Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Wimbledon Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Wimbledon is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our principles and procedures for managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods for domestic and commercial clients.

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm by identifying hazards, assessing risks and putting effective controls in place. Management takes overall responsibility for the implementation of this policy and for ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and best practice for the removals industry.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all activities carried out by Man with Van Wimbledon, including but not limited to household removals, office moves, collection and delivery services, packing and unpacking, and storage-related handling. It applies to all staff and contractors, whether working at customer premises, on the road, or at any other location where we operate.

Responsibilities and Management Commitment

Management will provide clear leadership on health and safety matters, ensuring that appropriate resources, training, equipment and supervision are available. We are responsible for establishing safe systems of work and for monitoring that these are followed.

Employees and contractors are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. They must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents promptly, and cooperate fully in the implementation of this policy.

We will review our safety performance regularly and use feedback, incident reports and risk assessments to drive continual improvement.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before undertaking removal or delivery work, we will assess the risks associated with the specific tasks, locations and loads involved. Where appropriate, a site or access assessment will be carried out to identify potential hazards such as restricted access, uneven surfaces, stairs, high traffic areas and manual handling challenges.

From these assessments we will develop and apply safe working practices, including suitable methods for lifting and carrying, safe use of trolleys and lifting aids, secure loading and unloading procedures, and measures to protect customers and the public in the vicinity of our work. Staff are instructed not to take unnecessary risks and to stop work if conditions are unsafe.

Manual Handling and Load Safety

Manual handling is a key element of our removal operations. We are committed to minimising the risk of musculoskeletal injuries by planning work to avoid unnecessary lifting, using mechanical aids where reasonably practicable, and ensuring that loads are shared between team members when appropriate.

All items are to be lifted, carried and set down using recognised safe techniques. Staff must not attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their capability or that cannot be handled safely due to size, weight or shape. Where dismantling of furniture or equipment is required to make handling safer, this will be carried out using appropriate tools and methods.

Loads in vehicles will be arranged and secured to prevent movement during transit. Heavy and bulky items will be positioned to maintain vehicle stability and to allow safe unloading at the destination.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are to be maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks and servicing. Drivers are responsible for completing pre-use checks and reporting any defects immediately. Vehicles must not be used if they are unsafe or overloaded.

All driving must be carried out in a safe, considerate manner in line with road traffic regulations and our internal driving standards. Drivers must take appropriate breaks, avoid distractions, and adjust their driving to suit weather, traffic and road conditions. The safety of passengers, other road users and pedestrians is paramount.

Parking, loading and unloading will be planned to reduce risks to staff and the public. Warning signals, hazard lights and safe exclusion zones will be used where necessary.

Personal Protective Equipment and Work Equipment

Where risk assessments indicate that personal protective equipment is required, such as protective footwear or gloves, it will be provided and must be worn as instructed. All PPE must be kept in good condition and replaced when damaged or worn.

Work equipment including trolleys, dollies, straps, ramps and tools will be selected, used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer instructions and relevant safety standards. Staff must not modify equipment or use it for purposes for which it was not designed.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to protect customers, visitors and members of the public from risks arising from our activities. During moves and deliveries, we will take reasonable steps to control access to areas where lifting, carrying and loading are taking place.

Where appropriate, we will use clear communication, safe walkways and temporary barriers to prevent people entering hazardous zones. Trip hazards such as packaging, tools and loose items will be managed and removed promptly to keep routes clear.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff will receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their role, including manual handling techniques, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, incident reporting and emergency procedures. Additional training will be provided when new equipment, vehicles or work methods are introduced.

Supervision will be proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of the staff involved. Less experienced team members will be supported by more experienced colleagues and supervisors.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, vehicle incidents and damage to property must be reported as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. We will investigate incidents to determine root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures will be communicated to staff, including actions to take in the event of injury, fire, vehicle breakdown, spillage or other unexpected events. First aid provisions will be made available according to the level of risk and the nature of work being undertaken.

Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

We recognise that the physical nature of removal work requires staff to be fit for duty. Employees must not present themselves for work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that could impair their judgement or capability. Any health conditions that may affect safe working should be discussed confidentially with management so that reasonable adjustments or alternative duties can be considered.

Review and Policy Communication

This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, operational practices or risk assessments. The latest version will be made available to all employees and to customers on request.

By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Wimbledon aims to provide a reliable, efficient and above all safe removal and transport service across its operating area.