Health and Safety policy

Soho Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Soho Man and Van is committed to providing removal services that are carried out safely, responsibly, and in full consideration of the wellbeing of our customers, staff, contractors, visitors, and the wider public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to identifying, managing, and reducing risks associated with removals, transport, loading, unloading, and handling of goods.

Policy Aim and Scope

The aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health while maintaining high standards of service. It applies to all Soho Man and Van activities, including domestic and commercial moves, packing, storage handling, and associated transport operations. All employees, contractors, and any person working on behalf of Soho Man and Van are required to follow this policy.

Management Responsibility and Commitment

Company management holds overall responsibility for health and safety performance. This includes ensuring that adequate resources, training, equipment, and supervision are provided. Management will regularly review this policy to keep it relevant to the nature and scale of our operations and to drive continuous improvement in health and safety standards.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing safe systems of work, checking compliance with procedures, addressing hazards promptly, and encouraging a positive safety culture across all removal and transport activities.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has a duty of care to themselves, colleagues, customers, and the public. Staff must:

Follow all safety instructions, training, and documented procedures provided by Soho Man and Van. Use vehicles, lifting equipment, trolleys, protective clothing, and any other tools in a safe and responsible manner. Report hazards, defects, near-misses, and incidents immediately to management so that corrective action can be taken. Co-operate fully with risk assessments, safety briefings, and accident investigations. Refrain from horseplay, unsafe shortcuts, or any behaviour that could endanger themselves or others during removals or transport operations.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Soho Man and Van conducts risk assessments for core tasks such as lifting and carrying, use of ramps and trolleys, vehicle loading, operating in confined spaces or shared access areas, and navigating steps or uneven surfaces. These assessments identify hazards and define control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Safe systems of work are created from these assessments and communicated to all relevant staff. They include instructions for safe manual handling, safe vehicle loading patterns, securing loads, parking safely at collection and delivery points, and working around members of the public or in shared premises.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of removal work and presents a significant risk if not managed correctly. Soho Man and Van will:

Provide guidance and training on safe lifting techniques, team lifts, and the use of mechanical aids. Avoid unnecessary manual handling by using trolleys, dollies, sliders, ramps, and other equipment wherever practical. Plan lifts in advance, considering weight, size, access routes, and any obstacles. Require staff to seek assistance or additional equipment when an item is too heavy or awkward to move safely.

Employees must follow safe lifting practices at all times and must not attempt to lift items that exceed their capabilities.

Vehicles, Driving, and Transport Safety

Our vehicles are central to our removal services and must be operated safely at all times. Soho Man and Van will ensure that vehicles are regularly inspected, maintained, and kept in a roadworthy condition. Drivers must hold appropriate licences and follow all road traffic laws and internal driving standards.

Loads must be distributed and secured safely to prevent shifting, damage, or instability during transit. Parking and reversing must be carried out with due care, making use of guidance from team members when manoeuvring in tight spaces or near pedestrians. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs judgement or reaction times.

Work Environment at Collection and Delivery Sites

Removal work often takes place in homes, offices, and shared buildings. Staff must assess each site on arrival for hazards such as uneven floors, loose carpets, wet surfaces, poor lighting, narrow staircases, and restricted access points.

Controls may include using protective floor coverings, securing loose cables, planning safe routes for carrying items, and restricting unauthorised access to work areas. Where work is carried out in communal or public spaces, staff will take particular care to minimise disruption and protect the safety of building occupants and visitors.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Soho Man and Van will provide suitable tools and equipment for moving, lifting, and protecting goods. All equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and inspected before use. Defective or damaged equipment must be removed from service and reported.

Where required, staff will be provided with and must use appropriate personal protective equipment, which may include safety footwear, work gloves, and high-visibility clothing. Employees are responsible for taking reasonable care of any equipment issued to them and reporting any faults.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise that physical and mental wellbeing directly affect safety in removal operations. Staff are encouraged to report any health conditions that could impact their ability to carry out manual handling or driving tasks safely.

Soho Man and Van does not tolerate working under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances. Prescription or over-the-counter medication that may cause drowsiness or affect concentration must be declared to management so that duties can be adjusted if necessary.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near-misses, and property damage incidents must be reported promptly to management. Soho Man and Van will investigate incidents to identify underlying causes and implement corrective and preventive actions. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff to prevent recurrence and to support ongoing improvement of our safety practices.

Training, Communication, and Review

Training is essential to maintaining high health and safety standards in our removal operations. New employees receive an introduction to this policy, safe working procedures, and practical guidance on manual handling and vehicle safety. Ongoing training is provided as needed in response to changes in work practices, equipment, or identified risks.

Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, toolbox talks, and day-to-day supervision. Management reviews this policy regularly to ensure it remains appropriate, effective, and aligned with the nature of Soho Man and Van services and operational areas.

By working together and following this Health and Safety Policy, Soho Man and Van aims to provide safe, reliable removal services while protecting the welfare of everyone involved in or affected by our activities.