Enfield Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Enfield Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our objectives, responsibilities and arrangements for managing health and safety across all aspects of our services, including house moves, office relocations, furniture transport and associated loading and unloading work.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary health and safety objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm arising from our operations. We aim to achieve this by identifying and controlling risks associated with manual handling, vehicle use, working in and around client premises, and handling fragile or heavy items. We are committed to continual improvement in our health and safety performance and to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Enfield Man and Van has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring effective health and safety management throughout the company. Management will provide suitable resources, instruction and support to enable employees to work safely and to maintain high standards of risk control. This includes conducting regular reviews of our procedures, investigating incidents and near misses, and taking corrective actions where necessary.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that health and safety procedures are followed on each job, that risk assessments are completed where required, and that staff are briefed on any specific hazards at client sites. They will encourage open communication on safety matters and ensure that any concerns raised are addressed promptly.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must follow the training and instructions provided, use equipment correctly and report any hazards, near misses, accidents or defective equipment to management without delay. They are expected to cooperate fully with all health and safety procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment where required.
Employees must not engage in horseplay, unsafe behaviour or the misuse of vehicles, tools or lifting equipment. They must not work under the influence of drugs or alcohol and must inform management if they are taking medication that could affect their ability to work safely.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Enfield Man and Van will identify and assess significant risks associated with our activities, including lifting and carrying heavy items, working on stairs, loading and unloading vehicles, and operating in confined or busy locations. Where appropriate, site-specific risk assessments will be carried out and communicated to the team before work begins.
Safe systems of work will be developed and maintained for common tasks such as dismantling and assembling furniture, securing loads in vehicles, protecting customer property, and navigating narrow access routes. Staff will be briefed on these procedures and required to follow them at all times.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of removal work, and Enfield Man and Van is committed to minimising the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. We will provide guidance on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling aids such as trolleys, dollies and straps. Heavy or awkward loads will be assessed before lifting and, where necessary, additional staff or mechanical aids will be used.
All equipment used for lifting, securing or transporting goods will be maintained in a safe condition and checked regularly for damage or defects. Employees must not use equipment for purposes for which it was not designed and must report any damaged or faulty items immediately.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are central to our operations and will be maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular inspections and servicing in line with manufacturer and regulatory requirements. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and are responsible for carrying out basic pre-use checks, reporting defects and driving in a safe and considerate manner.
Loads must be properly distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit, with particular care taken for bulky, heavy or fragile items. Drivers must comply with speed limits, parking restrictions and site rules, and must avoid using mobile phones or other devices while driving unless in a legally compliant hands-free mode.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams work in and around customers homes, offices and shared spaces, and we recognise our responsibility to protect customers, visitors and the general public. We will take steps to minimise trip hazards from equipment, tools, packaging and removed items, and we will maintain clear access routes wherever possible.
Where work is carried out in communal areas, near public walkways or on busy streets, the team will use appropriate warning measures and take extra care when carrying items, opening vehicle doors and operating near entrances or staircases. Any damage to property or unsafe conditions identified during work will be reported to the customer and to management.
Training, Information and Supervision
Enfield Man and Van will provide appropriate training and information to all staff, including induction training for new employees and refresher training as required. Training will cover manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, emergency procedures and specific hazards associated with removal work.
Supervision levels will be appropriate to the experience and competence of staff and the complexity of the work being undertaken. Less experienced employees will be supported by more experienced colleagues and supervisors to ensure that tasks are carried out safely and to the required standard.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will record and investigate incidents to identify underlying causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Where necessary, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal requirements.
Employees will be made aware of emergency procedures for situations such as fire, serious injury, vehicle collision or sudden illness on site. Where appropriate, basic first aid provision will be made available, and staff will know how to obtain further medical assistance when needed.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or industry best practice. We will consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage suggestions for improving safety standards. By working together and maintaining a positive safety culture, Enfield Man and Van aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our activities.
