Health and Safety policy
Fulham Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Fulham 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 removals and transportation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transporting, and storing household and commercial goods.
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. We aim to continuously improve our health and safety performance across all removal operations.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Fulham Man and Van is responsible for establishing and maintaining safe systems of work and ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained, and reviewed. Managers will:
Ensure compliance with applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice relevant to the removals sector.
Provide clear instructions, information, and supervision to enable employees to carry out work safely.
Ensure that vehicles, lifting equipment, and tools used during removals are properly maintained, inspected, and suitable for their intended purpose.
Review risk assessments regularly and after any significant incident, operational change, or near miss.
Promote a positive safety culture in which employees feel able to report hazards, raise concerns, and suggest improvements.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, drivers, and porters 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 are expected to:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and training provided by Fulham Man and Van.
Use vehicles, trolleys, ramps, and lifting aids correctly and only for their intended purpose.
Wear any personal protective equipment provided and keep it in good condition.
Report accidents, near misses, damage, hazards, or unsafe conditions to management as soon as possible.
Refrain from any behaviour that could place themselves, colleagues, customers, or the public at risk.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Fulham Man and Van conducts risk assessments for typical removal activities, including manual handling, vehicle loading and unloading, use of lifting aids, working in confined spaces such as stairwells, and operating in busy streets or shared premises.
Where necessary, site-specific assessments are undertaken to identify any special access issues, parking constraints, structural risks, or other hazards that may affect the safe completion of the move. These assessments inform safe systems of work and the allocation of adequate personnel, time, and equipment for each job.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a key focus of our safety management. To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and accidents:
Staff receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of handling equipment.
Lifting aids such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, and ramps are used wherever reasonably practicable.
Loads are assessed for weight, size, centre of gravity, and stability before being lifted or moved.
Routes are planned to minimise carrying distances, avoid obstructions, and reduce the risk of trips and falls.
Heavy or awkward items are only moved by sufficient and appropriately trained personnel.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Safe operation of vehicles is essential for both staff and public safety. Fulham Man and Van ensures that:
Drivers hold the appropriate licences and are competent to operate the vehicles assigned to them.
Vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced, and maintained in a roadworthy condition.
Loads are distributed evenly, properly secured, and do not exceed permitted weight limits.
Parking and loading are planned so as to reduce risk to pedestrians, other road users, and property.
Drivers follow safe driving practices, adhere to speed limits, and take appropriate rest breaks to avoid fatigue.
Protection of Customers and Property
During removal operations, we take steps to protect our customers, their property, and the premises we are working in. Measures include:
Planning safe access routes and keeping walkways as clear as possible.
Using protective coverings or barriers where suitable to prevent damage to floors, walls, and fixtures.
Ensuring that customers and others present are kept away from high-risk areas such as moving vehicles, loading zones, and stairwells while heavy lifting is in progress.
Communicating clearly with customers about timing, access requirements, and any safety considerations relevant to their move.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Fulham Man and Van provides ongoing training and instruction so employees can carry out their work safely and competently. This includes:
Induction training on our health and safety procedures and expectations.
Manual handling training and refreshers at appropriate intervals.
Task-specific instruction for high-risk activities such as operating tail lifts, ramps, or specialist equipment.
Close supervision of new or inexperienced staff until they are confident and competent.
Regular briefings to share lessons learned from incidents, near misses, or changes in best practice.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, and near misses occurring in connection with our removals work must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Fulham Man and Van will:
Record relevant details of each incident, including time, place, persons involved, and nature of any injuries or damage.
Investigate incidents to identify underlying causes and contributing factors.
Implement corrective actions or changes to procedures, equipment, or training as needed.
Use findings to prevent recurrence and to improve overall health and safety performance.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Fulham Man and Van values the input of employees and customers in improving health and safety standards. We encourage feedback on any aspect of our operations that may impact safety. Concerns raised will be taken seriously and considered in the review of risk assessments and work procedures.
This policy is regularly reviewed to ensure that it remains suitable, relevant, and effective. Changes in legislation, industry guidance, or the nature of our services may prompt an earlier review. Updated versions of the policy will be communicated to all employees.
By working together and following the principles set out in this Health and Safety Policy, Fulham Man and Van aims to deliver professional, efficient, and safe removal services for every customer.
