Chelsea Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Chelsea Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk and promoting a culture of safety in all aspects of our work.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury and ill health associated with moving, handling, loading, transport, and related services. We aim to identify and control hazards, comply with relevant health and safety legislation, and continuously improve our standards and procedures.

Management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and will provide the resources, information, and support necessary to implement this policy effectively.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Management is responsible for leading on health and safety, ensuring that safe systems of work are in place and that risk assessments are carried out, recorded, implemented, and reviewed. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day coordination, making sure that staff follow safe working practices and use equipment correctly.

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 or omissions. Staff must follow instructions, use equipment safely, report hazards, incidents, and near misses, and co operate with any health and safety measures introduced.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before carrying out removal, delivery, or collection work, Chelsea Man and Van will assess the significant risks associated with the job. This may include building layout, access points, stairways, parking and loading arrangements, potential traffic hazards, and any unusual or heavy items.

Risk assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work. These systems may include the use of additional staff for heavy or awkward items, the use of mechanical aids, particular lifting techniques, and agreed communication methods for coordinating team movements in confined spaces or busy areas.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal services, and it is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff receive training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting procedures for large, bulky, or heavy items. Where practical, trolleys, dollies, straps, and other moving aids will be used to reduce physical strain.

Employees must not attempt to lift or move items that exceed their capabilities. If an item is considered too heavy, awkward, or dangerous to move safely, the team shall stop and seek further instructions, additional equipment, or extra personnel.

Use of Equipment and Vehicles

All vehicles used by Chelsea Man and Van will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points, and loading areas. Defects are reported promptly and vehicles are taken out of use where necessary until repairs are completed.

Loading and unloading must be planned and supervised so that loads are stable and properly secured during transit. Staff will be trained to use vehicle ramps, tail lifts, straps, and other equipment safely, and must never exceed the rated capacity of any lifting or securing equipment.

Working at Height and Use of Stairs

Where work at height is unavoidable, for example when loading upper floors or using access ramps, appropriate precautions will be taken. Staff will use only suitable and stable access equipment and must follow the training and instructions provided. Improvised platforms, unsafe ladders, and other unsafe practices are not permitted.

Particular care will be taken when using stairways, narrow corridors, and confined spaces. Routes will be checked before moving large items, and the team will coordinate movements to avoid slips, trips, and falls. Obstructions will be removed where possible, and additional assistance or rest breaks will be used as necessary.

Protective Equipment and Clothing

Personal protective equipment may include safety footwear, gloves, and other items appropriate to the task. Where such equipment is provided, employees must use it correctly and keep it in good condition. Damaged or defective protective equipment must be reported immediately so that it can be replaced.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams work in a variety of homes, offices, and commercial spaces. We take care to protect those environments and the people within them. This includes using floor protection where appropriate, managing cables and equipment to avoid trip hazards, and keeping access routes clear.

When operating in shared spaces or busy streets, staff will be particularly alert to members of the public, cyclists, and other road users. Loading and unloading will be planned to minimise disruption and risk, including the use of safe parking positions and, where necessary, a banksman to direct vehicle movements.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Chelsea Man and Van provides appropriate training and instruction for all staff relevant to their duties. This includes induction training, manual handling guidance, vehicle and equipment familiarisation, and task specific briefings for unusual or higher risk work.

Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of the team. New team members work under closer supervision until they have demonstrated the necessary competence and understanding of our safety procedures.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and damage incidents must be reported as soon as practicable. Incident reports will be reviewed to identify root causes and steps that can be taken to prevent recurrence. Relevant findings will be communicated to staff and used to improve our procedures and training.

Our teams are briefed on emergency arrangements, including what to do in the event of fire, injury, or road traffic incidents. Staff must familiarise themselves with any specific emergency procedures that apply at customer premises and act in accordance with those procedures.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the need for staff to be fit for the tasks they undertake. Employees are expected to report any medical conditions, injuries, or fatigue that may affect their ability to work safely. We will make reasonable adjustments where possible and will not require staff to undertake work that would place them at undue risk.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if there are significant changes in our operations, legislation, or if an incident indicates that an update is required.

Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and used to improve our safety performance. Through ongoing review, training, and communication, Chelsea Man and Van strives to maintain high standards of health and safety across all of our removal and transport services.