Health and Safety policy
Man and a Van Sutton Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and procedures that Man and a Van Sutton follows to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. Our removals and transport activities involve physical work, vehicle movements and handling customers possessions, so we are committed to managing these risks in a structured, responsible and legally compliant way.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Man and a Van Sutton aims to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment arising from our activities. Our objectives are to manage risks associated with removal services, maintain safe vehicles and equipment, ensure staff receive suitable instruction and training, promote safe behaviour on every job, and provide a framework for continuous improvement in health and safety performance.
Legal Responsibilities and Management Commitment
We will meet all applicable health and safety laws and regulations relevant to our work as a removal and transport company. Senior management is responsible for implementing this policy, setting clear expectations, and providing adequate resources for health and safety. Managers and supervisors must lead by example, actively promoting safe working practices and ensuring that staff understand and follow this policy and associated procedures.
Employee Responsibilities
Every member of staff 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. Employees must follow safety instructions and training, use equipment and vehicles correctly, report hazards, near misses and incidents, wear appropriate personal protective equipment where required, and avoid behaviour that could place themselves, colleagues, customers or the public at risk.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for our typical moving and transport tasks, such as loading and unloading vehicles, carrying items through properties, working in stairwells and confined spaces, and operating in driveways, car parks and on the road. These assessments identify hazards and specify control measures that must be followed. Safe systems of work are developed and communicated to staff for manual handling, lifting bulky items, using moving equipment such as trolleys and straps, working in customers homes and business premises, and parking and operating vehicles safely in residential and commercial areas.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Lifting and carrying is a core part of our removal service, so we give particular attention to manual handling safety. Staff are trained to assess loads, plan routes, use correct lifting techniques, seek assistance with heavy or awkward items and use mechanical aids when appropriate. We provide suitable equipment such as sack trucks, furniture dollies, straps and blankets to reduce strain and protect both workers and customers property. Equipment is checked regularly and removed from use if damaged or unsafe.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard to support safe operation. We ensure regular inspections, servicing and legally required checks are carried out. Drivers must hold the correct licences, follow road traffic laws, and drive in a courteous and defensive manner, allowing for local road conditions and residential streets where many of our customers are based. Loads must be secured correctly to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles must not be overloaded. Drivers must report any defects, incidents or collisions promptly.
Working at Customer Premises
Most of our work takes place in and around customers homes, offices and other premises. When attending any property, our team will assess access routes, stairways, doorways and outdoor areas for potential hazards such as trip risks, poor lighting, uneven surfaces or limited vehicle access. Where possible, we will agree safe loading and unloading points with customers, keep routes clear of obstacles, and protect flooring and fixtures from damage. We will show respect for the property and ensure that our activities do not create unnecessary risks to occupants or neighbours.
Customer and Public Safety
We recognise our duty to protect not only our staff but also customers, visitors and members of the public who may be near our operations. We will, where necessary, cordon off or clearly mark loading areas, avoid blocking pavements and emergency access routes, manage vehicle movements carefully in residential streets, keep tools and equipment under control and out of reach of children, and communicate clearly with customers about safe access while work is underway.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man and a Van Sutton provides induction and ongoing training relevant to each employees role. This includes manual handling techniques, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, hazard awareness and emergency procedures. Staff are briefed on specific risks associated with each job where necessary. Supervisors monitor working practices on site and give guidance to ensure procedures are followed. Additional training will be provided when new equipment is introduced, when working methods change, or where training needs are identified through incident investigations or performance reviews.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We encourage staff to maintain good physical health and to report any conditions or injuries that may affect their ability to perform manual tasks safely. No employee should attempt to move a load that they believe is beyond their capability or that cannot be handled safely with the available equipment and assistance. Staff must not work under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and any concerns about fitness for work must be raised immediately with management.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, vehicle incidents, property damage and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record and investigate these events to identify causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Where appropriate, lessons learned are shared with the whole team and procedures are updated. We will cooperate with any investigations by relevant authorities where required.
Emergency Preparedness
Our staff are instructed on what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, road traffic collisions or other emergencies while carrying out removal and delivery activities. This includes raising the alarm, contacting emergency services, making the area safe as far as reasonably practicable, and providing basic assistance within the limits of their training. Drivers are briefed on safe procedures following breakdowns or accidents on the road.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable for the scale and nature of our work and reflects current legal requirements and best practice in the removals sector. Reviews will take place at least annually, and sooner if there are significant changes in our operations, relevant legislation, or following serious incidents. Suggestions from employees and feedback from customers are welcomed as part of our commitment to continuous improvement in health and safety.
By following this policy, Man and a Van Sutton aims to provide a safe, reliable and professional removal service for all customers in our service area while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in our operations.
