Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Belgravia

Man With a Van Belgravia 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 delivery activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, loading, unloading and transporting goods.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying potential hazards and implementing appropriate control measures. Health and Safety considerations are integral to the planning and delivery of all man and van and removal services we provide.

We aim to:

Ensure that all work is carried out in a safe, professional and responsible manner.

Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice applicable to removal and transport operations.

Provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to our personnel.

Promote a positive safety culture where everyone accepts their responsibilities for maintaining a safe environment.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy across all removal and man with a van services. This includes:

Assessing risks associated with lifting, carrying, driving, loading and unloading.

Providing safe and suitable equipment, including vans, trolleys, straps and protective materials.

Ensuring vehicles are properly maintained, serviced and inspected.

Ensuring staff are trained in safe manual handling techniques and safe driving practices.

Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses and implementing corrective actions.

Reviewing the Health and Safety policy regularly and updating it as needed.

Employee Responsibilities

Every team member has a duty to care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions while carrying out removal work. Employees are expected to:

Follow all health and safety instructions, procedures and training provided.

Use equipment, vehicles and protective materials correctly and safely.

Avoid taking unnecessary risks when lifting, carrying or moving items.

Report any hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents or near misses to management without delay.

Cooperate with management in the investigation of incidents and the implementation of safety improvements.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting any removal or transport work, risks are considered and managed to reduce the likelihood of injury or damage. Typical areas of assessment include:

Manual handling risks from lifting and carrying heavy or awkward items such as furniture, boxes and appliances.

Trip, slip and fall hazards within properties, communal areas and access routes.

Risks when loading and unloading vehicles, including falling objects and vehicle movement.

Driving hazards related to route planning, parking, access to properties and working around traffic.

Weather-related risks such as wet floors, ice, strong winds or extreme heat.

Where necessary, additional control measures may be put in place such as using extra staff for heavy items, using handling equipment, adjusting routes, or postponing tasks that cannot be carried out safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of removal work, and we aim to minimise risks by:

Encouraging staff to assess the weight, size and shape of items before lifting.

Using trolleys, dollies, sliders and other equipment where practical.

Requiring team lifting for heavy, bulky or awkward items.

Promoting safe lifting techniques, including keeping loads close to the body and avoiding twisting.

Avoiding carrying items up or down stairs where safer alternatives exist, such as lift use, if available and safe.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vans and other vehicles are an essential part of providing man and van and removal services, and we take their safe use seriously. We:

Ensure vehicles are roadworthy and regularly inspected.

Secure loads properly to prevent movement during transit.

Plan routes and parking to minimise risks when loading and unloading.

Expect drivers to follow road traffic laws at all times, including speed limits and parking regulations.

Require drivers to be fit to drive, free from alcohol, drugs or any condition that could impair their ability.

Customer Responsibilities and Cooperation

We ask customers to cooperate with our Health and Safety measures so that work can be completed safely and efficiently. Customers can assist by:

Ensuring clear access routes within the property and on approach to the building.

Informing us of any known hazards such as loose carpets, uneven steps or restricted access.

Keeping children, pets and other occupants away from active loading and unloading areas.

Allowing sufficient time for the team to carry out the work safely rather than under unreasonable time pressure.

Accident and Incident Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses and cases of property damage that occur during removal work are recorded and, where appropriate, investigated. The purpose of investigations is to identify the root causes and to prevent a recurrence by improving training, procedures or equipment if required.

Training and Competence

We provide ongoing training and guidance to ensure our team members are competent to carry out their roles safely. Training may include manual handling techniques, load securing, vehicle checks, use of equipment and general awareness of risks in removal environments.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our operations and service area. Revisions may be made following changes in legislation, updates in best practice, or after significant incidents or operational changes.

By working together, Man With a Van Belgravia, our staff and our customers can help maintain a safe and secure environment throughout every removal and transport service we provide.