Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Hanwell Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Hanwell is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, members of the public and any other persons affected by our domestic and commercial removal activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with house moves, office moves, packing, loading, transportation and unloading of goods.

Policy Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm during every removal or delivery we undertake. We aim to identify and control hazards associated with lifting and carrying, use of vehicles, use of equipment, working in homes, offices, storage sites and any other premises where we provide services.

We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation applicable to removal and transport operations and will actively seek continual improvement in our safety performance.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that suitable arrangements, resources and supervision are in place. Management is responsible for maintaining this policy, reviewing it regularly and ensuring it is communicated to all staff.

Employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All staff must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, co operate with training and instructions and report hazards, incidents and near misses to management without delay.

Customers also play an important role in safety. We ask customers to provide clear and accurate information about access, parking, internal layouts, special handling requirements and any known hazards at the property or site so that we can plan and carry out work safely.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Man with Van Hanwell conducts risk assessments for typical moving and delivery tasks, including manual handling, use of trolleys and ramps, stair work, vehicle operations and work in confined or cluttered spaces. Site specific assessments are carried out where necessary, particularly for larger or more complex moves.

From these assessments we develop safe systems of work and practical guidelines that our staff must follow. These include safe loading plans, lifting techniques, team lifting arrangements, route planning in buildings, and methods to protect both people and property during each move.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key risk in the removal industry. To reduce the likelihood of strains, sprains and other injuries, we train staff in correct lifting and carrying techniques, the importance of working in teams for heavy or awkward items and the need to plan each lift before starting.

We provide and maintain suitable equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, blankets and ramps. Staff are instructed to use these tools wherever reasonably practicable, and never to attempt lifts that exceed safe personal limits. Equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service if defective.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained and inspected according to a scheduled programme to help ensure they are roadworthy and safe for use. Drivers are required to carry out basic pre use checks and report any defects immediately.

We promote safe driving practices including compliance with road traffic law, observance of speed limits, avoidance of mobile phone use while driving and adherence to rules on loading and securing goods. Loads must be evenly distributed and properly restrained to prevent movement during transit, protecting both road users and customer property.

Safe Access, Loading and Unloading

Before loading or unloading, our team assesses the access route, steps, ramps, floors and surrounding areas. Hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, trip obstacles and wet or slippery conditions are identified and managed as far as reasonably practicable.

Where necessary, we may request that customers clear pathways, secure pets, move vehicles, or adjust parking arrangements to enable safe vehicle positioning and safe movement of goods. Staff will use control measures such as cones or verbal warnings to keep members of the public away from moving and lifting operations where appropriate.

Protection of Customers and the Public

We take reasonable steps to ensure that customers, visitors and members of the public are not put at risk by our work. This includes safe routing of items through properties, careful handling of large or bulky items, and securing doors, gates and access points where needed.

Our team will explain any temporary restrictions around the working area, and may ask people to avoid certain routes while heavy or fragile goods are being moved. We take care to prevent damage to fixtures, fittings and personal belongings, using protective coverings and safe stacking methods.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate induction training, including health and safety responsibilities, manual handling, vehicle safety, use of moving equipment and emergency procedures. Additional task specific instruction is provided where needed.

We ensure that less experienced staff are supervised by competent personnel until they are able to work safely on their own. Refresher training and toolbox talks are delivered periodically to reinforce safe practices and introduce any new procedures or equipment.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

Any accident, injury, near miss or significant damage to property must be reported to management as soon as possible. All incidents are recorded and, where necessary, investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective measures.

Our staff are briefed on emergency arrangements, including what to do in case of fire, injury, traffic collision or sudden illness during a move. Where required, team members are trained in basic first aid awareness and know how to summon emergency services without delay.

Occupational Health and Welfare

We recognise that removal work is physically demanding and can be affected by fatigue, weather and stress. We aim to plan work schedules sensibly, encourage regular breaks, and ensure staff have access to drinking water and suitable rest opportunities during longer jobs.

We do not tolerate alcohol or drug misuse at work and may withdraw services if we believe any person on site poses a safety risk due to impairment or aggressive behaviour.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance, scope of services or lessons learned from incidents and feedback. We welcome comments from employees and customers to help us enhance our safety standards for all moving and delivery activities.

By choosing Man with Van Hanwell, customers can expect a professional, careful and safety focused approach to every move, whether a small flat relocation or a larger household or office removal.