Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Edgware Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Edgware 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 transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, transportation and delivery of goods as part of our removal services.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment arising from our operations. Health and safety is an integral part of our decision making and is given equal importance to other business objectives such as customer service and operational efficiency.

The company will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, approved codes of practice and industry guidance applicable to removal and transport activities. We will continually review our working methods to maintain high standards of safety on every job, from small local moves to larger or more complex removals.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety policy. This includes providing appropriate resources, setting clear safety expectations and leading by example on every site and in every vehicle.

Managers and supervisors will:

Assess risks connected with manual handling, vehicle use, loading and unloading, access to properties, working in restricted spaces and handling of heavy or awkward items.

Provide safe systems of work and clear instructions to all staff before and during jobs.

Ensure vehicles, equipment and tools are properly maintained, inspected and suitable for the tasks undertaken.

Investigate accidents, near misses and incidents, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Review this policy regularly and update it as necessary to reflect changes in our services, legislation or best practice.

Employee Responsibilities

Every member of staff, whether full-time, part-time or temporary, has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

Employees must:

Follow all safety instructions, training and company procedures at all times.

Use the equipment and personal protective equipment provided in the correct manner.

Report hazards, defects, unsafe conditions, incidents or near misses to management immediately.

Cooperate with management in all health and safety matters, including attending training, briefings and toolbox talks.

Refrain from horseplay, dangerous behaviour or taking unnecessary risks during lifting, carrying or driving work.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our removal and transport activities, including site-specific assessments where necessary. These assessments consider hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, vehicle movements, access constraints, environmental conditions and interaction with customers or the public.

From these assessments we develop safe working practices, which include:

Planning the loading and unloading sequence to minimise manual handling and avoid unstable loads.

Using safe lifting techniques and, where appropriate, team lifting for heavy or awkward items.

Protecting floors, walls and fixtures to prevent damage and reduce slip hazards.

Ensuring safe parking and positioning of vehicles to minimise risk to staff, customers and other road users.

Avoiding work that would require unsafe practices, such as lifting beyond reasonable limits or manoeuvring large items through unsuitable access points without controls.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of our operations and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, and in the use of handling aids such as trolleys, straps and blankets where provided.

We will, where reasonably practicable, plan work to eliminate or minimise heavy manual handling by adjusting routes, dismantling items or using additional personnel or mechanical aids. Employees must not attempt to lift or move loads that they feel are unsafe or beyond their capability and are encouraged to ask for assistance without hesitation.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our drivers and assistants must adhere to road traffic laws and drive safely and courteously at all times. Vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition, kept clean and inspected regularly. Loads must be properly secured within the vehicle to prevent movement, damage or risk of injury when doors are opened.

Drivers must not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Fatigue management is taken seriously and journeys are planned to avoid excessive hours or unsafe driving conditions wherever possible.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises or in shared areas such as communal hallways, pavements or car parks, our staff will take all reasonable steps to protect the safety of customers, neighbours and members of the public.

This includes:

Maintaining clear walkways and keeping equipment and packed items tidy and safely stacked.

Using warning where appropriate when moving large items through doorways or along shared routes.

Respecting property rules and any building-specific safety procedures that may apply.

Leaving sites in a safe and tidy condition once work is completed.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide staff with relevant health and safety training, including induction training for new employees and ongoing instruction as needed. Training covers manual handling, safe loading, vehicle safety, the use of equipment and general site awareness.

Supervision is provided to ensure that safe working methods are followed, particularly for new or less experienced staff. Safety information and instructions are communicated clearly before and during jobs so that everyone understands their responsibilities.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage all staff to contribute to improving health and safety standards by reporting hazards, suggesting improvements and participating in reviews of our procedures. Customer feedback relating to safety or service conditions is taken seriously and used to enhance our practices.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and reflects the nature of our removal services. Updated versions are communicated to all staff and are available to customers on request.

By working together and maintaining a strong safety culture, Man with Van Edgware aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our operations.