Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van New Malden

Man With a Van New Malden is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, loading and unloading, driving, and working on customer premises.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and property damage arising from our work. We will identify and control risks, provide appropriate training and equipment, and promote a culture where health and safety is an integral part of our removal services. Everyone working for or on behalf of Man With a Van New Malden is expected to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing adequate resources, and ensuring that health and safety arrangements are regularly reviewed. This includes suitable vehicles, equipment and protective gear for lifting and moving items during removals.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for communicating safe working procedures, checking that they are followed, and addressing any unsafe behaviour or conditions immediately.

All workers, whether permanent, temporary or sub-contracted, must cooperate with health and safety measures, follow instructions and training, report hazards or incidents without delay, and use equipment correctly.

Risk Assessment and Planning

We will assess risks associated with our moving and transport activities, taking into account manual handling, loading and unloading, driving routes, parking, and working in different types of properties. Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change to our operations.

Before each move, the team will consider the specific conditions at the collection and delivery addresses, such as access restrictions, stairs, narrow corridors, heavy or awkward items and weather conditions. Where necessary, we will adjust the number of personnel, the equipment used or the timing of the work to ensure it can be carried out safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core element of our removal services and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed correctly. We will minimise manual lifting by using appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps and ramps wherever practicable.

All team members will receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the limits of what may be lifted safely by one person. No worker is required or permitted to lift an item that they consider to be unsafe due to its weight, size, shape or condition.

We will plan the route for carrying items within properties and to vehicles, keeping paths clear of trip hazards and avoiding sudden twisting, overreaching or carrying loads on stairs without proper control.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are essential to our moving services and will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks will be carried out on brakes, lights, tyres, securing points and tail lifts where fitted.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licences, comply with road traffic laws and follow our safe driving procedures. This includes observing speed limits, allowing sufficient time for journeys, avoiding distractions while driving, and taking breaks as needed to manage fatigue.

Loads will be distributed safely within the vehicle and secured to prevent movement during transit. Overloading is strictly prohibited. Drivers are responsible for checking that doors are properly closed and that the load is secure before moving the vehicle.

Working on Customer Premises

We aim to carry out our work on customer premises with minimal disruption and maximum safety. On arrival, the team will assess the access routes, identify any immediate hazards and agree safe procedures for the move.

We will take care to protect floors, walls and fixtures where practicable, and to position vehicles so that loading and unloading can be completed as safely as possible. Customers will be advised to keep children, pets and other household members away from working areas while heavy items are being moved.

Smoking, alcohol or drug use while at work or on customer premises is not permitted. Any unsafe conditions discovered on site will be discussed with the customer and, where necessary, work may be paused until risks have been adequately controlled.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We will provide and maintain suitable equipment for lifting, carrying and securing goods in transit. All equipment must be used in accordance with training and manufacturer guidance, and removed from service if defective.

Where required, team members will be provided with personal protective equipment such as gloves, high-visibility clothing and safety footwear. Workers must use this equipment when instructed and report any loss or damage so that it can be replaced.

Training and Competence

We will ensure that all workers involved in removal and delivery operations receive appropriate induction and ongoing training in health and safety. This may include manual handling, vehicle safety, use of lifting aids, safe working on stairs and in confined spaces, and incident reporting.

Only trained and authorised personnel may operate specialist equipment or drive company vehicles. Competence will be monitored and refresher training provided when necessary.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses, injuries and damage to property must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Workers are encouraged to report hazards, unsafe practices or concerns without fear of blame, so that we can continuously improve the safety of our removal services.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as required to reflect changes in our operations, legal requirements and best practice in the removals industry. Feedback from staff and customers will be considered in these reviews.

By following this policy and cooperating with one another, we aim to deliver reliable man and van services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.