Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van West Norwood
Man with Van West Norwood is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, members of the public and anyone 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, as well as operating in homes, offices and other premises.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
The management of Man with Van West Norwood accepts overall responsibility for health and safety. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property or goods. We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance that applies to removal and light haulage work.
Health and safety considerations are integral to how we plan and deliver our man and van services across our operating area. We aim to continuously improve our standards through regular review, training and open communication with our workforce and customers.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for:
Ensuring suitable systems are in place to identify and control risks associated with lifting, carrying, driving and access to premises.
Providing and maintaining vehicles, equipment and work methods that are safe and suitable for removal activities.
Making sure staff receive adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to work safely.
Investigating accidents, incidents, near misses and customer feedback, and taking corrective action where needed.
Employees and subcontractors are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Following all safety instructions, procedures and training provided by the company.
Using vehicles, tools and equipment correctly and reporting any defects or concerns immediately.
Reporting accidents, near misses, hazards and unsafe conditions without delay.
Risk Assessments and Safe Working Practices
We assess health and safety risks related to removal work and put in place appropriate control measures. This includes evaluating risks at collection and delivery addresses, during loading and unloading, in transit and in storage areas where relevant.
Our safe working practices for removal activities include:
Planning routes and loading arrangements to minimise manual handling risks and avoid unsafe lifting.
Checking access routes, stairs, lifts, doorways and parking positions where possible before or on arrival.
Using safe lifting techniques, team lifts and handling aids where available to reduce strain and risk of injury.
Positioning items securely within the vehicle to prevent movement, tipping or falling during transit.
Stopping work if conditions are unsafe, such as obstructed exits, severe weather affecting loading, or structural concerns at a property.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is treated as a significant risk area. We aim to avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable and to reduce the risk of injury from lifting and carrying tasks.
Our measures include:
Training staff in correct posture, lifting techniques and team coordination.
Encouraging assessment of each item before lifting, considering its weight, shape and route to be taken.
Using team lifts for heavy or awkward items and not allowing staff to exceed their individual capability.
Using trolleys, blankets and other handling aids when appropriate and where premises layout allows their safe use.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to our man and van services and must be operated safely at all times. We are committed to:
Maintaining vehicles in a roadworthy condition with regular checks, servicing and prompt repair of defects.
Ensuring loads are secured properly so that items do not move, fall or obstruct the driver.
Requiring drivers to obey speed limits, traffic laws and parking restrictions, and to drive courteously.
Planning journeys to reduce driver fatigue and allowing sufficient time for safe loading, travel and unloading.
Prohibiting driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair fitness to drive.
Customer and Public Safety
We recognise our duty to protect customers, visitors and members of the public while we are carrying out removal services.
To help keep others safe we will:
Keep access routes as clear as reasonably possible during work and highlight any temporary hazards.
Use safe methods when moving items through shared spaces such as corridors, stairwells and entrances.
Avoid leaving tools, equipment or packing materials in a way that could create trip or fall hazards.
Communicate with customers about any particular risks, such as fragile structures, low ceilings or restricted access.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide appropriate training and information to ensure our staff understand health and safety requirements and can work safely in removal environments.
This includes:
Induction training for new staff on company safety rules and procedures.
Instruction on manual handling, loading techniques, use of equipment and safe driving practices.
Ongoing refresher training where required and when work practices or legislation change.
Supervision and monitoring of work to confirm that procedures are followed correctly.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Where necessary, we supply appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment to reduce risks. This may include gloves, safety footwear, high visibility clothing, and handling aids suitable for removal activities.
Staff are required to use any equipment and protective items provided in accordance with training and instructions, and to report loss or damage so that items can be repaired or replaced.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses and incidents involving injury, damage or significant risk must be reported to management as soon as possible. Incidents are recorded, investigated and reviewed so we can identify causes and prevent recurrence.
Our staff are briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency while working at customers premises or on the road, including contacting emergency services where necessary and making the area safe for others.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in law, best practice or the nature of our removal operations. We seek feedback from staff and customers and use this to improve the way we manage risks and deliver our services.
By following this policy and working together, Man with Van West Norwood aims to provide a professional, reliable and safe removal service for every customer we support across our service area.
