Catford Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Catford Man and Van is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for our customers, employees, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with removals, deliveries and related transport services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and disruption during the planning and delivery of man and van and removal services. We aim to identify hazards in advance, apply effective control measures and continuously improve our performance through training, monitoring and review.

Legal Responsibilities and Compliance

Catford Man and Van will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, regulations and approved codes of practice that apply to our operations. We will regularly review this policy to reflect changes in law, accepted industry standards and our own working practices. Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate resources are provided to meet these obligations.

Management Responsibilities

Management has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes assessing workplace risks, providing suitable equipment, ensuring vehicles are maintained in a safe condition, and putting in place safe systems of work for manual handling, driving, loading and unloading activities. Managers will ensure that all staff understand their duties and are competent to perform their roles safely.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees of Catford Man and Van share a duty of care for their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their work. Staff must follow company safety procedures, use equipment correctly, cooperate with training, report hazards promptly and refrain from any reckless behaviour. Employees are encouraged to raise health and safety concerns without fear of reprisal.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before undertaking any removal or transport task, Catford Man and Van will assess the risks associated with the premises, access routes, parking, stairways, lifts, and the nature of the goods being moved. Where necessary, we will carry out site-specific risk assessments to identify particular hazards such as restricted access, heavy or awkward items, fragile goods or high-traffic areas. The outcomes of these assessments will inform the choice of equipment, staff numbers and methods used.

Safe Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key aspect of our work and is treated as a priority risk area. Our staff receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, including assessing loads before movement, using team lifts for heavy or bulky items, and using handling aids whenever practical. We aim to avoid unnecessary lifting by planning routes, clearing obstacles and using trolleys, dollies and other suitable equipment to reduce strain and the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Use of Equipment and Vehicles

All vehicles operated by Catford Man and Van will be maintained to a safe, roadworthy standard. Safety checks are carried out regularly, and any defects that could affect safety are addressed before vehicles are used. We provide appropriate securing equipment such as straps and blankets to protect items and prevent movement during transit. Staff are trained to load vehicles evenly, secure loads and observe weight limits to maintain stability and safe handling.

Driving and Road Safety

Drivers working for Catford Man and Van must hold the correct licence for the vehicles they operate and must follow all road traffic laws. We promote safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits, avoidance of distractions, and taking appropriate breaks to reduce fatigue. Route planning is used to minimise unnecessary travel, avoid unsuitable roads where possible and maintain realistic schedules that do not encourage unsafe driving.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises, our teams will take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors and members of the public. This includes keeping access routes as clear as possible, stacking items safely, and using caution when moving goods through shared spaces, corridors and entrances. Where required, we will use simple barriers, signage or a member of staff acting as a guide to manage movement and reduce the risk of trips, slips or collisions.

Housekeeping and Environment

Good housekeeping helps to prevent accidents. During and after each job, our staff are expected to keep work areas tidy, manage waste appropriately, avoid blocking exits and remove packaging or other debris that could create hazards. Spills and other immediate risks are to be dealt with promptly or reported so that they can be addressed without delay.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risk assessments identify a need, Catford Man and Van will provide suitable personal protective equipment. This may include protective gloves, safety footwear or high visibility clothing, depending on the task and environment. Staff are responsible for using the equipment provided, keeping it in good condition and reporting any damage or loss so that it can be replaced.

Training, Information and Supervision

We recognise that effective training and information are essential for safe working. Employees receive induction information on health and safety, along with task-specific guidance on manual handling, load securing, vehicle use and working at customer locations. Supervision is provided appropriate to the level of experience and risk, and refresher guidance is offered periodically or following any incident or change in procedure.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses, injuries and dangerous occurrences involving Catford Man and Van staff, vehicles or activities must be reported as soon as possible. We will investigate incidents to identify underlying causes and will take corrective action to prevent recurrence. Where necessary, we will review risk assessments, procedures, equipment or training in light of investigation findings.

Continuous Improvement

Catford Man and Van is committed to continual improvement of our health and safety performance. We will regularly review this policy, monitor our activities and seek feedback from employees and customers on safety issues. Lessons learned from incidents, changes in legislation and industry best practice will be used to update our working methods and training.

Policy Review and Communication

This Health and Safety Policy will be communicated to all employees and will be made available to customers and other stakeholders on request. It will be reviewed periodically and updated as required to ensure that it remains relevant, effective and aligned with our commitment to safe and responsible man and van and removal services.