Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Lower Clapton Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety policy sets out how Man with Van Lower Clapton manages safety for staff, customers and members of the public during all removal and transport services. Our aim is to prevent injury, protect property and maintain a safe working environment wherever we operate.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

Man with Van Lower Clapton is committed to conducting all activities in a manner that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of everyone affected by our work. We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice for removals and light transport.

We will provide the resources, information, training and supervision required to manage risks arising from our operations, including loading, unloading, lifting, carrying, driving and on-site work at homes, offices and storage locations.

Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to all employees, contracted drivers, porters and helpers engaged in man and van or removal activities on behalf of Man with Van Lower Clapton. It also relates to customers and visitors who may be present at collection and delivery addresses or in the immediate vicinity of our vehicles.

The policy covers day-to-day local moves, longer-distance journeys, domestic and commercial removals, single-item transport and multi-drop services within our normal service area and beyond.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes:

Carrying out and reviewing risk assessments for key tasks and locations. Ensuring vehicles and equipment are suitable and maintained in safe working condition. Providing appropriate safety information and training to workers. Investigating incidents and near misses and taking corrective action. Reviewing the policy periodically to ensure it remains current and effective.

Employee and Contractor Responsibilities

All workers representing Man with Van Lower Clapton must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safe systems of work, training and instructions provided. Use vehicles, lifting aids and protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Refrain from using alcohol or drugs that could impair safe working or driving. Report all accidents, injuries, near misses and unsafe conditions to management as soon as possible.

Customer Responsibilities

Customers can help maintain a safe working environment by:

Ensuring access routes, stairways and loading areas are as clear as possible before our arrival. Informing us in advance of any known hazards, such as loose flooring, low ceilings, restricted parking or shared access. Supervising children and pets and keeping them away from loading areas and vehicle ramps. Following any reasonable safety instructions given by our team during the removal.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Methods

Man with Van Lower Clapton conducts risk assessments for typical removal tasks and adjusts them for each job as necessary. Before work begins, our team will consider factors such as access, parking, manual handling requirements, size and weight of items, weather conditions and any specific site hazards.

Where significant risks are identified, appropriate control measures are put in place, which may include additional staff, mechanical aids, use of protective equipment or changes to the planned method of work.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is one of the main risks in removal work. To minimise the likelihood of injury:

All staff receive guidance on safe lifting techniques and team-handling of heavy or awkward items. Where possible, trolleys, dollies and other aids are used to move goods. Heavy or bulky items are assessed before lifting, and the team may refuse to move items that cannot be handled safely within the resources available. Staff are encouraged to ask for help rather than attempt unsafe solo lifts.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are an essential part of our removal service and must be used safely at all times. Man with Van Lower Clapton ensures that:

Vehicles are roadworthy and maintained in line with legal requirements and manufacturer guidance. Loads are distributed and secured properly to prevent movement during transit. Drivers hold the appropriate licence and are familiar with safe driving practices for loaded vans. Drivers plan routes to allow sufficient time for safe travel and rest, taking account of traffic and local restrictions. Engines are switched off and vehicles secured when parked for loading and unloading.

Site Safety at Collection and Delivery Addresses

Working safely at customers homes, offices or other premises is a key part of our policy. Our teams will:

Assess access routes, staircases and doorways before moving goods. Use protective coverings where appropriate to help prevent slips and protect floors. Keep walkways as clear as possible and avoid blocking fire exits or shared access. Communicate clearly with customers and other occupants about where work is taking place. Take extra care when working in shared buildings, on busy streets or near other vehicles.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment

Where risk assessment identifies the need, staff may be provided with and required to use personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing. All such equipment must be used in accordance with training and kept in good condition, with any damage reported without delay.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, damage incidents and near misses involving staff, customers, members of the public or property must be reported to management. This enables investigation, identification of root causes and introduction of additional controls to prevent recurrence.

Records of significant incidents are retained and reviewed as part of our ongoing commitment to improving safety performance.

Training, Supervision and Communication

Man with Van Lower Clapton ensures that all new team members receive appropriate induction, including an overview of this policy, safe loading and unloading practices and manual handling basics. Ongoing guidance is provided where needed, and less experienced staff are supervised during higher-risk activities.

Updates to procedures or safety requirements are communicated clearly to all affected workers and, where relevant, to customers at the time of booking or on arrival at site.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, relevant legislation or industry best practice. Feedback from staff and customers, as well as information from accidents and near misses, is used to improve our safety management arrangements.

By following this policy, Man with Van Lower Clapton aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our work.