Roehampton Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the approach of Roehampton Man and Van to safeguarding the wellbeing of our customers, employees, subcontractors and members of the public during all removal, collection and delivery activities. Our work often involves manual handling, driving, loading, unloading and operating in homes, offices and shared spaces, so it is essential that we manage health and safety in a consistent and responsible way.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Roehampton Man and Van is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment, as far as is reasonably practicable. We aim to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our operations. Health and safety considerations are integrated into planning and delivering our man and van services, from small moves to larger removal projects.
Our key objectives are to identify and control hazards, comply with applicable health and safety legislation, provide clear information and training to staff, and continuously improve our standards through monitoring and review.
Responsibilities and Management
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate arrangements, resources and guidance are in place. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, coordinating safe working practices and addressing any concerns raised by staff or customers.
All employees and regular subcontractors are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following procedures, using equipment correctly, cooperating with training, and reporting hazards, incidents or near misses promptly so they can be investigated and addressed.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Roehampton Man and Van conducts risk assessments relevant to our removal and transport activities. These assessments consider manual handling, driving and traffic risks, property access, working at height where applicable, use of lifting aids and trolleys, and the presence of vulnerable persons or restricted spaces.
From these assessments we develop safe systems of work, which guide how items are lifted and carried, how vehicles are loaded and secured, and how entrances, stairways and corridors are navigated safely. We seek to plan moves in advance so that staff know the layout of collection and delivery locations and can prepare suitable equipment.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of our service and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strain and injury. Staff receive guidance on how to lift, carry and place items safely, including team lifting for heavier or awkward loads. Where reasonably practicable we use trolleys, dollies, straps, ramps and other lifting aids to limit excessive manual effort.
All equipment used in our operations is selected for its suitability, maintained in good condition and used only for its intended purpose. Defective or damaged equipment is removed from service and reported for repair or replacement. Staff are instructed not to improvise with unsafe equipment or methods.
Vehicles, Driving and Loading
Our vehicles are central to our man and van operations and are maintained in a roadworthy and clean condition. Drivers are expected to comply with road traffic laws, drive considerately, and allow sufficient time for journeys so that they are not pressured into unsafe speeds or behaviour.
Loading and unloading are carried out in a way that protects people, goods and property. Loads are distributed evenly, secured appropriately and checked before departure. When operating at the roadside or in shared access areas, staff are expected to take care to avoid obstructing pedestrians, driveways and emergency access routes. Where necessary, staff may use high-visibility clothing or signage to increase visibility in busy or low-light areas.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Much of our work takes place in domestic and commercial premises. Roehampton Man and Van aims to conduct all work with minimal disruption and maximum regard for safety. Staff are instructed to keep access routes as clear as reasonably possible, avoid leaving trip hazards such as loose straps or packing materials, and to communicate clearly with customers about where work is taking place.
We take care when moving furniture and goods in shared hallways, stairs and communal spaces, and we act to protect members of the public by controlling movement of large items and managing doors, lifts and access points safely.
Health, Welfare and Training
We recognise that the physical nature of removal work can be demanding. Roehampton Man and Van encourages staff to work within safe limits, use team lifting, take appropriate breaks and stay hydrated, particularly during hot or adverse weather conditions. Any existing medical conditions that may affect safe working should be disclosed confidentially to management so reasonable adjustments or alternative duties can be considered.
Training and instruction are provided so that employees understand their responsibilities, the correct use of equipment, safe lifting techniques and the procedures to follow in the event of an incident or emergency. New starters receive an induction covering key health and safety expectations before undertaking operational duties.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage to property arising from our activities must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Incidents are recorded and, where necessary, investigated so that underlying causes can be identified and corrective actions taken.
Staff are briefed on basic emergency response, including how to respond to fire alarms, how to summon emergency services and how to assist in evacuations where safe to do so. Vehicles carry basic safety equipment appropriate to their use.
Hazardous Items and Restricted Goods
Roehampton Man and Van does not routinely transport hazardous materials outside what may reasonably be found in ordinary household or office contents. Customers are requested to inform us in advance if there are items such as chemicals, fuels, pressurised containers or other potentially dangerous goods, so that we can determine whether they can be moved safely or need to be excluded from the service.
Sharp objects, glass and fragile items should be packed properly by customers or by our staff when this forms part of the service, to reduce the risk of cuts, breakages and injuries during handling and transit.
Consultation, Monitoring and Review
We encourage open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to share concerns, suggestions and feedback about working practices and conditions. Where appropriate, changes are discussed with the team and incorporated into our procedures.
This Health and Safety Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and reviewed periodically or following significant changes to our operations, relevant legislation or industry guidance. Revisions to the policy are communicated to staff so that they remain aware of current expectations and procedures.
Policy Scope and Application
This policy applies to all Roehampton Man and Van employees and to any contractors or agency workers engaged in our removal, transport or related services. We expect anyone working on our behalf to follow the same standards of care and conduct described in this document.
By implementing this Health and Safety Policy, Roehampton Man and Van aims to deliver reliable moving and transport services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our activities.
