Belgravia Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Belgravia Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, loading, unloading and transporting goods.

We recognise our duties under relevant health and safety legislation and are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance. Safety is an integral part of our planning and delivery of removal services, from small man and van moves to larger property clearances.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Belgravia Man and Van rests with the company management, who will provide adequate resources to implement this policy. Management is responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are developed, communicated and monitored, and that appropriate equipment and training are provided.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day implementation of safe working practices on site and during transport operations. They must ensure that staff follow agreed procedures, use equipment correctly and report hazards, incidents and near misses.

All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must co operate with the company by following safety instructions, using protective equipment where required and immediately reporting any unsafe conditions or accidents.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Belgravia Man and Van will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for activities associated with our removal services. These assessments will consider risks such as manual handling, slips and trips, falls from height, traffic and vehicle movements, use of tools and equipment, and risks present at customer premises.

Findings from risk assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work and practical control measures. These may include route planning, use of lifting aids, team lifts for heavy items, use of protective equipment, safe loading techniques and clear communication procedures on site and during transit.

Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly, and whenever there are significant changes in work practices, equipment, locations or after any incident that indicates existing controls may be inadequate.

Manual Handling and Lifting Practices

As a removal company, manual handling is a core part of our operations. To minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injury, Belgravia Man and Van will provide training and guidance in safe lifting and carrying techniques. Staff will be instructed to assess the load, the route and their own capability before attempting any lift.

Where practical, mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies and lifting straps will be used. Team lifting will be required for large or awkward items such as furniture, appliances and heavy boxes. Employees must not attempt to lift items that exceed their personal capability or that cannot be moved safely with the resources available.

Customers will be advised, where appropriate, about safe packing and weight distribution of boxes and containers to support safe handling by our teams.

Vehicle, Driving and Transport Safety

Belgravia Man and Van recognises that road safety is a significant aspect of our operations. All drivers must hold appropriate valid licences and be familiar with the vehicles they operate. Vehicles will be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are roadworthy and suitable for the loads carried.

Loads must be distributed and secured correctly to prevent movement during transit. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited. Drivers and crew must follow relevant road traffic laws, drive considerately and adjust driving style to weather, road and traffic conditions.

Journey planning will aim to minimise risk by allowing adequate time for travel, rest breaks where appropriate and selection of suitable routes for the size and type of vehicle.

Working at Customer Premises

Our teams often work in homes, offices and other premises not under our direct control. On arrival, staff will carry out a dynamic on site assessment to identify hazards such as uneven floors, narrow staircases, poor lighting, low headroom, loose carpets, pets or other obstructions.

Where necessary, pathways will be cleared, protective coverings placed on floors and measures taken to prevent slips and trips. Staff will take care to protect both themselves and customer property, using appropriate handling techniques and protective equipment.

If conditions are considered unsafe, work will be paused and the situation discussed with the customer so that suitable adjustments or arrangements can be made before proceeding.

Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment and Maintenance

Belgravia Man and Van will provide appropriate tools and equipment to carry out removal tasks safely. This includes trolleys, blankets, straps, securing devices and any other specialist moving aids required for safe handling of goods.

Where risk assessment identifies the need, personal protective equipment such as gloves, high visibility garments or safety footwear will be provided. Employees must use such equipment as instructed and report any defects immediately.

All equipment will be maintained in good condition, inspected regularly and taken out of service if found to be defective or unsafe.

Information, Instruction, Training and Supervision

We will provide our employees with adequate information, instruction and training relevant to their roles within the removal service. This includes induction training, safe manual handling practices, vehicle and load safety, use of equipment, emergency procedures and reporting arrangements.

Refresher training will be provided periodically and whenever work practices, equipment or legal requirements change. Supervisors will monitor work on site to ensure that training is applied in practice and that safe working methods are followed.

Accident Reporting, Investigation and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. Records will be kept of all such events. Significant incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures will be in place for situations such as injury, fire, road traffic incidents or damage to property. Staff will be made aware of the procedures relevant to their work, including how to summon assistance and, where appropriate, how to safely evacuate premises.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

Belgravia Man and Van recognises the importance of employee health and wellbeing in delivering safe removal services. So far as reasonably practicable, work will be organised to avoid excessive physical strain and fatigue. Staff are expected to present for work in a fit state, free from the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs and without impairment from medicines that could affect safety.

Any employee who feels unfit for particular tasks, or who has a health condition that may affect their ability to work safely, must inform their manager so that appropriate adjustments or alternative duties can be considered.

Consultation, Communication and Policy Review

We will consult with employees on health and safety matters, encouraging open communication and feedback about risks and improvements. Suggestions for safer methods of working within our moving and transport operations are welcomed and will be considered by management.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, our operations or lessons learned from experience. The current version of the policy will be communicated to all employees and made available to customers on request.

By implementing this policy and maintaining a strong safety culture, Belgravia Man and Van aims to deliver reliable, efficient and safe removal services for every customer and every move.