Health and Safety policy

Putney Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Putney Man and Van manages safety for our removal and moving services. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, visitors and customers, and to preventing accidents, injuries and damage to property during all moving activities.

1. Policy Statement and Objectives

Putney Man and Van aims to conduct all removal operations in a manner that protects people, vehicles, equipment, property and the wider public. We seek to identify and control risks associated with lifting, carrying, driving, loading, unloading and working in and around customers premises. Our objectives are to minimise incidents, comply with applicable health and safety legislation and continuously improve our safety performance.

2. Responsibilities and Accountability

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Putney Man and Van rests with the company management. Management ensures suitable resources are available to implement this policy, including appropriate equipment, training and supervision. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for applying safe systems of work on each job, carrying out on-site checks, and ensuring that team members follow instructions and use protective equipment correctly.

All employees, drivers and porters share responsibility for their own safety and that of colleagues and customers. They must cooperate with management, attend required training, use equipment safely, report hazards or incidents promptly, and stop work if they believe conditions are unsafe.

3. Risk Assessment and Planning

Before carrying out removal work, Putney Man and Van will assess foreseeable risks associated with the job. This includes reviewing access routes, stairs, lifts, parking arrangements, manual handling requirements, the size and weight of items, and potential hazards such as uneven surfaces, low ceilings or poor lighting. Where appropriate, pre-move surveys or information provided by customers will be used to help plan safe methods of working.

Controls will be put in place to reduce risks to an acceptable level. This may include using additional staff, mechanical aids, specialised equipment, or adjusting the timing and sequence of work to avoid congestion, traffic or conflict with other contractors.

4. Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is managed with particular care. Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling equipment. Heavy, bulky or awkward items such as furniture, appliances and boxes are moved using suitable aids, which may include trolleys, sack trucks, dollies, straps and lifting equipment, where reasonably practicable.

Employees must not attempt to lift or move any item that they consider too heavy or unsafe. Handling equipment must be inspected regularly, used only for its intended purpose and removed from service if damaged or defective. Safe stacking, loading and securing of items in vehicles is required at all times to prevent shifting loads and potential injuries.

5. Vehicle and Driving Safety

Putney Man and Van is committed to safe driving practices and responsible operation of all vans and vehicles. Drivers must hold a valid licence for the type of vehicle being used and follow all road traffic laws. Vehicles are to be kept roadworthy through regular maintenance and safety checks, including tyres, brakes, lights, mirrors and securing points.

Loads must be distributed evenly and secured using appropriate restraints to prevent movement in transit. Drivers are required to plan routes to minimise risk, allow sufficient journey time, and consider access restrictions and safe parking for loading and unloading. Mobile phones or other devices may not be used while driving unless operated via an appropriate hands-free system, and only where it is safe and legal to do so.

6. Workplace and Customer Premises Safety

When working at customer premises, employees must show respect for the property and maintain safe working practices. This includes keeping walkways clear, avoiding blocking fire exits, using steps or ladders safely, and carefully handling fragile items. Team members will take care to protect floors, walls and doorways where practical, and to avoid creating trip hazards from tools, boxes or packing materials.

Smoking, substance misuse and unsafe behaviour are strictly prohibited while on duty or on customer premises. Any hazards identified at a property, such as faulty steps, loose carpets or restricted access, should be reported immediately to the team leader so that work can be adjusted or made safe.

7. Training, Information and Supervision

Putney Man and Van provides employees with training relevant to their roles, including manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, work at height where applicable, and general health and safety awareness. New staff receive induction training before undertaking unsupervised work, and training is refreshed periodically or when significant changes occur in equipment, procedures or legislation.

Supervision is provided according to the complexity of the job and the experience of staff involved. Instructions and information about each move are communicated clearly, including any special precautions or customer requirements affecting safety.

8. Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, property damage and near misses must be reported promptly to management. Putney Man and Van records these events and investigates them where necessary to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Employees are expected to cooperate fully with any investigation and to implement agreed corrective actions.

Where required by law, serious incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities. First aid arrangements will be maintained appropriate to the nature and scale of our operations, and employees will be informed of the procedures to follow in case of emergency.

9. Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Putney Man and Van encourages feedback from employees and customers on health and safety matters. Suggestions for improving safety, equipment or working methods are welcomed and will be considered by management. This policy and our associated procedures are reviewed regularly and updated as necessary in light of operational experience, changes in legislation or industry best practice.

10. Policy Review and Communication

This Health and Safety Policy is made available to all employees and is communicated during training and briefings. A copy is provided to customers or other interested parties on request. The policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains suitable, adequate and effective for the nature of our removal services. By working together and following this policy, Putney Man and Van aims to deliver a reliable, efficient and safe moving service for every customer.