Health and Safety policy

Pinner Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures that guide Pinner Man and Van in providing safe, reliable removal and transportation services. Our aim is to protect our employees, customers, contractors, visitors and the public from injury, ill health and avoidable property damage during all removal and delivery activities.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

Pinner Man and Van is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety across all aspects of our removal operations. We will do everything reasonably practicable to prevent accidents, manage risks and foster a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.

We recognise that removal work involves manual handling, vehicle movements, working in customers’ premises and, at times, working under time pressure. We therefore take a proactive approach to planning, supervision and training to keep people and property safe.

Legal Responsibilities and Management

We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance relevant to removal and transportation services. The management of Pinner Man and Van accepts overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed at regular intervals, and whenever there are significant changes to our activities or relevant legislation.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for putting this policy into practice, ensuring that risk controls are understood and followed, and that staff have the information, instruction and equipment required to work safely. Employees are required to co-operate fully with all health and safety measures, follow safe systems of work and report any concerns immediately.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Risk assessments are carried out for our key removal tasks, including packing, lifting, loading, transportation and unloading. These assessments identify significant hazards and specify control measures, such as use of appropriate equipment, safe lifting techniques, restricted access to vehicle loading areas and clear communication between team members.

Before each removal job, our team will take account of the particular environment, such as access routes, parking arrangements, stairways, lifts and any unusual load characteristics. Where necessary, we will adapt our method of work, including the use of additional staff or equipment, to maintain safe conditions.

Safe systems of work are communicated to all employees and are reviewed in the light of experience, incident reports and feedback from staff and customers.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a central part of our service. Pinner Man and Van provides training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting, and the use of trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and other handling aids. Staff are instructed to avoid unsafe practices such as twisting while lifting, overreaching, or attempting to move loads that are too heavy or awkward to handle safely.

All equipment used for removals, including ramps, securing straps, protective blankets and handling aids, is inspected regularly and maintained in good condition. Defective or damaged equipment is taken out of service immediately until repaired or replaced.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

The safe operation of our vehicles is essential to protecting our staff, customers and other road users. Our drivers are required to hold appropriate licences and must follow all road traffic laws, including speed limits, parking rules and restrictions on mobile phone use while driving.

Loads are secured correctly using suitable restraints and packing methods to prevent movement, damage or hazards during transit. Vehicles are checked regularly, including tyres, lights, brakes and load areas, and any defects are reported promptly so that they can be rectified.

Journey planning takes into account realistic travel times, rest breaks and safe access for loading and unloading. Drivers are instructed not to drive when fatigued or unfit to do so.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams work in a variety of premises, including homes, offices and shared buildings. We take steps to minimise risk to customers, neighbours and visitors by maintaining clear walkways, using warning when moving large items, and taking care with doors, lifts and staircases.

Where necessary, we will control access to work areas to prevent unauthorised persons entering potentially hazardous zones. Extra care is taken when carrying items through communal areas, near children, pets or vulnerable people, and when working near traffic or public pathways.

Training, Information and Supervision

Pinner Man and Van provides appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction for new starters and refresher training where required. Topics include manual handling, safe vehicle loading, use of equipment, hazard awareness, accident reporting and emergency procedures.

Supervision is provided to ensure that safe working practices are followed and that new or inexperienced staff are supported. Information about specific risks at each job is communicated clearly before work begins, and team members are encouraged to raise concerns and suggest improvements.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, injuries and hazardous incidents must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. We investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement appropriate corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Our staff are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, injury or sudden illness on site or in transit. Where necessary, work will be stopped immediately if conditions become unsafe, and will only resume when appropriate control measures are in place.

Occupational Health and Wellbeing

Pinner Man and Van recognises the importance of protecting the long-term health and wellbeing of our staff. We aim to manage workloads sensibly, reduce unnecessary physical strain, and encourage early reporting of any discomfort or health concerns related to work.

We will make reasonable adjustments where possible to enable staff to perform their duties safely, and we will consider individual capabilities when allocating tasks that involve lifting, carrying or working in challenging environments.

Continuous Improvement and Review

This Health and Safety Policy is not a one-off document. It is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current, effective and aligned with our removal activities. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and used as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Pinner Man and Van aims to deliver a safe, professional and dependable removal service for all customers and communities we serve.