Health and Safety Policy for Fulham Man and Van

Fulham Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow to manage risk and to protect people and property during collection, loading, transportation and delivery of items.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage arising from our work. We aim to achieve this by identifying and controlling hazards associated with lifting, carrying, driving, loading, unloading and operating equipment during removal services. We also seek to continually improve our safety performance and promote a positive safety culture across the company.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Fulham Man and Van accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. This includes providing clear direction, allocating suitable resources and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place and followed. Managers will regularly review risk assessments, method statements and operating procedures, particularly when there are changes to our services, equipment or working practices.

Management will ensure that all employees understand their responsibilities, receive appropriate training and are consulted on health and safety matters. We will monitor compliance and take prompt action to address any identified shortcomings, near misses or incidents.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee of Fulham Man and Van has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly and cooperate fully with company procedures. This includes wearing any required personal protective equipment, reporting hazards or defects, and notifying management of incidents, near misses or health concerns that could impact safe work.

Employees must not misuse or interfere with any safety equipment and must never undertake tasks for which they have not been trained or authorised. Unsafe behaviour will be investigated and may result in disciplinary action.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Fulham Man and Van undertakes risk assessments for typical removal tasks, including domestic moves, commercial moves, packing services and the transportation of goods. These assessments consider manual handling, slips and trips, falls, vehicle movements, loading and unloading operations, and the use of tools or equipment. Where necessary, specific assessments are carried out for unusual items, restricted access, high floors, or other higher-risk situations.

From these assessments, we establish safe working practices and method statements. These include guidance on team lifting, use of trolleys and ramps, securing loads in vehicles, safe stacking and storage, and maintaining clear access routes at both collection and delivery addresses.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal activities. To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, Fulham Man and Van provides manual handling training and encourages the use of equipment and team lifting wherever appropriate. Staff are trained to assess the weight and shape of items before moving them, to plan their route and to request assistance when needed.

Heavy or awkward items must not be lifted by a single person where a team lift is required. Where necessary, lifting aids such as dollies, sack trucks and furniture sliders are used to minimise strain and to protect both staff and customer property.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are critical to our removal services, and their safe operation is essential. Fulham Man and Van ensures that all drivers hold the relevant licences and are competent to drive the vehicles assigned to them. Vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained to a safe standard, with defects reported and addressed promptly.

Drivers are expected to comply with all road traffic laws, to drive considerately, and to plan routes that prioritise safety. Loads must be positioned and secured correctly to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any medication that may impair their performance.

Protecting Customers, Property and the Public

During all removal operations, we take steps to protect customers, their property and members of the public. This may include using protective coverings for floors and surfaces, careful positioning of vehicles to reduce obstruction, and maintaining clear walkways while carrying items. Staff are instructed to remain vigilant for members of the public passing near loading areas and to minimise risk by using spotters where needed.

We aim to complete every job in a professional manner that reduces noise, disruption and potential hazards such as trailing straps, unsecured doors or unattended equipment.

Training, Information and Supervision

Fulham Man and Van provides induction training for new staff and ongoing instruction for existing employees covering manual handling, safe loading techniques, use of equipment, vehicle safety, and our company procedures. Where required, additional training is provided for high-risk tasks or specialist equipment.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for overseeing work on-site, ensuring that procedures are followed and that any issues are handled promptly. Information on health and safety expectations is communicated clearly and reviewed when procedures are updated.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable to management. Fulham Man and Van records and investigates these events to identify underlying causes, implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence. Where necessary, we will review risk assessments and procedures in light of investigation findings.

Employees are encouraged to report hazards or concerns before they result in an incident, and we treat such reports seriously and constructively.

Health and Safety Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes in our activities, legislation or industry best practice. We remain committed to continuous improvement, seeking feedback from staff and customers and learning from experience across our removal operations.

By working together and following this policy, Fulham Man and Van aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.