Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van South Woodford

Man with Van South Woodford is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all workers, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods in and around our service area.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

Our primary aim is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment arising from our operations. We aim to achieve this by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing sensible control measures that are understood and followed by everyone involved in the business.

The company is responsible for implementing this policy, ensuring that safe systems of work are in place and that appropriate resources are provided for health and safety. Team leaders and drivers must follow all safety procedures, supervise work to the required standard and report any concerns. All workers, whether permanent, temporary or subcontracted, are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their actions, and to cooperate fully with this policy.

Legal Compliance and Continuous Improvement

We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, road traffic laws and guidance that apply to removal and light transport services in the areas where we operate. We will review this policy regularly, and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, to ensure that our health and safety practices remain effective, up to date and fit for purpose.

We are committed to ongoing improvement of our safety performance. Lessons learned from incidents, near misses, customer feedback and staff suggestions will be used to strengthen our procedures and training. Risk assessments will be updated if new hazards are identified or if work methods change.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before work begins, we will assess the risks associated with each removal or delivery. This may include assessing access routes, parking arrangements, stairs, lifts, tight spaces, heavy or awkward items, and any potential hazard in or around properties. Where necessary, specific control measures will be agreed, such as the use of additional staff, special equipment, alternative access routes or adjusted timings.

Safe working methods will be communicated clearly to staff before each job. All workers must follow these agreed procedures and stop work immediately if they consider conditions to be unsafe, reporting the issue to their supervisor so that further controls can be put in place.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is an integral part of moving services and is a key focus of our safety management. We will minimise manual lifting wherever reasonably practicable by using appropriate handling aids, planning loads carefully and breaking down heavy items when possible.

All workers engaged in lifting and carrying will receive manual handling guidance appropriate to their role, including safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the importance of recognising personal limits. Bulky, heavy or fragile items will only be handled by staff who are physically capable and trained to do so safely. Trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and other protective equipment will be used where appropriate and must be inspected and maintained in safe condition.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our operations and must be operated safely at all times. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, be medically fit to drive and comply with all road safety laws and company rules on driving conduct.

Vehicles will be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are roadworthy and suitable for transporting goods. Loads must be evenly distributed and properly secured to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must not exceed vehicle loading limits. Mobile phones and other devices must not be used while driving, except in accordance with hands-free regulations and company guidance. Drivers are expected to plan journeys to allow sufficient time, avoiding the need for rushing or unsafe manoeuvres.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises or in shared spaces, protecting customers, neighbours and the public is a priority. We will position vehicles safely, avoiding obstruction of footpaths and access routes wherever possible. Warning signs or verbal warnings will be used when moving large items through doorways or across public areas.

We will take reasonable steps to prevent damage to property, including using protective covers for floors and doorways where practical. Trip hazards, such as boxes, tools and packing materials, will be kept clear of walkways. Staff are required to act courteously and professionally at all times, and to consider the comfort and safety of customers and neighbours.

Training, Information and Supervision

All workers will receive information on this Health and Safety Policy and on the specific procedures relevant to their duties. Where appropriate, they will receive task-specific training related to manual handling, loading and unloading, use of equipment and safe driving practices.

New team members will be inducted into our safety standards before undertaking unsupervised work. Ongoing supervision and periodic refresher guidance will be provided to maintain safe habits and address any unsafe practices that may arise.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, vehicle collisions, property damage and near misses must be reported as soon as possible. These events will be recorded and investigated to identify root causes and to prevent recurrence. Where necessary, we will review risk assessments, procedures and training following any significant incident.

Workers are encouraged to report hazards or concerns, even if no injury or damage has occurred. We promote an open culture in which safety concerns can be raised without fear of blame, provided that individuals have acted honestly and responsibly.

Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

The nature of removal work can be physically demanding. We expect all workers to present themselves fit for duty, free from the effects of alcohol, illegal drugs or misuse of medication. Anyone who is unfit to work safely must inform their supervisor immediately and must not undertake driving or heavy lifting.

We recognise the importance of rest and adequate breaks, particularly for driving and physically intense work. Jobs will be scheduled, as far as reasonably practicable, to allow sufficient time for safe working, breaks and travel between locations.

Policy Review and Communication

This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to all workers and is available for customers to view on request. It will be reviewed periodically and revised when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards or the nature of our services.

Through the application of this policy, Man with Van South Woodford aims to deliver efficient, reliable and safe removal and transport services across its operating area, protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.