Paddington Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Paddington Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and practices we follow to manage risks, prevent injuries, and protect property while carrying out removals, deliveries, loading, unloading, and related activities.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health associated with our moving and transportation operations. We work to continuously improve our health and safety performance by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing suitable control measures. We aim to ensure that every removal, whether residential or commercial, is carried out in a safe, controlled, and responsible manner.
Legal Compliance and Standards
Paddington Man and Van will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, industry regulations, and recognised best practice for the removals and transportation sector. We review our procedures regularly to reflect changes in law, guidance, and operational requirements. We expect all employees and contractors to cooperate with these standards and to apply them consistently in daily work.
Responsibilities and Accountability
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure appropriate resources, training, and supervision are in place. Line managers and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, including planning safe work, checking equipment, and monitoring working conditions.
Every employee, including drivers, porters, and office staff, 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 instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards, and cooperate with investigations and safety improvements. Contractors working with or on behalf of Paddington Man and Van are required to follow this policy and any additional site-specific safety rules.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before any removal or transport activity is carried out, relevant risks are assessed and appropriate control measures are planned. Typical risks include manual handling, slips and trips, falls from vehicles, moving vehicles, working in confined or cluttered spaces, and handling fragile or heavy items.
We develop safe systems of work to reduce risks, including careful route planning, safe loading methods, correct use of lifting equipment, and clear communication among team members. Staff are required to follow these procedures at all times and to stop work if they believe conditions are unsafe.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is managed with particular care. Staff receive training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting for heavy or awkward items. Where possible, lifting aids such as trolleys, dollies, and straps are used to reduce physical strain and risk of injury.
Large or bulky items are assessed individually, and the safest method of movement is chosen. Staff are instructed not to attempt to lift items that exceed safe weight limits or that present a clear risk of injury. Customers may be asked to clear access routes or remove obstacles to allow safe handling.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition through regular inspections and servicing. Drivers are required to carry out routine checks before use, including tyres, lights, brakes, load restraints, and doors. Any defects or concerns must be reported immediately and vehicles taken out of service if they are unsafe.
Drivers follow all road traffic laws and drive with care, allowing extra time for journeys to avoid rushing. Loads are secured using appropriate restraints to prevent movement during transit. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited, and weight distribution is considered when packing and loading goods.
Safe Loading, Unloading, and Access
Loading and unloading operations are planned to minimise risks to staff, customers, and the public. Access routes, stairs, lifts, and entrances are checked for hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or obstructions. Where necessary, protective coverings may be used on floors and walls to safeguard property while providing safer footing.
Team members communicate clearly during manoeuvres, especially when moving large items around corners, along corridors, or up and down stairs. Where there is a risk to the public, measures such as spotters or cordons may be used to keep people clear of the working area.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is essential for safe removals and storage activities. We aim to keep working areas, including vehicles and storage spaces, tidy and free from unnecessary obstacles. Waste materials and packaging are cleared promptly and disposed of correctly to reduce fire risk and the potential for slips and trips.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All staff receive appropriate health and safety training relevant to their roles, including induction training and ongoing refresher sessions. Topics include manual handling, safe driving and vehicle checks, use of equipment, incident reporting, and customer site safety. Additional training is provided when new equipment, procedures, or types of work are introduced.
Supervision levels are set according to the experience of staff and the complexity of the job. Less experienced team members may be paired with more experienced colleagues until they are competent to work more independently.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and damage to property must be reported as soon as possible. Records are kept and reviewed to identify patterns, underlying causes, and opportunities for improvement. Where necessary, corrective actions are implemented, and procedures or training are updated.
Customer and Public Safety
Paddington Man and Van takes reasonable steps to protect customers and the public during our operations. We may request that customers and other persons stay clear of active loading and unloading areas and follow instructions from our team for their own safety. Particular care is taken in busy residential streets and commercial locations where pedestrians and vehicles may be present.
Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work
We recognise that moving and transport work can be physically demanding. Staff are encouraged to maintain good health and fitness and to report any medical conditions or concerns that may affect their ability to work safely. No employee or contractor should work under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs judgment or coordination.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, equipment, or relevant legislation. We welcome feedback from employees, customers, and contractors to help us improve our arrangements and maintain high standards of safety and care.
By following this policy, Paddington Man and Van aims to deliver reliable, efficient, and safe removal services, protecting people, property, and the wider community in every job we undertake.
