Greenwich Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Greenwich 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 moving and removal activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in every aspect of our operations, including packing, lifting, loading, transport and unloading.
We recognise that professional removals work involves specific risks, including manual handling, vehicle use, road safety, working in varied properties and environments, and interaction with customers and the public. We aim to control these risks through careful planning, staff training, appropriate equipment and continuous monitoring of our procedures.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Greenwich Man and Van rests with the company management. Management is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources, systems and support are in place to implement this policy and to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and guidance.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for the day-to-day implementation of safe working practices on jobs, including briefing teams, checking equipment, monitoring adherence to procedures and addressing any unsafe conditions or behaviour.
All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following instructions and training, using equipment correctly, wearing any required personal protective equipment, reporting hazards, accidents and near misses, and cooperating with management on all health and safety matters.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for our removal activities and review them regularly. These assessments identify potential hazards and set out control measures designed to minimise the likelihood of injury, damage or ill health.
Where appropriate, site-specific risk assessments will be completed at customer premises, taking into account property layout, access routes, parking arrangements, stairways, lifts, surfaces, weather conditions and any vulnerable persons present.
Safe working procedures are developed from these assessments and communicated to staff. Employees must follow these procedures at all times and raise any concerns where a task cannot be completed safely under the existing arrangements.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Moving furniture, boxes and household items is a core part of our work and presents a significant risk of strains and injuries if not managed properly. Greenwich Man and Van emphasises the importance of correct manual handling techniques and provides training to all team members.
Key principles include planning the lift, testing the weight, using appropriate lifting aids where required, keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting while carrying, and working as a team for larger or awkward items. No employee is expected to lift or move any item they believe to be unsafe or beyond their capability.
We encourage the use of equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps and furniture blankets to reduce manual effort and improve control. Access routes are checked for obstacles, tripping hazards and uneven surfaces before moving large items.
Vehicle Safety and Road Use
Our vehicles are essential to our removal services, and we are committed to operating them safely and responsibly. Vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Pre-use checks are carried out by drivers, and any defects are reported promptly.
Only authorised and suitably competent drivers may operate company vehicles. Drivers must comply with road traffic laws, speed limits, parking rules, loading limits and driving time restrictions. We promote safe driving behaviours, including allowing sufficient time for journeys, avoiding distraction, and adjusting driving style to weather and traffic conditions.
Loads are secured correctly to prevent movement during transit. Care is taken when operating in residential streets, near schools and in busy areas, with particular attention paid to pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
Working at Customer Premises
Our teams frequently work inside customers homes and business premises. We respect these environments and aim to prevent damage, disruption and risk to occupants and visitors.
Where possible, clear walkways are established for moving items, and protective coverings may be used to safeguard floors and surfaces. Items are handled carefully to avoid damage to property, fixtures and fittings. Doors, gates and access points are managed to reduce the risk of trips, collisions and unauthorised access.
We are attentive to the presence of children, pets and vulnerable persons, and take steps to keep them away from active work areas and moving vehicles. Customers will be informed of any particular safety considerations relevant to their move and are asked to cooperate with reasonable safety requests from our team.
Equipment, PPE and Housekeeping
Tools, lifting aids and other equipment used in our removal work are maintained in good condition. Defective equipment is taken out of service immediately and reported for repair or replacement. Employees must not improvise or misuse equipment in ways for which it was not intended.
Where necessary, suitable personal protective equipment may be provided, such as gloves, high-visibility clothing or safety footwear, depending on the task and environment. Employees are expected to use such equipment correctly and report any loss or damage.
Good housekeeping is essential to safe removal operations. Work areas, vehicles and storage spaces should be kept as tidy as practicable, with waste and packing materials cleared regularly to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses that occur during our work must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. This enables us to investigate, identify root causes and take corrective actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Where required by law, certain incidents will be formally recorded and notified to the relevant authorities. We treat incident reporting as a positive tool for improvement, not as a cause for blame, and encourage open communication from all staff.
Training, Communication and Review
Greenwich Man and Van provides appropriate health and safety training during induction and on an ongoing basis. Training may cover topics such as manual handling, safe vehicle operation, use of equipment, hazard awareness and emergency procedures.
Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, team meetings and written instructions. Employees are encouraged to ask questions, provide feedback and suggest improvements to our health and safety arrangements.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in law, best practice or the nature of our removal services. Management is committed to continual improvement in our health and safety performance and to maintaining a culture where safety is an integral part of every job we undertake.
