Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Roehampton
Man with Van Roehampton is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our 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 health and safety risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, collections and deliveries.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
We recognise that professional removal work involves manual handling, vehicle use, access to residential and commercial properties and the movement of heavy and sometimes fragile items. We are dedicated to preventing accidents, injuries and damage through careful planning, clear procedures and ongoing training.
We will take all reasonably practicable steps to:
Identify and control hazards associated with removal and delivery activities.
Provide suitable equipment and vehicles that are maintained in safe working order.
Ensure staff receive clear instructions, information and training in safe working practices.
Continuously review and improve our health and safety performance.
Roles and Responsibilities
Health and safety is a shared responsibility throughout the business.
Management is responsible for setting and maintaining health and safety standards, carrying out and reviewing risk assessments, providing training and supervision, and ensuring that safe systems of work are implemented and followed on all jobs.
Drivers and removal operatives must follow all safety procedures, use the equipment provided correctly, report hazards, accidents or near misses, and avoid taking shortcuts that could compromise safety. They are expected to work responsibly, support colleagues and respect customers and their property.
Customers have a role in enabling safe working conditions by providing accurate information about access, parking, property layout and any unusual or high-risk items to be moved. Customers are asked to keep children, pets and visitors away from loading areas and to follow any reasonable safety instructions given by our team.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before and during each job, we assess potential risks connected with the work, including access issues, parking restrictions, stairs, narrow corridors, heavy or awkward items and any specific customer requirements.
Where risks are identified, we will take reasonable measures to reduce them. This may include adjusting the number of staff on the job, using additional moving equipment, planning the route for carrying items, or staggering the movement of goods to prevent congestion.
For larger or more complex removals, we may complete a more detailed assessment and plan the sequence of work to minimise manual handling, protect property and maintain safe traffic flow around the vehicle.
Safe Manual Handling Practices
Manual handling is a key part of removal work and can present risks of strain and injury if not carried out properly. Our approach includes:
Training staff in correct lifting techniques and safe team handling.
Assessing the weight and shape of items before lifting and using shared lifts where appropriate.
Using equipment such as trolleys, dollies and straps where suitable to reduce manual effort.
Breaking down loads into smaller, manageable parts wherever possible.
Refusing to move items in a way that would present an unacceptable risk to staff, customers or property.
We encourage all staff to speak up if they believe an item is too heavy, awkward or unsafe to move as requested. Alternative arrangements will be discussed with the customer where needed.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Safe driving and vehicle loading are essential to protecting our staff, customers and other road users. We ensure that:
Vehicles are maintained, inspected regularly and kept roadworthy.
Loads are distributed evenly and secured using appropriate restraints and protective materials.
Drivers comply with road traffic laws, speed limits and parking regulations.
Routes are planned to allow sufficient time and avoid unnecessary stress or rushed driving.
Drivers do not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs their ability to drive safely.
Where loading and unloading occur on public roads or shared driveways, our team will take care to minimise obstruction, use hazard lights and position the vehicle safely.
Customer Premises and Property Protection
We take practical steps to safeguard both people and property at customer locations. This may include protecting floors and walls where appropriate, planning the movement of bulky items to avoid damage, and keeping walkways clear of boxes, tools and packing materials.
Our staff are instructed to be aware of trip hazards such as uneven surfaces, loose carpets and low steps and to communicate clearly with each other when manoeuvring large items in confined spaces or on staircases.
Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Gear
Where necessary, our team uses appropriate equipment and basic protective gear to conduct work safely. Equipment is checked regularly and any defects are reported and addressed before further use. Staff are trained to use moving aids correctly and to store them safely in the vehicle after each job.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses or damage to property that occur during our work must be reported promptly to management. We investigate incidents to understand their causes and identify improvements to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Where appropriate, we will update risk assessments, procedures or training in light of any findings and communicate changes to all relevant staff.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise the importance of ensuring that staff are fit for work, particularly for physically demanding tasks such as removals. Team members are encouraged to report health issues that may affect their ability to work safely. We may adjust duties where needed to protect the individual and their colleagues.
We do not tolerate the use of alcohol or illegal drugs during working hours or immediately before a shift, and we expect staff to be well rested and alert when carrying out driving or manual handling tasks.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
We are committed to continuously improving our health and safety performance. This policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our services, operational practices or relevant regulations.
Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed, as it helps us refine our procedures and maintain a safe and professional removal service throughout our operating area.
This Health and Safety policy applies to all activities undertaken by Man with Van Roehampton and all individuals working on our behalf.
