Man with Van London Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van London is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy outlines the principles, responsibilities and practical measures we follow to ensure that every removal and transportation service is carried out as safely as reasonably possible.

Policy Aim and Scope

The aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health and damage to property during the planning and delivery of our man and van and removal services. It applies to all employees, agency workers, subcontractors and any other persons engaged in work on behalf of Man with Van London, whether on client premises, at our vehicles, or during travel between locations.

All team members are required to follow this policy, cooperate with management and take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management at Man with Van London has overall responsibility for ensuring effective health and safety management. This includes providing clear procedures, adequate resources and competent supervision so that risks associated with lifting, loading, driving and working at client sites are identified, controlled and regularly reviewed.

Management will ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning for all removal jobs, including assessing access points, parking arrangements, likely load weights, and any specific client requirements that may affect safe working practices.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has a duty to work safely and to follow the instructions and training provided. Staff must:

Use equipment correctly, including trolleys, straps, ramps and protective materials. Avoid taking shortcuts that could increase the risk of injury or damage. Report hazards, near misses, incidents and faulty equipment to management without delay. Wear suitable clothing and footwear that provides grip, stability and protection while lifting and moving items. Cooperate fully with any risk assessments or safety briefings before and during removal jobs.

Employees must never operate vehicles or undertake manual handling tasks while unfit for work due to fatigue, medication, alcohol or any other factor that may impair their ability to work safely.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before each removal or transport job, Man with Van London will assess foreseeable risks associated with the work. This includes considering staircases, lifts, narrow corridors, long carrying distances, heavy or awkward items, traffic conditions and weather. Where necessary, visits or detailed discussions with the client will be used to identify any specific constraints or restrictions at the property.

Based on this assessment, we implement safe systems of work. These may include allocating extra staff for heavy or bulky items, using mechanical aids, planning safe loading sequences, and agreeing clear communication methods between team members during lifting and carrying tasks.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our services, and we place strong emphasis on safe techniques. All staff involved in lifting and moving items are trained in correct posture, team lifting methods and the use of moving equipment. We aim to avoid single-person lifts of heavy or awkward items wherever reasonably practicable.

Before any item is moved, staff must consider its weight, shape, centre of gravity, grip and route of travel. If an item is too heavy or difficult to handle safely, additional manpower, equipment or alternative methods must be used. Staff are instructed never to attempt a lift they believe is beyond their safe capability.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vans and associated equipment are maintained in safe working order and inspected regularly. Drivers must complete basic checks before use, including tyres, lights, mirrors, doors and securing points for loads.

All driving must comply with road safety regulations and our internal standards. Drivers are expected to plan routes, allow reasonable time for journeys, avoid aggressive manoeuvres and take appropriate breaks to prevent fatigue. The safe loading and securing of items is essential to prevent movement during transit; loads must be distributed evenly, restrained with suitable securing systems and checked before departure.

Client Premises and Public Safety

When working in and around client premises, we take care to protect both the property and the people present. Where practical, we will mark out work areas, keep access routes clear and minimise trip hazards caused by equipment, packing materials and loose items.

Team members will take particular care when moving items through shared entrances, pavements and communal areas to avoid collisions with members of the public. Where necessary, spotters will be used to guide large or bulky items and to warn others of potential hazards.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van London provides appropriate training to employees to enable them to carry out their work safely. This includes induction training covering general health and safety responsibilities, as well as job specific training such as manual handling, load securing and safe driving practices.

Updates and refresher training are provided where changes in work practices, equipment or regulations occur. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring the application of training on site and intervening when unsafe practices are observed.

Equipment and Personal Protective Measures

We provide and maintain suitable equipment for lifting, moving and protecting goods, including trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and ramps. All equipment must be inspected before use and removed from service if damaged or defective.

Where needed, staff may use protective measures such as gloves or other suitable items to reduce the risk of cuts, abrasions or other injuries. These items must be used in accordance with training and not modified or misused.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. Incident details will be recorded and investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Lessons learned from incidents are communicated to staff and, where appropriate, incorporated into training and procedures.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van London is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We regularly review our procedures, risk assessments and this policy to reflect changes in our operations, client requirements and applicable guidance.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to our services or working practices. All employees are informed of updates and are expected to familiarise themselves with the current version.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Man with Van London aims to provide reliable removal and transport services while protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.