Health and Safety Policy for Man And Van Southfields
This health and safety policy sets out the principles and procedures used by Man And Van Southfields to protect customers, staff, visitors, and members of the public during every stage of a move. Whether the work involves a single item, a full home relocation, or a business delivery, we aim to reduce risk through careful planning, safe handling, and clear responsibilities. Our approach is based on prevention, awareness, and steady improvement.
The policy applies to all moving activities carried out under the Man and Van Southfields service, including loading, transporting, unloading, and temporary storage of items. We expect every worker to follow safe working practices, use equipment correctly, and act promptly if hazards are identified. Safety is treated as a shared responsibility, and no task is considered complete unless it has been completed safely.
We recognise that moving tasks can involve heavy lifting, awkward access, fragile property, and changing weather conditions. To control these risks, all jobs are reviewed before work begins. Our team checks access points, stairways, floor surfaces, item weights, and the condition of packaging or furniture before handling starts. If a risk cannot be reduced to an acceptable level, the work is paused until a safer method is agreed.
Responsibilities and Safe Working Standards
Every person working on behalf of Man And Van Southfields must take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others. Managers are responsible for making sure staff are trained, supervised, and equipped to carry out their duties. Operatives must follow instructions, report hazards quickly, and never attempt a lift or movement that exceeds their ability or the available equipment.
Training is provided on manual handling, vehicle safety, securing loads, emergency response, and the correct use of lifting aids such as dollies, straps, blankets, and gloves. We expect staff to maintain good posture, keep routes clear, and communicate before each lift. When two-person handling is required, the team must agree on the lift, move, and set-down points in advance.
Our vehicles are maintained to a safe standard and checked regularly for brakes, tyres, lights, loading equipment, and load restraint systems. Loads must be distributed evenly and secured so that items do not shift during transit. Safe transport is essential not only for the protection of goods but also for road safety and the wellbeing of everyone involved.
The working environment is assessed before and during each move. This includes checking for slippery surfaces, poor lighting, narrow corridors, fragile stair rails, and obstacles such as cables, bins, or low ceilings. Where needed, protective covers and corner guards are used to reduce damage and prevent trips or impacts. If conditions change, the task is reviewed again before continuing.
We also place importance on personal protective equipment. Depending on the job, staff may use safety gloves, sturdy footwear, high-visibility clothing, or back-support equipment where appropriate. PPE is not a substitute for safe practice, but it provides an extra layer of protection. Staff are expected to inspect equipment before use and replace any item that is damaged or no longer fit for purpose.
Accidents, near misses, and property damage are recorded and reviewed so that lessons can be learned. This helps strengthen the safety culture of the Man and Van Southfields service and allows procedures to be updated where necessary. We encourage prompt reporting because early action often prevents a minor issue from becoming a serious incident.
Risk Control Measures
Our main controls focus on reducing the common hazards associated with moving work. Heavy or bulky items are assessed before lifting, and mechanical aids are used whenever practical. Team members are encouraged to ask for help rather than attempt unsafe solo lifting. Items are packed and arranged carefully to minimise movement, breakage, and sharp-edge injuries. Walkways are kept clear so that both workers and occupants can move safely around the property.
In addition, we take care when moving items near doors, windows, public entrances, or shared areas. Courtesy and alertness help prevent collisions and protect bystanders. When necessary, one person is assigned to guide movement while others handle the load. This simple coordination supports safer operations and reduces the chance of rushed or distracted behaviour.
Fire safety, vehicle safety, and emergency preparedness are also part of this policy. Staff are expected to know the location of fire exits, avoid blocking escape routes, and understand the basic response to an emergency. In vehicles, loose items must be secured, and engines should only be running when needed. Breaks are planned to reduce fatigue, because tiredness can weaken concentration and increase the likelihood of mistakes.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
The health and safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, practical, and appropriate to the work we carry out. Changes in equipment, working methods, or regulations are considered carefully. We also review reports of incidents and hazardous situations to identify improvements in training, planning, and supervision.
Where additional support is required, work may be adapted to suit the needs of the team and the circumstances of the move. This may include smaller carrying teams, more time for access, or alternative methods for lifting and transport. The goal is always to maintain a safe process without compromising the quality of service.
This policy reflects our commitment to responsible working practices across every Man And Van Southfields job. By planning ahead, using the right equipment, and maintaining strong safety standards, we protect people, property, and operations. Safety is built into our service from start to finish, and it remains a core part of how we work every day.