Health and Safety policy

Elephant and Castle Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Elephant and Castle Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, visitors, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in all aspects of our work, including residential and commercial moves, loading, unloading, and driving operations.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our main objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and minimise risks arising from our removal services. We aim to achieve this by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing practical controls that are understood and followed by everyone working with us.

We are committed to continual improvement of our health and safety performance. This includes regularly reviewing our procedures, learning from incidents and near misses, and updating training and equipment where necessary.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Elephant and Castle Man and Van accepts overall responsibility for ensuring that this Health and Safety Policy is implemented, maintained, and periodically reviewed. Management will provide appropriate resources, information, and supervision so that all work is carried out safely and in line with relevant health and safety legislation and guidance.

Management responsibilities include:

Ensuring risk assessments are carried out for tasks such as lifting and carrying, working in stairwells, loading and unloading vehicles, and driving. Providing and maintaining vehicles, tools, trolleys, lifting straps, and protective equipment in a safe and serviceable condition. Ensuring all staff receive appropriate training, information, and instruction before undertaking work. Investigating accidents and near misses, identifying causes, and implementing corrective action. Reviewing health and safety performance at regular intervals and updating this policy when required.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee 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 cooperate fully with the company in implementing this policy and any supporting procedures.

Employee responsibilities include:

Following all safety instructions, training, and company procedures. Using equipment, vehicles, and protective gear correctly and reporting any defects immediately. Avoiding horseplay or unsafe behaviour in or around vehicles, client premises, and public areas. Reporting accidents, injuries, near misses, and hazardous situations without delay. Communicating any health condition that may affect their ability to perform manual handling or driving duties safely.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our key activities and develop safe systems of work based on these assessments. Typical risks in the removals industry include manual handling injuries, slips, trips and falls, vehicle movements, and working in confined or cluttered spaces.

Before each move, the team leader will consider access routes, parking, stairways, floor surfaces, and any specific client requirements. Where necessary, adjustments will be made to the work plan to ensure safety, such as using additional staff, equipment, or protective coverings to reduce risk.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our work and is a significant potential source of injury if not managed correctly. We place strong emphasis on safe lifting techniques and the correct use of handling aids.

Our approach to manual handling includes:

Providing training on safe lifting techniques, team lifts, and the use of equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, and lifting straps. Encouraging staff to assess the weight, shape, and stability of items before lifting and to refuse unsafe lifts. Using team lifting for heavy or awkward items such as appliances, sofas, and wardrobes. Planning routes in advance to avoid unnecessary carrying, steep or uneven surfaces, and tight corners where possible. Taking regular short breaks during intensive lifting to reduce fatigue and strain.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

The safety of our drivers, passengers, and other road users is central to our operations. Only authorised and competent drivers are permitted to operate company vehicles.

Our vehicle safety measures include:

Carrying out regular checks on brakes, tyres, lights, restraints, and load securing points. Ensuring loads are evenly distributed, properly secured, and within the permitted weight limits. Requiring drivers to follow all road traffic laws, speed limits, and parking rules. Planning routes sensibly to allow adequate time and avoid unnecessary time pressure. Prohibiting driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair judgement or reaction times.

Working at Customer Premises

Our teams work in a wide range of residential and commercial environments. We aim to complete moves with minimal risk and disruption to customers, neighbours, and the public.

When working at customer premises, we will:

Take reasonable steps to protect floors, walls, and fixtures from damage where practical. Keep access routes as clear as possible and manage the movement of large items carefully. Place equipment such as ramps, trolleys, and blankets in safe positions to avoid trip hazards. Be mindful of noise, particularly in shared buildings, and maintain professional conduct at all times. Cooperate with building management or facilities staff regarding access rules, lifts, and loading areas.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where appropriate, we provide personal protective equipment such as gloves, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear. Staff are required to wear such equipment when instructed and to look after it properly.

Any defective or unfit equipment must be reported immediately so that it can be replaced. Personal protective equipment is considered a last line of defence and does not remove the need to manage risks at source.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff receive induction training covering health and safety responsibilities, manual handling, vehicle safety, and incident reporting. Additional job-specific training is provided where required, and refresher training is arranged when procedures or equipment change or when a need is identified.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring work practices on site, offering guidance, correcting unsafe behaviours, and ensuring that new or inexperienced workers are supported.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Accurate records will be kept, and the causes will be investigated so that lessons can be learned and preventative measures put in place.

Staff are briefed on emergency arrangements, including procedures for fire, serious injury, and vehicle accidents. Where the work is at larger commercial sites, our teams will cooperate with the client or building operator and follow their specific emergency procedures.

Consultation and Policy Review

We encourage open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in discussions about working practices. No employee will be penalised for highlighting a genuine health and safety issue.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice, or the nature and scale of our removal activities. A current version will always be available to employees, customers, and other interested parties upon request.