Health and Safety policy

Paddington Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Paddington Man and Van is committed to providing a professional removals service that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, transporting and handling household and commercial goods.

Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by maintaining high standards of safety in every aspect of our operations, from initial booking through to final delivery at the destination property.

Policy Objectives

The objectives of this Health and Safety policy are to:

Identify and control hazards associated with removals, loading, unloading, driving and handling goods.

Ensure that our staff are trained and competent to carry out removals work safely.

Provide and maintain vehicles, equipment and tools in a safe and reliable condition.

Promote a positive safety culture where all staff and customers understand their responsibilities.

Continuously review and improve our health and safety performance.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Paddington Man and Van is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation and best practice guidance. Management will:

Assess risks associated with our removal services and implement appropriate control measures.

Provide clear instructions, training and supervision to ensure work is carried out safely.

Ensure vehicles, lifting aids and equipment are regularly inspected and properly maintained.

Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

Review this policy periodically and update it in line with operational changes and legal requirements.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees of Paddington Man and Van have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees are required to:

Follow all safety procedures and instructions provided during their work.

Use vehicles, tools, and handling equipment only as trained and intended.

Report any hazards, defects, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions without delay.

Wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment where required.

Cooperate fully with management in implementing this Health and Safety policy.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Risk assessments are carried out for core activities including lifting and carrying, stair work, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, parking and working at customer premises. Based on these assessments, safe working practices are established, such as:

Planning removal routes to minimise manual handling over long distances.

Using correct lifting techniques, including team lifting for bulky or heavy items.

Positioning vehicles to allow safe loading and unloading away from traffic where possible.

Securing loads properly within vehicles to prevent movement and instability in transit.

Avoiding trip hazards by keeping walkways and access points clear of packing materials and equipment.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key element of our work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strain, musculoskeletal injury and accidents. Paddington Man and Van will:

Provide training on safe lifting, carrying and team coordination when handling large items.

Encourage staff to assess the weight and shape of items before lifting and to request assistance where needed.

Use trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids where appropriate to limit physical strain.

Ensure that any specialist equipment, such as ramps or lifting devices, is maintained and used only by trained personnel.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our removals operations and are managed to high safety standards. We will:

Carry out regular checks and servicing of vehicles to maintain roadworthiness.

Ensure that only authorised and competent drivers operate our vehicles.

Require drivers to observe speed limits, parking regulations and road safety rules at all times.

Plan routes with consideration for safe access, loading zones and property constraints.

Check that loads are secure, evenly distributed and within safe weight limits before departure.

Customer and Public Safety

Paddington Man and Van is committed to safeguarding customers and members of the public during removal activities. To achieve this, we will:

Maintain clear access routes in and out of properties during moves.

Advise customers, where practical, to keep children and pets away from moving areas.

Minimise noise, obstruction and disturbance around properties and communal areas.

Take care to protect property surfaces, fixtures and fittings from damage during handling.

Be considerate of neighbours and other building users when loading or unloading vehicles.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise that safe work practices are supported by good health and wellbeing. Paddington Man and Van will:

Encourage staff to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to perform physical tasks safely.

Discourage lone handling of items that are too heavy, awkward or unsafe for one person.

Promote adequate rest breaks, especially during busy periods or in demanding conditions.

Ensure drivers are fit to drive and not under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs performance.

Training and Competence

Training is an essential part of our safety management. All staff involved in removals work will receive training appropriate to their role, which may include:

Induction training covering core Health and Safety expectations.

Manual handling and safe lifting techniques.

Safe use of trolleys, straps and other handling equipment.

Vehicle safety, load securing and driver responsibilities.

Communication with customers regarding safe access and working areas.

Incident Reporting and Policy Review

All accidents, injuries, near misses and property damage incidents must be reported as soon as possible. Reports are reviewed to identify patterns, improve procedures and prevent similar events in the future.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant and aligned with the ongoing development of our removal services. Updates are communicated to staff and implemented across our operations.

By following this policy, Paddington Man and Van aims to provide a safe, reliable and responsible removals service for every customer and every move.