Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van West Hendon

Man with Van West Hendon is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with house moves, office moves, collections and deliveries across our service area.

Policy Aim and Scope

The aim of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm arising from our work. It applies to all staff, including drivers, porters, supervisors and temporary workers, as well as to any subcontractors working on our behalf. It covers all activities relating to removals, loading and unloading, packing, handling of goods, driving, parking and working at customer addresses or other sites.

Legal Responsibilities and Commitment

Man with Van West Hendon will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance for the removals and transport sector. Management accepts ultimate responsibility for health and safety and is committed to maintaining safe systems of work, suitable equipment and competent staff. All employees must take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions and must cooperate with all safety requirements and procedures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We will identify, assess and control risks associated with our operations. Risk assessments will be carried out for typical removal and delivery tasks, including lifting and carrying, use of trolleys, vehicle loading, driving and work at customer premises such as flats, houses and business locations. Where necessary, task specific safe working procedures will be developed, communicated and routinely reviewed.

Before each job, staff are required to assess the work area for hazards such as uneven ground, tight staircases, poor lighting, traffic, restricted access or the presence of vulnerable people. Where hazards are identified, staff must implement appropriate control measures, which may include using extra staff, mechanical aids, alternative routes, or adjusting the method of work to reduce risk.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Lifting and carrying is a significant part of removal work. Man with Van West Hendon will minimise the risks from manual handling by:

Planning lifts in advance and using team lifts for heavy or awkward items.

Providing appropriate handling aids such as sack trucks, dollies and straps where reasonably practicable.

Training staff in correct posture, lifting techniques and safe handling of bulky items such as furniture and appliances.

Encouraging staff to stop and seek assistance when an item is too heavy or too awkward to move safely.

All equipment used in the course of our work will be suitable for the task, correctly maintained and inspected regularly. Defective equipment must be removed from service immediately and reported to management.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our business and must be operated safely at all times. We will ensure that vehicles are regularly serviced, maintained and checked prior to use. Daily checks will cover tyres, lights, mirrors, load areas, securing points and any safety equipment.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and drive in a safe and considerate manner. Loads must be distributed evenly and secured so that they cannot move during transport. Staff must take extra care when reversing, parking near customer properties, and operating in residential streets or busy commercial areas.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams will work carefully to protect customer property and ensure the safety of others in the vicinity. This includes:

Maintaining clear access routes and avoiding trip hazards from tools, boxes and packing materials.

Using protective coverings where appropriate to reduce damage and slips, such as on stairs and flooring.

Taking extra care when moving large items through narrow passages, common areas and shared entrances.

Managing loading and unloading near public footpaths and roads so that pedestrians and other road users are not put at risk.

Staff must treat all customers and members of the public with respect and must immediately report any incident, near miss or property damage to management.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff will receive induction training which includes health and safety responsibilities, safe lifting practices, vehicle safety, customer care and site awareness. Where necessary, additional training will be provided, for example for specialist moves or use of particular equipment.

Supervisors will monitor working practices on jobs, provide guidance and correct unsafe behaviour. Safety information and updates will be shared with staff on a regular basis. Employees are encouraged to raise any concerns about unsafe conditions, equipment or practices without fear of reprisal.

Accidents, Near Misses and First Aid

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. This information will be recorded, investigated and, where necessary, used to review risk assessments and procedures. Our aim is to learn from incidents and prevent recurrence.

Vehicles will carry basic first aid kits suitable for minor injuries. Where a more serious incident occurs, staff must prioritise the safety of everyone involved and contact the appropriate emergency services without delay.

Welfare, Fitness for Work and Alcohol or Drugs

We recognise that fitness for work is essential for safe removal operations. Staff must present themselves fit for duty, well rested and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The use of illegal drugs or the misuse of alcohol or medication while at work or on company business is strictly prohibited.

Drivers and porters should stay hydrated and take appropriate rest breaks, especially on longer jobs or in hot or cold weather conditions. Any health issues that may affect the ability to work safely must be disclosed to management.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Man with Van West Hendon will regularly monitor the implementation of this policy through site checks, vehicle inspections, review of incident reports and staff feedback. This health and safety policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations or relevant legislation.

We are committed to ongoing improvement in health and safety performance so that our removal services are delivered safely, responsibly and with care for our staff, customers and the wider community.