Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Roehampton

Man with Van Roehampton is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, visitors and any other persons who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles, responsibilities and arrangements that guide the way we plan and carry out our services.

Policy Statement

Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm arising from our operations. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised best practice for the removals and transport sector. We will take reasonably practicable steps to identify hazards, assess risks and implement effective control measures during all stages of our work.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all employees, contractors and temporary workers engaged by Man with Van Roehampton, and covers all activities including household removals, office moves, packing, loading, unloading, driving, parking, storage handling and on-site customer assistance at homes, offices and other premises.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for establishing, implementing and maintaining effective health and safety arrangements. This includes:

Ensuring appropriate risk assessments are carried out for typical removal tasks, transport routes and customer sites. Providing the resources, information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to work safely. Supplying suitable vehicles, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment that are maintained in good condition. Investigating incidents, near misses and complaints and taking corrective action to prevent recurrence. Reviewing this policy regularly and updating it in line with changes in law, guidance or our working practices.

Employee Responsibilities

All staff 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. Employees must:

Follow all safety procedures, instructions and training given. Use equipment, vehicles and protective gear as instructed. Report hazards, defects, accidents and near misses promptly to their supervisor. Cooperate with management on health and safety matters, including participation in training and briefings. Refrain from horseplay, misuse of equipment or any unsafe behaviour while at work or on customer premises.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct risk assessments for key tasks such as lifting and carrying furniture, operating trolleys, working on stairs and narrow access routes, loading vehicles, securing loads and driving in residential and commercial areas. These assessments inform our safe systems of work, which include:

Planning routes and timings to minimise time pressure and unsafe driving. Conducting on-site assessments on arrival to identify hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, restricted access or other site-specific issues. Using appropriate lifting techniques, team lifts, trolleys, straps and other aids to reduce manual handling risks. Avoiding overloading of vehicles and ensuring loads are evenly distributed and properly secured.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key element of our work and a primary focus of our safety arrangements. We aim to avoid unnecessary manual lifting by using mechanical aids and planning tasks to reduce strain. Where manual lifting is required, we ensure:

Staff are trained in correct posture, lifting techniques and team handling. Loads are assessed for weight, shape, stability and grip before they are moved. Items that are too heavy, awkward or unstable are not moved by a single person. Breaks and rotation of tasks are built into work schedules to reduce fatigue.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

We recognise the risks associated with the operation of vans and other vehicles during removal work. To manage these risks we ensure:

Vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers hold the appropriate licences and are competent for the type and size of the vehicle they use. Loads are correctly positioned and secured to prevent shifting during transit. Drivers obey traffic laws, speed limits and parking regulations and take particular care in residential streets, near schools and in busy commercial areas. Mobile phones and other devices are not used while driving, except through approved hands-free systems in accordance with applicable laws.

Customer and Public Safety

We take measures to protect customers, their property and members of the public during our work. This includes:

Maintaining clear walkways and exits when moving items. Using warning signs or verbal instructions when carrying large or heavy items through shared areas. Taking care to protect floors, walls and fixtures from damage using covers and suitable handling methods where appropriate. Ensuring children, pets and bystanders are kept away from loading and unloading zones wherever reasonably possible.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide health and safety induction training to new staff and refresher training as required. Topics include manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, working at customer sites, emergency procedures and reporting. Supervisors monitor compliance with safe working practices and provide on-the-job guidance to less experienced team members.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and cases of damage to property must be reported as soon as possible to management. We maintain records of incidents and use them to identify trends and areas for improvement. Staff are briefed on what to do in case of fire, serious injury, road collision or other emergencies, including contacting the appropriate emergency services and making the area safe where it is safe to do so.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage feedback from staff and customers on safety matters and treat all concerns seriously. Management will consult with employees on proposed changes to work methods or equipment that may affect health and safety. This policy and our associated procedures will be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and reflect our commitment to safe and reliable removal services across our operating area.