Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Lower Morden

Man with Van Lower Morden is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to ensure that all removal and transport services are carried out safely, responsibly and in accordance with applicable health and safety legislation.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm arising from our activities. We aim to identify, control and where possible eliminate risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, driving and working in domestic or commercial premises.

This policy applies to all staff, including drivers, porters, supervisors, managers and any subcontractors working on behalf of Man with Van Lower Morden. We expect everyone involved in our operations to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for providing clear leadership on health and safety matters and ensuring this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed. This includes:

Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out for typical removal tasks and that appropriate control measures are in place. Providing staff with suitable training, information and supervision relevant to their roles. Supplying and maintaining appropriate equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment. Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses and taking corrective action to prevent recurrence. Reviewing health and safety performance on a regular basis and updating procedures where necessary.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees have a duty to work safely and to cooperate with the company in achieving a safe working environment. Employees must:

Follow all safety procedures, instructions and training received. Use vehicles, tools, lifting equipment and protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Take reasonable care for their own safety and that of colleagues, customers and members of the public. Report hazards, near misses, incidents and injuries without delay to the appropriate person. Refrain from carrying out any task for which they feel untrained, unsafe or unfit.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before each removal or transport assignment, we assess the main risks associated with the job. This may include access issues, parking, stairs, lifts, narrow corridors, heavy or awkward items and any special handling requirements.

Where appropriate, site visits or detailed discussions with the customer are carried out to identify potential hazards in advance. Work is then planned to minimise these risks, for example by allocating sufficient staff, using correct lifting equipment and agreeing safe access routes.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Our approach includes:

Providing training in safe lifting techniques and team lifting. Assessing the weight, size and shape of items before moving them. Using mechanical aids where possible, such as trolleys, dollies and lifting straps. Avoiding unnecessary carrying by planning the sequence of loading and unloading. Encouraging staff to ask for assistance with heavy, bulky or unstable loads and to refuse unsafe lifts.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

All vehicles used in our services are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected regularly. Drivers must carry out daily checks before departure and report any faults immediately.

We expect all drivers to follow safe driving practices, including observing speed limits, driving to the conditions, securing loads correctly and taking breaks as needed to avoid fatigue. Vehicles are loaded to ensure even weight distribution and to prevent movement of items during transit. Only authorised, competent personnel may drive company vehicles.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We take care to protect customers, their property and members of the public while carrying out removals. This includes:

Keeping access routes as clear as reasonably possible and avoiding trip hazards such as loose packing materials. Using protective coverings for floors, walls and doorways where appropriate. Taking care when moving items through shared areas, stairwells and on public pavements. Communicating clearly with customers about the work taking place and any temporary restrictions on access. Stopping work immediately if a situation becomes unsafe and only resuming when risks are controlled.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment and tools used in connection with our services must be suitable for the task and maintained in good condition. Staff are instructed not to use damaged or defective equipment.

Where required, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided, such as safety footwear and gloves. Employees are expected to use such equipment as instructed and to report any problems or shortages promptly.

Training, Communication and Consultation

We provide ongoing training and information to ensure employees understand their health and safety responsibilities and are competent to carry out their work safely. Induction training covers core procedures, while further instruction is given for specific tasks or new equipment.

Health and safety matters are communicated through briefings, toolbox talks and written guidance. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns and make suggestions for improving safety. Constructive feedback is welcomed and considered during policy reviews.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported as soon as possible. Accurate records are kept and investigated to identify root causes and any lessons to be learned.

Where necessary, corrective actions are implemented, such as additional training, changes to procedures or improvements to equipment. We aim to foster a culture where reporting is viewed positively as a way to prevent future harm.

Review of Policy

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes to our operations, relevant legislation or industry best practice. Man with Van Lower Morden is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and expects all employees and contractors to support this goal.