Croydon Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Croydon Man and Van manages safety risks associated with our removal and man and van services. Our aim is to protect employees, customers, subcontractors and members of the public from injury or ill health arising from our activities, while maintaining a professional, reliable removals service.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

Croydon Man and Van is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment, safe systems of work, and safe equipment and vehicles. We comply with applicable health and safety legislation and continually seek to improve our standards. Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver every move, from small flat removals to larger household and office relocations.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources are provided to implement this policy. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day enforcement of safe working practices on each job and for making sure that staff understand and follow agreed procedures.

Every employee and subcontractor has a duty of care to work safely, co-operate with management on health and safety matters, use equipment correctly and report hazards, near misses, incidents or concerns immediately.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting any removal work, our staff assess potential risks at the collection and delivery locations and in transit. This includes considering access routes, stairs, lifts, parking arrangements, loading areas, manual handling tasks, weather conditions, and the nature and size of items being moved.

Where significant risks are identified, appropriate control measures are implemented. These may include using additional staff for heavy or awkward loads, using trolleys or lifting aids, protecting floors and surfaces, adjusting the route of access, or re-planning how items are dismantled and carried. Work must not proceed if conditions are deemed unsafe until appropriate controls are in place.

Manual Handling and Safe Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and a key focus of our safety arrangements. All staff receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, including assessing loads, using correct posture, team lifting, and recognising when to use handling equipment rather than lifting by hand.

Employees are instructed not to attempt lifts beyond their capability or that of the team available. Heavy, bulky or fragile items are handled according to agreed procedures designed to protect both staff and customers property. Staff are expected to take regular breaks where appropriate to reduce the risk of strain and fatigue.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks are carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points and other safety-critical features. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles are never overloaded.

Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws, and drive in a careful and considerate manner. Journey planning takes account of traffic, time pressures and rest breaks so that drivers do not feel compelled to rush or ignore safe practices. Mobile phones and devices must be used only in a safe and legal way.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Croydon Man and Van provides suitable equipment to support safe removals, such as trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and ramps where required. Equipment is checked regularly and removed from service if damaged or defective.

Where tasks require it, personal protective equipment may be used, such as protective gloves or safety footwear. Staff are trained in the correct use and care of any equipment and are expected to report any defects immediately so that replacements or repairs can be arranged.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new employees receive an induction that covers our health and safety expectations, safe working procedures, incident reporting and customer care. On-the-job training is provided for manual handling, use of equipment and vehicle loading. Training needs are reviewed periodically and when new equipment, processes or services are introduced.

Supervision is proportionate to the experience of the team and the complexity of the job. Less experienced staff are closely supervised and supported by senior team members until they are competent to work more independently.

Protecting Customers, Property and the Public

We recognise our duty to protect not only our staff but also customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our work. Access routes are kept as clear as reasonably practicable, and hazards such as trailing straps or equipment are minimised. Particular care is taken around shared entrances, pavements, driveways and communal areas.

Customers are asked to keep children and pets away from work areas during loading and unloading. Our teams take reasonable steps to prevent damage to property, such as using protective coverings and moving items carefully through tight spaces. Where access is restricted, work may be paused while a safer approach is agreed with the customer.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents and near misses, however minor, must be reported to management as soon as possible. This enables us to investigate the circumstances, take corrective action, and review risk assessments and procedures. Where necessary, medical assistance will be sought without delay.

We encourage an open culture in which staff feel able to report concerns and suggest improvements without fear of blame. Learning from incidents is a key part of continually improving our health and safety performance.

Monitoring and Review of This Policy

This policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if there are significant changes in our operations, relevant legislation or industry best practice. Revisions are communicated to all employees and, where appropriate, to subcontractors.

By working together and following this Health and Safety Policy, Croydon Man and Van aims to ensure that every move is carried out as safely and efficiently as possible for everyone involved.