Health and Safety Policy for Swiss Cottage Man and Van

Swiss Cottage Man and Van is committed to providing a professional, reliable, and safe removal service. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks, protecting our staff, customers, contractors, and the public, and ensuring that our removal operations are carried out as safely as reasonably practicable across our service areas.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise our duty to manage health and safety in all aspects of our removal and transport activities. Our objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property while maintaining a high standard of customer service. Health and safety considerations are integrated into our planning, decision making, and day-to-day operations.

Management is responsible for providing clear guidance, suitable equipment, and appropriate resources so that all activities, from local moves to longer distance removals, are carried out safely. All employees share responsibility for following procedures, using equipment correctly, and raising any health and safety concerns without delay.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Swiss Cottage Man and Van complies with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards that apply to removal and transport services. We review legal requirements on a regular basis and adjust our procedures and training to ensure ongoing compliance and best practice.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct risk assessments for our core activities, including domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading vehicles, handling bulky items, and operating in different types of properties and access conditions. These risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our work processes or equipment.

From these risk assessments we implement safe systems of work, which include but are not limited to:

Identifying safe access routes for properties and loading areas. Planning vehicle positioning to minimise reversing and reduce interaction with traffic and pedestrians. Using appropriate equipment for lifting and moving items such as trolleys and lifting straps. Ensuring floors, driveways, and pathways are kept as clear as possible during loading and unloading. Taking extra care in adverse weather conditions and poor lighting.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents significant risk if not managed properly. All staff receive manual handling training relevant to their role. This covers correct lifting techniques, team lifting, recognition of personal limits, and the use of handling aids.

Where practicable we use suitable equipment to reduce manual handling risks, such as sack trucks, dollies, sliders, and protective blankets. Staff must always assess the weight, shape, and stability of items before lifting, and are encouraged to request assistance or refuse unsafe lifts.

All tools and equipment used in removal operations are inspected regularly for damage and defects. Faulty or unsuitable equipment is taken out of use immediately and reported to management.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

We take vehicle safety seriously, as our vans are essential to our removal services. Our drivers must hold the appropriate driving licence and drive in a safe, courteous, and lawful manner at all times.

To help ensure safe operation we carry out regular checks and servicing of our vehicles, including tyres, lights, brakes, securing points, and tailgates where fitted. Loads are distributed and secured correctly to prevent movement during transit and to maintain vehicle stability. Drivers are instructed to follow safe loading limits and never exceed the maximum authorised load or passenger capacity.

Journey planning is carried out with safety in mind, taking account of traffic conditions, timing, rest breaks, and access limitations such as narrow streets, height restrictions, and loading zones in our operating areas.

Protection of Customers, Public, and Property

Our staff take reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours, and the general public from risks arising from our work. This includes maintaining clear pathways where possible, controlling the movement of large items, and using safe lifting and carrying techniques around others.

We take care to prevent damage to property during removals. Floors, walls, bannisters, and doorways are protected where appropriate, and staff are instructed to report any incident or near miss immediately so that we can respond and learn from it.

Training, Communication, and Supervision

All staff receive an introduction to our Health and Safety policy and procedures when they start working with us. Ongoing training is provided to ensure that employees are aware of their responsibilities and familiar with safe working practices, equipment use, and emergency arrangements.

Supervisors and senior staff monitor working methods on site and provide guidance and support as needed. Health and safety matters are discussed regularly, and staff are encouraged to raise any concerns, suggest improvements, or report hazards without fear of blame.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record and investigate such events to identify root causes and implement corrective actions, aiming to prevent recurrence and improve our systems.

Our teams are briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency, such as fire, serious injury, or road traffic incidents. This includes contacting the emergency services when required, ensuring the safety of staff, customers, and bystanders, and securing the work area or vehicle where it is safe to do so.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Swiss Cottage Man and Van is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We review this policy regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, fleet, or legal requirements. Feedback from staff and customers is considered as part of this review process.

By working together and following this Health and Safety policy, we aim to provide a safe, efficient, and responsible removal service throughout the areas we cover.