Health and Safety policy

Tufnell Park Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Tufnell Park Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, contractors, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removal and man and van services, including packing, loading, transport, unloading, and handling of goods at homes, offices, and other premises.

Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and applying effective control measures in all aspects of our operations.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Tufnell Park Man and Van rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate systems and resources are in place. Management is responsible for:

Ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Providing suitable information, instruction, training, and supervision for all workers. Making sure that suitable equipment, vehicles, and materials are provided and maintained in a safe condition. Regularly reviewing and updating this policy.

All workers, whether permanent, temporary, or subcontracted, share responsibility for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Workers must:

Follow all safe systems of work, procedures, and instructions. Use equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment where required. Report hazards, incidents, near misses, and health and safety concerns without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our removal and man and van activities, taking into account the nature of the premises, access routes, customer requirements, and the type and weight of items being moved. Findings from risk assessments are used to develop and implement safe working procedures.

Where necessary, dynamic risk assessments are conducted on site before work begins, allowing our teams to identify hazards such as poor access, uneven surfaces, limited parking, traffic risks, and fragile fixtures or fittings. If work cannot be carried out safely, the job will be paused until suitable control measures are in place.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our service, and we recognise the risk of injury from poor lifting techniques or excessive loads. To reduce these risks, Tufnell Park Man and Van ensures that:

Workers receive guidance on correct lifting techniques and safe team handling. Loads are assessed for weight, size, and stability before being moved. Mechanical aids such as sack trucks, trolleys, and lifting straps are used where appropriate. Large or heavy items are handled by sufficient team members to avoid strain and overexertion. Routes are cleared of obstacles as far as reasonably practicable before items are carried.

Workers are encouraged to refuse to lift any item they consider unsafe to move without additional assistance or equipment.

Vehicle Safety and Transport of Goods

Our vehicles and drivers play a crucial role in maintaining safety during removal work and transport. We are committed to:

Ensuring that vehicles used for removal services are roadworthy, appropriately maintained, and suitable for the loads they carry. Ensuring loads are evenly distributed, properly restrained, and secured to prevent movement during transit. Requiring drivers to follow all road traffic laws, speed limits, and parking regulations, and to drive in a courteous and defensive manner. Taking into account loading and unloading conditions at each site, including visibility, traffic flow, and pedestrian safety.

Drivers are responsible for checking the condition of the vehicle before departure, reporting any defects, and ensuring that the load does not exceed permitted limits.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise that our work often takes place in occupied homes, shared buildings, offices, and public areas. To protect customers, visitors, and the public, we:

Plan access routes to minimise disruption and reduce the risk of trips, slips, and collisions. Take care to protect floors, walls, doorways, and staircases when moving items. Position ramps, boards, or protective coverings as needed, ensuring they are stable and safe. Keep work areas as tidy as reasonably practicable, avoiding tools and equipment being left where they may cause accidents. Communicate clearly with customers about any short-term risks, such as blocked walkways or vehicle manoeuvres.

Where appropriate, we may use warning signs or temporarily restrict access to loading and unloading areas.

Equipment, PPE, and Maintenance

All equipment used for removals and lifting is selected for suitability and maintained in good condition. Any item found to be defective is removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Personal protective equipment is provided where risk assessments identify a need. Depending on the task, this may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing, or other items. Workers are required to use PPE correctly and to report any loss or damage.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Tufnell Park Man and Van provides workers with adequate information and guidance relating to their tasks, including safe lifting, vehicle loading, working at height where relevant, and dealing with challenging environments such as narrow staircases or restricted access points.

New staff members receive an introduction to our health and safety expectations before working on customer sites. Ongoing supervision is provided to ensure that safe practices are followed consistently and that less experienced workers are supported.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents, and near misses are taken seriously. Workers must report any such events promptly so that appropriate first aid, follow up, and investigation can take place.

We review each incident to identify root causes and implement corrective actions aimed at preventing recurrence. Where necessary, this may include changes to procedures, additional training, or adjustments to equipment or staffing.

Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical demands of removal work and the importance of workers being fit for the tasks they undertake. Individuals must not work under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any substance that may affect their ability to work safely.

Workers are encouraged to raise any health issues that may affect manual handling, driving, or other aspects of their role. Where appropriate, tasks may be adjusted to take account of specific needs or limitations.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Tufnell Park Man and Van is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We monitor our practices, gather feedback from workers and customers, and adjust our procedures in line with changes in legislation, industry guidance, or the nature of our services.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with our commitment to safe, professional removal and man and van services.