Sutton Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Sutton Man and Van manages safety for employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public during all removal and transport activities. Our goal is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by maintaining a safe and well-managed working environment at all times.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Sutton Man and Van is committed to conducting all removal, delivery, loading, unloading, and storage operations in a manner that protects the health, safety, and welfare of everyone involved. We aim to minimise risks associated with manual handling, driving, use of equipment, and working at domestic and commercial premises.

Our key health and safety objectives are to continually reduce incidents and near misses, ensure all staff are competent and trained for their tasks, use suitable equipment for removal work, and comply with all applicable health and safety laws and recognised industry standards.

Management Responsibilities

Company management holds overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this policy. Management will provide adequate resources for health and safety, set clear safety standards and procedures, ensure risk assessments are completed, and consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day health and safety control, monitoring safe working practices on jobs, reporting and investigating any accidents or near misses, and ensuring new staff receive induction and role-specific training before carrying out removal duties.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working for Sutton Man and Van must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Everyone is required to follow safe systems of work, attend relevant safety training, correctly use tools, vehicles, and protective equipment, and report hazards, near misses, and incidents without delay.

Employees must never undertake tasks for which they have not been trained or do not feel competent, misuse equipment or vehicles, or work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Cooperation with this policy and all associated procedures is a condition of employment.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for typical removal activities, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, loading and unloading vehicles, operating handling equipment, working at height when necessary, and driving for work. Where new types of work are undertaken or a job presents unusual risks, additional site-specific assessments will be completed.

Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work that define how tasks must be carried out safely. These procedures are communicated to all staff, reviewed regularly, and updated when equipment, vehicles, premises, or working methods change.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of removal work, and incorrect lifting and carrying can lead to serious injury. Sutton Man and Van will avoid manual lifting where reasonably practicable by using trolleys, dollies, lifting aids, and team handling techniques.

All staff receive manual handling training relevant to removal activities, covering safe lifting techniques, assessing the load and the route, working in pairs or teams, and recognising when a task is beyond safe limits. Equipment such as sack trucks, straps, ramps, and blankets must be inspected before use and used only for their intended purpose.

Vehicle Safety and Driving for Work

Our vehicles are essential to our removal services and are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular inspections, servicing, and defect reporting systems are in place to ensure safety. Drivers must conduct pre-use checks and report any defects immediately.

Safe driving practices must be followed at all times, including compliance with speed limits, rest breaks to manage fatigue, safe loading and securing of items, and consideration of other road users. Loads must be evenly distributed, adequately restrained, and checked before departure and during long journeys where appropriate.

Customer Premises and Site Safety

Our teams frequently work at customer homes, offices, and other premises. Staff will take care to protect both people and property, maintaining clear walkways, managing trip hazards caused by boxes, tools, and equipment, and using appropriate protective coverings where required.

Before work begins, staff will identify any significant risks such as narrow staircases, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or restricted access. Where these risks cannot be adequately controlled, work will be paused and the situation reviewed with the customer to find a safe alternative method.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where hazards cannot be completely eliminated or reduced by other means, Sutton Man and Van will provide appropriate personal protective equipment. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing, or other items relevant to the task.

Employees must use any provided protective equipment correctly and keep it in good condition. Defective or worn equipment must be reported immediately so that it can be replaced.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported promptly to management, whether they occur at our premises, in transit, or at a customer location. This information allows us to investigate the cause, put corrective actions in place, and prevent recurrence.

Employees must familiarise themselves with emergency procedures, including actions in the event of fire, serious injury, or road traffic collisions. First aid arrangements are maintained, and appropriate equipment is available in vehicles and at the workplace, in line with the level of risk.

Training, Communication, and Monitoring

Health and safety training is provided on induction and refreshed as needed. Training may include manual handling for removals, safe driving, vehicle checks, incident reporting, and the correct use of equipment. Additional training will be given when new risks or working methods are introduced.

Sutton Man and Van will monitor health and safety performance through inspections, feedback from staff and customers, review of incident reports, and periodic policy review. Findings are used to improve procedures and reinforce a culture of safety throughout the company.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in legislation, operations, or risk. Updated versions will be communicated to all staff so that everyone understands their responsibilities and works together to maintain a safe and professional removal service.