Health and Safety policy

Earls Court Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Earls Court Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading household and commercial items.

Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property through responsible planning, safe working practices and continuous improvement. Health and safety is an integral part of our overall service and is given equal priority to operational and commercial considerations.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Earls Court Man and Van is responsible for ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place to control health and safety risks arising from our work. This includes identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing practical control measures for all removal, packing and transportation services.

Management will ensure that resources are available for training, equipment, maintenance and supervision, and that this policy is reviewed regularly to keep it up to date with current legal requirements and industry good practice. Responsibilities for health and safety are clearly defined and communicated to all team members.

Employee Duties and Conduct

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All team members must follow the companys safety procedures, use equipment correctly and cooperate fully with instructions provided for their protection.

Staff are expected to report hazards, near misses, accidents, defective equipment or unsafe conditions immediately to their supervisor. No employee is expected to carry out work that they believe to be unsafe or beyond their physical capability, particularly when lifting or handling heavy or awkward items.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our removal activities, including home and office moves, packing services, loading and unloading vehicles, and moving items through stairwells, corridors and other challenging spaces. These assessments help us determine appropriate methods of work and the level of staffing and equipment required for each job.

Before each move, our team evaluates access routes, parking arrangements, lifting requirements and any specific risks such as fragile items, restricted spaces or heavy furniture. Where necessary, additional control measures are put in place, such as using extra staff, trolleys, ramps or other aids to ensure the job is completed safely and efficiently.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. All staff receive guidance on safe lifting techniques and correct posture. Wherever possible, we use mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and lifting straps to minimise the need for manual lifting.

Team members are instructed to assess the weight, shape and stability of each item before lifting, and to work in pairs or teams when handling large or heavy objects. Items that are excessively heavy or present a particular risk are planned and moved using agreed methods to maintain safety throughout the process.

Vehicles, Equipment and Maintenance

Our vehicles and work equipment are maintained in a safe condition and are subject to regular inspections. Drivers are responsible for checking basic safety features before each journey and reporting any defects promptly so that they can be rectified.

Loading and securing of goods is carried out to prevent movement during transit and to protect both the load and the vehicle. Only suitable equipment that is in good condition is used for lifting, carrying or securing items. Unsafe or damaged equipment is removed from service immediately.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect customers, visitors and members of the public during removal activities. Our teams take care to maintain clear access routes, avoid trip hazards from packaging materials and equipment, and manage any temporary obstructions safely.

Where work is carried out in shared areas, communal spaces or near public walkways, our staff take additional precautions to reduce risk. Customers are asked to keep children and pets away from working areas and to follow any safety guidance given by the team on site.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate instruction and training relevant to their duties, including safe lifting, use of equipment, vehicle loading, hazard awareness and emergency procedures. New employees are inducted into our health and safety standards before working on customer premises.

Ongoing supervision ensures that procedures are followed and that any issues are identified and corrected promptly. Additional training is provided when new equipment is introduced, tasks change or when risk assessments highlight the need for further guidance.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

Any accidents, injuries, near misses or damage to property are reported and recorded. We investigate incidents to understand their causes and to put measures in place to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff and may lead to updates in our procedures or training.

Our teams are briefed on how to respond in an emergency, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury or other urgent situations at a customers premises or on the road. The safety of people is always the priority, and work may be stopped or rearranged where necessary to maintain a safe environment.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and appropriate for the scale and nature of our removal services. We take into account changes in working practices, legislation, industry guidance and feedback from staff and customers.

Through continual improvement and a clear focus on safety, Earls Court Man and Van aims to provide reliable, responsible and professional moving services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our work.