Hackney Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Hackney Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment 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 managing health and safety in connection with our man and van and removals services.

We recognise that professional handling of furniture, household items, office equipment and other goods involves manual handling, vehicle use and work in varied premises. We therefore place particular emphasis on safe lifting, secure loading, traffic safety and protection of property and people at all times.

Our Health and Safety Aims

Our main aims are to prevent injury, ill health and damage arising from our work. To achieve this we will:

Identify, assess and control risks associated with removal, lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and driving activities.

Provide suitable information, instruction, training and supervision to staff and contractors.

Maintain vehicles, equipment and tools in a safe and serviceable condition.

Promote a culture where safety concerns can be raised freely and are addressed promptly.

Continuously improve our health and safety performance and review this policy regularly.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Hackney Man and Van is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety is integrated into day-to-day operations. This includes:

Planning work so that moving, loading and transport tasks are carried out safely and efficiently.

Ensuring that staff are competent for their roles, including safe driving and manual handling skills.

Providing appropriate equipment such as trolleys, straps, blankets and protective gear where required.

Making sure that vehicles used for removals are roadworthy, regularly inspected and suitable for the loads they carry.

Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses and taking steps to prevent recurrence.

Employee and Contractor Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working with Hackney Man and Van share responsibility for protecting their own health and safety and that of others affected by their work. They are expected to:

Follow all health and safety instructions, procedures and training provided.

Use lifting techniques that avoid strain and ask for assistance with heavy or awkward items.

Inspect equipment before use and report any defects immediately.

Drive and operate vehicles safely, observing speed limits and road traffic rules.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear that offers grip and protection when handling goods.

Report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents and near misses to management without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We assess risks associated with our typical removal and delivery activities and implement suitable control measures. Key areas include:

Manual handling of furniture, appliances, boxes and bulky items.

Use of trolleys, lifting aids and securing equipment.

Working in confined spaces such as stairwells, corridors and small rooms.

Loading and unloading vehicles at the roadside, driveways or loading bays.

Protection of customers, neighbours and the public during moves.

Safe systems of work are developed for tasks where particular risks exist. Staff are briefed on these procedures and they are updated as needed.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Moving heavy or awkward items is a core part of our service. To minimise risk of injury we:

Encourage team lifting for large or unwieldy items and avoid lone lifting wherever possible.

Plan routes in and out of properties before lifting begins, checking for obstacles, trip hazards and tight turns.

Use moving equipment such as dollies, sack barrows and sliders when appropriate.

Train staff in correct posture, lifting, carrying and setting-down techniques.

Refuse to move items where it is judged unsafe to do so, for example due to excessive weight, dangerous access or structural concerns.

Vehicle Safety and Load Security

Our vehicles are central to our operations and are managed with safety as a priority. We:

Carry out routine checks on brakes, lights, tyres, mirrors and securing points.

Ensure loads are evenly distributed, properly restrained and do not exceed safe capacity.

Use straps, ropes and blankets to minimise movement and prevent damage in transit.

Instruct drivers to avoid unsafe parking or stopping that might endanger staff or the public.

Do not permit driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair ability.

Customer Responsibilities and Cooperation

Health and safety is a shared responsibility. We ask customers to support safe working practices by:

Ensuring clear access routes are available, free from clutter, pets and unnecessary obstacles.

Informing our team about fragile, high value or unusually heavy items before work begins.

Advising us in advance of any particular risks at the property such as loose flooring, low ceilings, poor lighting or restricted parking.

Keeping children and bystanders away from moving areas, vehicle loading zones and staircases while work is in progress.

Accidents, Incidents and First Aid

All accidents and significant near misses that occur during our operations are recorded and reviewed. Where required, we will:

Provide or obtain first aid assistance for anyone injured.

Secure the area to prevent further harm and protect property.

Investigate the circumstances to identify root causes and necessary improvements.

Update procedures, training or equipment in light of investigation findings.

Training, Monitoring and Review

We provide ongoing training relevant to the work of Hackney Man and Van, including induction for new team members and refreshers when procedures change. Topics may include manual handling, vehicle safety, customer interaction, use of equipment and incident reporting.

Compliance with this policy is monitored through supervision, feedback from staff and customers, and periodic review of accidents and near misses. We review this policy regularly to ensure it remains suitable for the nature and scale of our removal activities and reflects current best practice.

By working together, we aim to deliver removal and man and van services that are efficient, professional and carried out with the highest regard for the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.