Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van West Heath

Man with Van West Heath 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, preventing injury, and promoting best practice across all aspects of our removal services.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to conduct all removal, loading, unloading, driving and related operations in a manner that prevents accidents, injuries and damage to property. Health and safety considerations are integral to planning and delivering every move, from small domestic jobs to larger relocations.

To achieve this, we will identify and assess hazards, implement appropriate control measures, provide relevant training and supervision, and review our procedures regularly to ensure continuous improvement. We will comply with all applicable health and safety laws and recognised industry standards for removal and transport services.

Responsibilities and Leadership

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van West Heath rests with the company management. Management ensures that appropriate resources, equipment and training are provided and that safe systems of work are implemented and maintained.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They are expected to follow safety procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate with management in achieving a safe working environment.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before starting a removal job, we carry out a suitable and proportionate risk assessment. This includes consideration of access routes, parking and loading points, stairways, narrow corridors, lifting challenges, traffic conditions and any site-specific hazards.

Based on this assessment, we decide on the appropriate number of staff, type of vehicle, equipment required and time allocation. Where risks cannot be eliminated, they are reduced to the lowest practicable level through safe working methods, use of protective equipment and clear communication with all parties involved.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key element of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strain and injury. Our team members are trained in safe lifting techniques and correct body posture when handling furniture, appliances, boxes and other items.

Heavy or awkward loads are handled using team lifts or suitable mechanical aids such as trolleys and dollies. Staff are instructed not to exceed their personal lifting capabilities and to seek assistance where necessary. Loads must be stable, secure and within safe weight limits before being moved.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

All vehicles used by Man with Van West Heath are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected regularly. Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence, follow the Highway Code and drive in a manner that prioritises safety over speed or convenience.

Loads are distributed evenly and secured properly to prevent shifting during transport. Doors, tailgates and ramps are checked before departure. Drivers are instructed to avoid unnecessary reversing and to use a guide where available in congested or restricted areas. Journey planning takes into account weather, traffic and access limitations.

Safe Loading, Unloading and Site Safety

Loading and unloading operations are conducted to minimise risk to staff, customers and the public. Traffic routes are kept as clear as possible, and where necessary, one team member may act as a lookout to manage vehicle movements around pedestrians and other road users.

Care is taken when operating on pavements, driveways, shared access points and in communal areas. Items are stacked safely within the vehicle, with heavier items placed low and lighter, fragile items on top. Ramps and steps are used correctly and must be stable and secure before use.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

Where appropriate, our teams use moving equipment such as sack trucks, straps, blankets and protective covers to prevent damage and reduce physical strain. All equipment is inspected regularly for wear and damage, and defective items are removed from use until repaired or replaced.

Personal protective equipment may include safety footwear, gloves and high-visibility clothing when working in or near traffic or in low-visibility conditions. Team members are expected to use the provided equipment as instructed.

Customer Premises and Property Protection

We recognise our responsibility not only for the safety of our staff but also for customers, residents, neighbours and passing members of the public. During removal operations, we take steps to keep access routes clear, avoid trip hazards from cables or packaging, and protect floors and surfaces where appropriate.

Items are handled carefully to prevent damage, and any concerns about structural safety, fragile fixtures or restricted access are discussed with the customer before work proceeds.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate induction training covering safe lifting methods, vehicle safety, use of equipment, incident reporting and our core health and safety expectations. Additional training is provided when new equipment or procedures are introduced or when specific risks are identified.

Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of personnel. Less experienced staff are supported and monitored until competent in relevant tasks. Health and safety information is communicated clearly so that everyone understands their responsibilities.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences during removal work must be reported promptly to management. This enables us to investigate causes, identify learning points and take corrective action to prevent recurrence.

Records of incidents and any resulting improvements are maintained as part of our continuing commitment to safe operations.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Man with Van West Heath monitors health and safety performance through regular feedback from staff and customers, inspection of equipment and vehicles, and periodic review of risk assessments and procedures.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, operational methods or business activities. We are committed to continually improving our standards to ensure that our removal services are carried out safely and responsibly at all times.