Hackney Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles, responsibilities and procedures adopted by Hackney Man and Van to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. As a professional removal and man and van company, we are committed to conducting all activities in a way that prevents injury, ill health and property damage.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Hackney Man and Van recognises that effective health and safety management is an integral part of providing reliable and professional moving and transport services. Our objective is to maintain safe systems of work for all removal, loading, unloading, driving and on-site activities, and to continually improve our standards in line with best practice and applicable regulations.

We are committed to:

Identifying and controlling risks associated with lifting, carrying, transport, and working in and around customer premises. Providing appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision. Supplying and maintaining suitable equipment and vehicles in a safe condition. Consulting with staff on health and safety matters and encouraging a positive safety culture. Reviewing our arrangements regularly to ensure they remain effective and up to date.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management at Hackney Man and Van has overall responsibility for health and safety and for implementing this policy. This includes ensuring that adequate resources are provided for training, equipment, maintenance and risk control, and that clear procedures are in place for planning, monitoring and reviewing work activities.

Managers and supervisors must:

Plan all removal and transport work to minimise risk. Ensure that staff understand safe working procedures and follow them. Confirm that vehicles, lifting aids and equipment are inspected and maintained. Investigate incidents and near misses to prevent recurrence. Lead by example and promote safe behaviour at all times.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees of Hackney Man and Van have a duty of care for their own health and safety and that of colleagues, customers and others affected by their actions. Employees must:

Follow all safety instructions, training and company procedures. Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly. Report hazards, defects, accidents, near misses and any health concerns without delay. Cooperate with management in implementing health and safety improvements. Avoid horseplay, unsafe shortcuts or any behaviour that could create risk.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We undertake risk assessments for our core activities, including domestic and commercial removals, packing services, loading and unloading, furniture assembly and disassembly, and the driving and parking of vehicles. For larger or more complex moves, site-specific assessments may be carried out.

The outcomes of risk assessments are used to create safe systems of work. These may include guidance on the number of staff required for a move, the use of trolleys or lifting aids, route planning to avoid obstructions or unsafe parking, and the safe handling of awkward, heavy or fragile items.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key element of removal work and a significant source of potential injury. Hackney Man and Van aims to remove or reduce manual handling risks wherever practicable.

We will:

Provide training on correct lifting and carrying techniques and team lifts. Encourage the use of equipment such as sack trucks, dollies and sliders where appropriate. Plan loads so that heavy items are positioned for easier access and movement. Discourage staff from attempting to lift or carry items that are beyond safe limits. Ensure that rest breaks are taken where tasks are physically demanding.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are central to our operations, and their safe use is essential for both staff and the public. We are committed to maintaining vehicles in roadworthy condition and to promoting safe driving practices.

Drivers must:

Hold the appropriate valid licence for the vehicle being driven. Conduct basic pre-use checks and report defects immediately. Drive in accordance with road traffic laws and company rules. Secure loads to prevent movement and damage during transit. Park considerately and safely, paying attention to pedestrians, cyclists and property.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Hackney Man and Van provides suitable equipment to support safe working, including moving aids and protective equipment where needed. Equipment is inspected and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance and company procedures.

Where personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility garments is required, staff must use it correctly and report any damage or loss. PPE is regarded as a last line of defence, and we always seek to control risks at source wherever possible.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer locations, our teams will take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors and the general public. This includes keeping walkways clear where practicable, using safe lifting paths, avoiding damage to property, and communicating with customers about any particular hazards or access requirements.

We aim to minimise disruption and noise, maintain professional conduct while on site, and leave customer premises in a safe and tidy condition after work is completed.

Training, Communication and Consultation

We provide initial and ongoing training appropriate to roles and responsibilities, including induction for new starters and refresher training when needed. Health and safety expectations are communicated clearly through briefings, written procedures and toolbox talks.

We encourage employees to raise health and safety concerns and suggestions, and we consider feedback when reviewing our procedures. Open communication helps us improve our performance and address issues before they lead to incidents.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. These events are recorded, investigated and used to improve our arrangements.

Our teams are briefed on emergency procedures, including how to respond in the event of fire, collision, injury or sudden illness during a job. Employees must always prioritise personal safety and the safety of others in any emergency situation.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Hackney Man and Van monitors health and safety performance through incident records, inspections, feedback from staff and customers, and regular management review. This policy and associated procedures are reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in operations, legislation or best practice.

We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety, recognising that high standards protect our people, our customers and the wider community, and support the reliable, professional delivery of our removal and man and van services.