Finchley Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy explains how Finchley Man and Van manages health, safety and welfare in all removal and transport operations. Our aim is to prevent injury, protect health and comply with all applicable health and safety legislation relevant to our activities.

This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, subcontractors and any other persons engaged in work on behalf of Finchley Man and Van. It also covers the safety of customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal services.

Health and Safety Objectives

Finchley Man and Van is committed to:

Maintaining a safe and healthy working environment in all vehicles, storage areas and client premises we work in. Preventing accidents, work related ill health and near misses through effective risk management. Providing information, instruction, training and supervision necessary for employees to work safely and competently. Ensuring that all equipment, vehicles, tools and handling aids are safe, properly maintained and suitable for their intended use. Consulting with employees and, where applicable, contractors on matters affecting their health and safety. Continuously reviewing and improving our health and safety performance and procedures.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management. They are responsible for ensuring that suitable resources are allocated to implement this policy, that risk assessments are carried out, and that procedures are kept up to date.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for day to day implementation of this policy. Their duties include briefing staff on safety procedures, monitoring working practices, reporting hazards, and ensuring that corrective actions are completed.

All employees, drivers, porters and contractors have a duty to:

Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Co operate with the company on all matters relating to health and safety. Use vehicles, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Follow all safety instructions, safe systems of work and training provided. Report hazards, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Finchley Man and Van carries out risk assessments covering typical removal activities, including manual handling, loading and unloading, working in and around vehicles, use of lifting aids, access to premises, and storage activities. Site specific risks, such as restricted access, stairs, uneven surfaces or hazardous materials, will be assessed before or on arrival where necessary.

From these assessments, safe systems of work are developed and communicated to staff. These may include instructions for lifting and carrying, the use of trolleys and lifting equipment, safe loading patterns, securing loads, and maintaining clear access routes.

Manual Handling and Lifting Operations

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents significant risk of injury if not carried out correctly. Finchley Man and Van will, as far as reasonably practicable, avoid or reduce heavy manual lifting through planning, use of suitable equipment and correct staffing levels.

Where manual handling is necessary, employees will:

Receive training in safe lifting and carrying techniques. Assess the size, weight and shape of items before lifting. Ask for assistance with heavy or awkward loads. Use mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies or lifting straps where appropriate. Avoid twisting, over reaching or carrying items that obstruct their view. Take extra care on stairs, ramps, uneven surfaces and in confined spaces.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

All vehicles used by Finchley Man and Van must be roadworthy, properly maintained and suitable for the load being carried. Regular checks and servicing will be carried out in line with legal and manufacturer requirements.

Drivers are responsible for:

Conducting daily vehicle checks before use and reporting defects. Ensuring loads are evenly distributed, properly secured and within permitted weight limits. Driving safely, courteously and in accordance with road traffic laws and company procedures. Avoiding fatigue by taking appropriate breaks and not driving when unfit through tiredness, illness or medication. Not operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

All work equipment, including lifting aids, ramps, straps and tools, must be used only for its intended purpose and in line with training and instructions. Faulty or damaged equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported.

Where required, Finchley Man and Van will provide suitable personal protective equipment, which may include protective footwear, gloves and high visibility garments. Staff must use any protective equipment provided and report loss or damage so that replacements can be arranged.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams often work in customer homes, offices and shared buildings. Care must be taken to protect the safety of customers, visitors and the general public. This includes:

Keeping walkways, stairs and exits as clear as reasonably practicable. Using warning signs or verbal warnings where trip hazards or temporary obstructions cannot be avoided. Handling customer property carefully to avoid damage and prevent hazards. Controlling vehicle movements safely around entrances, driveways and public areas.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to the responsible manager or supervisor. Accurate records will be kept in an accident log.

Where appropriate, investigations will be carried out to identify the immediate and underlying causes of incidents. Corrective actions will then be implemented to reduce the likelihood of recurrence, and findings will be shared with relevant staff.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

Finchley Man and Van recognises the importance of general health and fitness for those involved in physical work and driving.

Employees are expected to inform management of any health condition, medication or injury that may affect their ability to carry out their duties safely. Where appropriate, temporary adjustments may be made to duties or work patterns.

Suitable welfare arrangements, such as access to rest breaks, drinking water and toilet facilities, will be provided or agreed for the duration of work wherever reasonably practicable.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff will receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their role, which may include manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, working at customer premises and incident reporting.

Supervision will be provided, particularly for new, young or inexperienced workers, to ensure that safe practices are understood and followed. Safety information, including this policy and any related procedures, will be made available to all employees.

Monitoring, Review and Policy Updates

Finchley Man and Van will monitor compliance with this policy through observation of working practices, review of incident reports and feedback from staff and customers.

This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, company operations or the findings of incident investigations. Any significant changes will be communicated to all relevant personnel.

Everyone working for or with Finchley Man and Van is expected to support and uphold this Health and Safety Policy. By working together, we can deliver reliable removal services while protecting the health and safety of staff, customers and the public.