Acton Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working 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 removal and transportation services, and explains the standards of behaviour expected from everyone involved in our operations.

Policy Aims and Scope

The aim of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our activities. It applies to all employees, subcontractors and temporary workers, whether they are operating vehicles, handling goods, visiting customer premises or working at any location where we provide removal or transport services.

We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice, and we will review this policy on a regular basis to ensure it remains suitable and effective for the nature and scale of our work.

Management Responsibilities

Company management has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes providing suitable resources, information and supervision to ensure that work can be carried out safely and in accordance with agreed procedures.

Managers will ensure that:

Clear health and safety objectives are set and communicated to staff. Risk assessments are completed, documented and updated when necessary. Appropriate equipment, tools and vehicles are provided and maintained in safe working order. Staff receive training relevant to their duties, including manual handling, safe driving and use of equipment. Accidents, incidents and near misses are recorded, investigated and used to improve safety performance.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and subcontractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Everyone working for or on behalf of Acton Man and Van is expected to:

Follow all health and safety instructions, procedures and training. Use vehicles, equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and only for their intended purpose. Report any hazards, defects, accidents or near misses to management as soon as possible. Cooperate with investigations, safety inspections and any corrective measures introduced. Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair safe performance.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments covering our core activities, including house and office removals, loading and unloading, lifting and carrying, driving and parking, and working in and around customer properties. These assessments are used to create safe systems of work that are communicated to staff and, where appropriate, to customers.

Before each job, staff are expected to consider specific risks at the location, such as access routes, stairways, uneven ground, low ceilings, traffic conditions and weather. Where necessary, work methods may be adjusted, or additional equipment used, to control risks to an acceptable level.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Removal work often involves significant manual handling, including lifting, carrying and manoeuvring heavy or awkward items. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries, Acton Man and Van will:

Provide manual handling training that covers safe lifting techniques and team lifting. Encourage the use of mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies and lifting straps where practical. Plan work so that heavy and bulky items are moved by sufficient personnel. Instruct staff not to attempt lifts that are beyond their capability or that cannot be performed safely.

Employees are responsible for following these guidelines and speaking up if they consider any lift or task to be unsafe.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our service and must be operated safely at all times. Acton Man and Van will ensure that vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced and maintained to a high standard. Defects or damage must be reported immediately so that they can be rectified before the vehicle is used again.

Drivers must hold a valid licence appropriate to the vehicle they are operating and must comply with road traffic laws and company policies. This includes observing speed limits, parking considerately and legally, and securing all loads to prevent movement during transit. The use of mobile phones or other devices while driving is only permitted with suitable hands free equipment and must not distract from safe vehicle control.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves or high visibility clothing will be provided. Staff are required to use this equipment as instructed and to look after it properly. Any loss or damage must be reported promptly so that replacements can be arranged.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Much of our work takes place at customer locations and in public areas. We take care to minimise disruption and protect the safety of customers, visitors, neighbours and passers by. This includes:

Keeping walkways and entrances as clear as reasonably possible. Using warning signs or verbal warnings where hazards cannot be immediately removed. Handling customer belongings with care to avoid damage to property or injury. Parking vehicles safely and in a way that reduces risk to pedestrians and other road users.

Training, Supervision and Communication

Acton Man and Van provides ongoing training and instruction to ensure that employees understand their health and safety responsibilities and are competent to carry out their tasks. New starters receive an introduction to our safety procedures, and existing staff may be given refresher training when processes, equipment or legislation change.

Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure procedures are followed and to identify any further training needs. Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, written guidance and on the job discussions.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records will be kept and used to review and improve our safety arrangements. Where required by law, certain incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Staff are instructed on emergency procedures, including what to do in case of fire, serious injury, road traffic collisions or other urgent situations. The priority in any emergency is to protect life, followed by securing the area and property as far as is safely possible.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, vehicles, equipment or applicable legislation. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and is used to drive continual improvement in our safety performance.

By following this policy and working together, Acton Man and Van aims to provide a professional removal and transport service that protects the wellbeing of everyone involved.