Health and Safety policy
Holland Park Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Holland Park Man and Van is committed to providing a professional and safe removals service for our customers, our employees, and anyone who may be affected by our work. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk, complying with relevant legislation, and promoting a culture of safety in all moving and transport activities.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
We recognise our duty to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of our staff and to protect customers, visitors, and members of the public during removals and associated services. Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property by planning work carefully and following clear procedures.
Health and safety considerations are integrated into the way we plan and deliver every move, from small flat relocations to larger household or office removals. We regularly review our working practices to ensure they reflect current regulations, industry standards, and practical lessons learned on the job.
Roles and Responsibilities
Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate resources, training, and equipment are provided so that work can be carried out safely and efficiently. Managers and supervisors must lead by example, communicate safety expectations clearly, and ensure that staff understand and follow this policy.
All employees are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must cooperate with health and safety measures, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly, and follow instructions and training provided.
Customers also play a role by providing accurate information about access conditions, items to be moved, special risks such as fragile or heavy objects, and any restrictions at the property. Cooperation between the removals team and the customer helps ensure a safe and smooth move.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before starting any removal work, our team carries out a risk assessment that considers the type of property, access routes, parking arrangements, stairways, lifts, floor surfaces, and the nature and weight of items to be moved. Where particular hazards are identified, suitable control measures are put in place.
Common risk controls for removals work include using safe lifting techniques, employing trolleys and other handling equipment for heavy or bulky items, protecting floors and walls, and planning safe carrying routes. Where manual handling cannot be avoided, tasks are shared and breaks are taken when needed to reduce fatigue and strain.
Work is planned to minimise unnecessary carrying, awkward movements, and work at height. Where work at height cannot be avoided, steps or platforms are used safely, with due care taken near windows, stairwells, and other edges.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of removals work and is managed carefully to prevent injury. Staff are trained in correct lifting, carrying, and team-handling techniques, including how to assess the weight and shape of loads, when to ask for assistance, and when to use equipment instead of lifting by hand.
We provide appropriate tools and equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, and blankets to handle loads more safely and to protect both people and property. Equipment is inspected regularly and taken out of service if it is damaged or unsafe. Staff are instructed to use only the equipment they have been trained and authorised to use.
Vehicle Safety and Transport
Vehicles used for removals are maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, and securing points. Loads are distributed evenly and secured thoroughly to prevent movement during transport, reducing the risk of accidents and damage to goods.
Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws, observe speed limits, and drive in a manner appropriate to road, weather, and traffic conditions. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs their ability to drive safely.
Protecting Customers, Property, and the Public
We take care to protect customers, their belongings, and their property throughout the moving process. Protective materials are used where necessary to reduce the risk of damage to floors, walls, doorways, and furniture. Items are handled with care, wrapped or covered as needed, and loaded in a secure and stable manner.
Where work takes place near public areas, footpaths, or shared spaces, we plan and manage activities to avoid creating unnecessary risk to passers-by. This may include clearly marking work areas, controlling access, and ensuring items are not left in places where they may cause trips or obstructions.
Training, Communication, and Supervision
All staff receive health and safety training relevant to their role, including induction training for new employees and ongoing refresher training. Training covers manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures.
Supervisors monitor working practices on site, provide guidance, and address unsafe behaviour or conditions promptly. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and report near misses so that we can learn from them and continually improve our safety performance.
Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses
All accidents, injuries, and near misses that occur during removals work must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record and investigate incidents to understand what happened and to identify any changes needed to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Where required by law, incidents are reported to the appropriate authorities. We support injured employees and cooperate fully with any external investigations or enquiries.
Emergency Preparedness
Our teams are briefed on how to respond in the event of an emergency such as fire, serious injury, or road traffic collision. This includes knowing how to evacuate safely, how to contact emergency services, and how to secure the site or vehicle so that further harm is avoided.
Where specific site procedures are in place, such as fire evacuation routes or assembly points, our staff will follow these and cooperate with building management or relevant personnel.
Monitoring and Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, our operations, or best practice in the removals industry. We monitor performance through incident reports, feedback from staff and customers, and periodic inspections of work activities.
By following this policy and working together, Holland Park Man and Van aims to deliver a safe, reliable, and professional removals service that protects the wellbeing of our staff, our customers, and the wider community.
