Health and Safety policy
Man and a Van Swiss Cottage Health and Safety Policy
Man and a Van Swiss Cottage is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, 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 areas of our operations, including domestic and commercial moves, packing, loading, unloading, and driving.
We recognise our duties under relevant health and safety legislation and aim to exceed minimum standards wherever reasonably practicable. Health and safety is an integral part of our service and essential to delivering reliable and professional moving solutions throughout our service area.
Policy Objectives
Our key health and safety objectives are to:
Identify, assess, and control risks associated with moving, lifting, transport, and on-site work.
Prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health for staff, customers, and the public.
Provide and maintain safe vehicles, equipment, and working systems.
Ensure all team members receive appropriate instruction, information, and training.
Promote a culture of safety awareness and personal responsibility.
Continuously improve our health and safety performance through review and monitoring.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety Policy and ensuring that adequate resources are available to maintain safe operations. This includes:
Developing and updating safe working procedures for all moving and transportation tasks.
Ensuring all vehicles and equipment are regularly inspected, serviced, and fit for purpose.
Carrying out and documenting risk assessments for typical removal activities and specific jobs where necessary.
Providing staff with clear guidance on manual handling, use of equipment, and safe driving practices.
Investigating any accidents, near misses, or incidents to prevent recurrence.
Ensuring that this policy is communicated to all employees and is available to customers on request.
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. All team members of Man and a Van Swiss Cottage are expected to:
Follow the instructions, procedures, and training provided.
Use vehicles, tools, and equipment only for their intended purpose and in a safe manner.
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for lifting, carrying, and working on-site.
Report any hazards, unsafe conditions, or defective equipment immediately to management.
Cooperate with risk assessments and safety initiatives.
Refrain from any behaviour that could endanger themselves, colleagues, customers, or the public, including working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before each move or removal project, our team considers the specific conditions of the job, including property access, stairways, parking, and the nature of the items to be moved. Where necessary, a more detailed risk assessment is carried out.
Typical control measures include:
Planning safe routes for carrying items to and from the vehicle.
Assessing the weight and stability of furniture and boxes before lifting.
Using team lifts for heavy, awkward, or bulky items.
Ensuring adequate lighting and clear walkways in properties and loading areas.
Using appropriate equipment such as trolleys, straps, and blankets where suitable.
Checking weather conditions and adjusting methods of work when surfaces may be wet, icy, or otherwise hazardous.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a central part of removal work, and incorrect lifting techniques can cause serious injury. Man and a Van Swiss Cottage provides training and guidance on safe manual handling, including:
Assessing the load before lifting and seeking assistance if in doubt.
Adopting a stable stance and using the legs rather than the back to lift.
Avoiding twisting movements while carrying heavy items.
Taking regular breaks when handling large numbers of items.
Using mechanical aids or additional personnel for particularly heavy or awkward loads.
Vehicle Safety and Driving
Our vehicles are essential to providing safe and efficient moving services. To protect our drivers, passengers, other road users, and customers property, we:
Ensure that all vehicles are maintained and inspected in line with manufacturer guidelines and legal requirements.
Secure loads properly using appropriate restraints to prevent movement during transit.
Require drivers to obey all traffic laws and drive according to road, weather, and traffic conditions.
Discourage long periods of driving without breaks to reduce fatigue.
Prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving, except with legally compliant hands-free systems where necessary.
Customer and Public Safety
We take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of customers and members of the public during our operations. This includes:
Communicating clearly with customers about planned arrival times and access requirements.
Keeping entrances, stairways, and pathways as clear as possible during loading and unloading.
Positioning vehicles in a way that minimises obstruction and risk, while complying with parking rules and restrictions.
Advising customers, particularly children and pets, to remain clear of moving operations and lifting activities.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, and near misses are to be reported to management as soon as practicable. This allows us to:
Provide or seek appropriate medical assistance where needed.
Record details for internal review and any statutory reporting requirements.
Identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions.
Update risk assessments and working procedures to prevent recurrence.
In the event of serious incidents, emergency services will be contacted immediately, and work will be suspended if continuing would present further risk.
Training, Supervision, and Review
Man and a Van Swiss Cottage ensures that team members receive suitable training relevant to their roles, including induction training for new staff and refresher training as needed. Supervision is provided to confirm that safe working practices are understood and followed.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated where necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, or the nature of our services. We are committed to continual improvement and welcome feedback from employees and customers about any aspect of our health and safety performance.
By working together and maintaining high standards, Man and a Van Swiss Cottage aims to deliver safe, reliable, and professional removal services across our operating area.
