Chelsea Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Chelsea Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transportation, and related activities.

We aim to prevent accidents, work-related ill health, and damage to property by planning our work carefully, providing appropriate training and equipment, and promoting a culture of safety awareness and responsibility.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Chelsea Man and Van rests with the company management. Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate systems, procedures, and resources are in place to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and to drive continual improvement in safety performance.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, including briefing staff on safe working practices, monitoring compliance, and addressing any hazards or unsafe behaviour promptly.

All employees, including drivers, porters, and office-based staff, share responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. Every team member is expected to follow safe working procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards and near misses, and co-operate fully with health and safety requirements.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Chelsea Man and Van identifies and assesses the key hazards associated with removals work, including manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, working in customers premises, and the use of equipment such as trolleys and lifting aids.

Site-specific risk assessments are carried out where appropriate, especially for complex moves, restricted access properties, and jobs involving heavy or awkward items. The findings of these assessments are used to develop safe systems of work which may include designated lifting methods, staffing levels, equipment needs, and specific instructions for access and parking.

Our staff are briefed on the outcomes of relevant risk assessments, and safe systems of work are reviewed periodically to reflect any changes in operations, equipment, or legislation.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal activities, and we recognise the potential for injury if items are not lifted, carried, or manoeuvred safely. We take reasonable steps to minimise manual handling risks by planning each job, using appropriate handling equipment, and allocating sufficient staff for heavier or bulkier loads.

All operational staff receive instruction in safe lifting techniques, including team lifting, maintaining good posture, recognising personal limits, and using mechanical aids wherever practicable. Heavy or high-risk items are only moved by staff who are competent and authorised to do so, and tasks are refused or re-planned where the risk cannot be controlled to an acceptable level.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to the services we provide, and vehicle safety is treated as a key health and safety priority. Vehicles are inspected regularly and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Any defects are reported immediately and addressed before vehicles are returned to service.

Only authorised, licensed, and competent drivers are permitted to operate company vehicles. Drivers are expected to adhere to road traffic laws, speed limits, and parking regulations, and to drive in a manner that prioritises the safety of passengers, other road users, and pedestrians.

Loads are secured appropriately before the vehicle moves, and items are positioned to avoid shifting during transit. Where necessary, drivers will refuse to proceed until they can park and operate safely without creating unacceptable risks to the public or to property.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Work at customer premises is planned and carried out with careful consideration for the safety of everyone on site. Our teams assess access routes, stairways, corridors, and entrances to identify tripping hazards, obstructions, or other risks. Where necessary, protective coverings or corner guards are used to reduce the risk of damage and to maintain safe walking surfaces.

Care is taken to keep walkways clear of packaging and equipment, and to avoid blocking fire exits or emergency access routes. Where moving activities present a risk to the public, our staff implement control measures such as verbal warnings, temporary barriers where practicable, or adjusting the work sequence to minimise risk.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Chelsea Man and Van ensures that employees are given appropriate information, instruction, and training to carry out their duties safely and effectively. This includes induction training for new starters, task-specific training for removal work, manual handling, and refresher training when procedures or equipment change.

Supervisors monitor working practices on site and provide guidance, corrections, and feedback where needed. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns, ask questions, and suggest improvements to health and safety arrangements.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide and maintain suitable equipment, such as removal blankets, trolleys, straps, and other handling aids, to reduce the risk of injury and damage. Equipment is inspected regularly, and defective items are removed from service promptly.

Where necessary, appropriate personal protective equipment is made available, for example gloves or safety footwear, and employees are required to use such equipment as instructed. PPE is considered a supplementary measure, and we always seek to control risks at source through planning and safe systems of work.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, incidents, near misses, and damage to property are reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. These events are investigated to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions that reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

We review our health and safety performance on a regular basis, considering incident data, staff feedback, and operational changes. Where appropriate, we update our procedures, risk assessments, and training materials to reflect lessons learned and to maintain best practice in the removals industry.

Employee Consultation and Policy Review

Chelsea Man and Van values open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are consulted on changes that affect their safety and are encouraged to contribute ideas for improving working practices and conditions.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations or in applicable health and safety legislation. Updated versions are communicated to staff and made available to customers on request.

By working together and maintaining a strong safety culture, Chelsea Man and Van aims to ensure that all removal work is completed efficiently, professionally, and with the highest regard for the health and safety of everyone involved.