Health and Safety policy
Hampstead Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Hampstead Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and related services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow to manage risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, transportation, loading and unloading, packing, and storage activities.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work activities. We aim to identify, assess, and control risks connected to lifting and carrying, vehicle movements, use of equipment, and working in and around clients premises. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice guidance applicable to removal and transport operations.
We seek to continually improve our health and safety performance by reviewing our procedures, learning from incidents, and encouraging feedback from staff and clients.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Hampstead Man and Van holds overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. Management will:
Ensure this policy is implemented, maintained, and reviewed at regular intervals or when there are significant changes in our operations. Provide appropriate resources, including time, information, and training, to support safe working practices. Assess health and safety risks associated with our activities and introduce suitable control measures. Ensure that vehicles, equipment, and tools used in removals and transport are properly maintained, suitable for use, and inspected regularly. Investigate accidents, near misses, and incidents to identify trends and implement preventive measures.
Managers and supervisors have a duty to lead by example, promote a positive safety culture, and ensure that staff understand and follow the companys procedures.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, whether permanent, temporary, or subcontracted, share responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must:
Follow the instructions, training, and safe systems of work provided by Hampstead Man and Van. Use vehicles, handling aids, tools, and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Report accidents, injuries, near misses, and unsafe conditions to management without delay. Co operate with management on all matters related to health and safety, including attending training and participating in risk assessments where requested. Refrain from any reckless or unsafe behaviour that could put themselves, colleagues, clients, or the public at risk.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before undertaking removals or related work, Hampstead Man and Van will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments. These assessments will consider hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, falls from height, confined spaces, vehicle operations, and work in busy or restricted access locations.
Where risks are identified, we will implement control measures, which may include route planning, use of trolleys and lifting aids, team lifting, safe loading and unloading procedures, and use of appropriate protective equipment. Staff are required to follow the safe systems of work and method statements issued for particular jobs and to raise any concerns if they believe further controls are necessary.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed correctly. Hampstead Man and Van will ensure that employees receive specific instruction and training on safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting for heavy or awkward items.
Where practical, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies, and ramps will be used to reduce manual effort. Employees must assess each lift individually, consider the weight, shape, and access route, and refuse to undertake any lift they consider unsafe. Items will be secured correctly in vehicles to prevent movement during transit, and all strapping and securing systems will be maintained and inspected.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Hampstead Man and Van recognises that driving is a high risk activity. Only authorised and competent drivers will operate company vehicles. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, obey all traffic laws, and follow company driving rules, including adherence to speed limits, parking regulations, and rest requirements.
Vehicles will be regularly serviced and checked to ensure roadworthiness. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic pre use checks, reporting defects, and ensuring that loads are distributed and secured safely. No one should be permitted to travel in parts of vehicles not designed for passengers.
Client Premises and Public Safety
Our teams often work in and around clients homes, offices, and shared spaces. Hampstead Man and Van will take all reasonable steps to safeguard clients, visitors, neighbours, and members of the public from risks created by our work. This includes controlling access to work areas where possible, keeping walkways clear of tripping hazards, and planning the movement of items to avoid collisions or obstruction.
We will act with respect for the property and surroundings of our clients, ensuring that floors, walls, and fixtures are protected where reasonably practicable and that any damage or incidents are reported promptly.
Training, Communication, and Consultation
We provide induction and ongoing training to all staff relevant to their roles, covering topics such as manual handling, use of vehicles and equipment, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures. Refresher training will be given when needed, for example when new equipment or procedures are introduced.
Hampstead Man and Van encourages open communication about health and safety. Employees may raise concerns, suggest improvements, or report hazards to their line manager or company management. We will consider and respond to such feedback as part of our continuous improvement approach.
Accidents, First Aid, and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records will be kept in line with legal requirements, and where necessary incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
Appropriate first aid provisions will be available, and staff will be informed of procedures to follow in the event of injury, fire, or other emergencies while working at clients premises or on the road. Our teams will co operate with any site specific emergency arrangements at commercial or shared locations.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy reflects Hampstead Man and Vans current operations and commitments. It will be reviewed periodically and updated when changes in legislation, guidance, or the nature of our services make it necessary. Any significant revisions will be communicated to all employees.
By following this policy and working together, we aim to ensure that all removal and transport services provided by Hampstead Man and Van are carried out as safely and responsibly as reasonably practicable.
