Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Camden
Man and a Van Camden 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 transportation activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across all moving, loading, unloading, and related services.
We recognise our legal and moral responsibilities to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health, and to continuously improve our health and safety performance. Health and safety considerations are integrated into our planning, decision‑making, and daily operations.
Our Health and Safety Responsibilities
The management of Man and a Van Camden holds overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained, and reviewed. Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and control measures are implemented and monitored. Providing appropriate training, information, and supervision to staff. Supplying and maintaining appropriate vehicles, tools, and equipment in safe working order. Promoting a positive safety culture in which concerns can be raised without hesitation.
Every employee and contractor has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They are expected to follow safe systems of work, use equipment safely, and report hazards, incidents, or near misses immediately.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for our removal and delivery activities, including but not limited to residential moves, office relocations, loading and unloading of vehicles, handling of fragile or heavy items, and driving operations.
These assessments identify significant hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, falls from vehicles, vehicle movements, and use of moving equipment. We establish safe systems of work designed to reduce risks, including clear lifting techniques, use of trolleys and straps, controlled loading plans, and safe access to and from vehicles and properties.
Risk assessments are reviewed regularly, and whenever there is a significant change in our operations, equipment, or working practices.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Lifting and moving furniture, boxes, and appliances are core parts of our work. To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, we:
Provide training on correct posture, team lifting, and safe handling methods. Encourage staff to assess each item before moving it, considering its weight, shape, and route. Use mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies, and removal straps where appropriate. Plan moves so that heavy and bulky items are handled by sufficient personnel.
All equipment used for lifting and moving is regularly inspected and maintained. Any defective equipment must be removed from use and reported immediately.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are crucial to our removal services, and we are committed to ensuring they are operated safely. We:
Keep vehicles maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Require drivers to carry out basic pre‑use checks and report defects promptly. Ensure loads are distributed safely, secured using appropriate restraints, and do not exceed vehicle weight limits. Expect all drivers to comply with road traffic laws, drive courteously, and avoid distractions while driving.
Journey planning takes account of time pressures, weather conditions, parking arrangements, and property access to minimise risks to staff and the public.
Customer Premises and Site Safety
Our teams regularly work at customer homes, offices, and shared access areas. When working on site we:
Assess access routes, stairs, lifts, and loading areas before commencing work. Take care to protect floors, walls, and fixtures and to avoid creating trip hazards with packaging or equipment. Maintain clear communication with customers about access restrictions and any safety concerns. Use appropriate warning signs or verbal warnings where there is increased risk, such as when carrying large items through communal areas.
If our staff consider that working conditions are unsafe, work will be paused while the issue is discussed and resolved with the customer or relevant party.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We provide our staff with health and safety induction training, as well as task‑specific training related to removals, manual handling, use of equipment, and safe driving. Refresher training is offered as needed to maintain standards.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices on site and in vehicles to ensure that procedures are followed. Any unsafe practice is addressed through immediate corrective guidance, and, where appropriate, further training or formal processes.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where necessary, appropriate personal protective equipment, such as protective footwear and gloves, is provided. Staff are required to use this equipment correctly and to report any damage or defects. PPE is considered a last line of defence and is used in conjunction with other control measures, not as a substitute for safe systems of work.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record and, where required, investigate these events in order to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Findings from investigations are shared with relevant staff so that lessons can be learned and improvements made to procedures, training, or equipment.
Health, Welfare, and Wellbeing
We recognise that the physical demands of removal work can be significant. We aim to schedule jobs realistically, encourage appropriate breaks, and promote good lifting techniques to reduce fatigue and strain.
We do not tolerate the use of alcohol or illegal drugs before or during work. Staff must also inform management if they are taking medication that may impair their ability to drive or perform manual tasks safely.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We encourage open communication about health and safety matters. Employees are invited to suggest improvements to working practices, equipment, or training. Concerns raised will be taken seriously and, where appropriate, acted upon.
This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our removal activities and reflects any changes in legislation, industry standards, or our operations. Revisions are communicated to all staff.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Man and a Van Camden aims to provide a safe removal service that protects our staff, customers, and the wider community.
