Man with Van Wembley Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Wembley is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, 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 risk and promoting safe working practices throughout our operations.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property during all moving, loading, unloading, and transportation work. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning and decision-making processes. We aim to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice, and to continually improve our standards.

Senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the company and will provide the necessary resources, information, and support to maintain and review this policy on a regular basis.

Responsibilities

Management is responsible for:

Ensuring safe systems of work are developed, implemented, and reviewed for all removal activities, including packing, lifting, loading, transport, and unloading. Providing suitable training, supervision, and equipment to employees to enable them to perform their work safely. Conducting regular risk assessments and acting on findings promptly. Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses to prevent recurrence. Consulting with employees on health and safety issues and encouraging feedback.

Employees are responsible for:

Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Following company safety procedures and instructions at all times. Using equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and reporting any defects. Reporting hazards, near misses, or unsafe conditions immediately. Co-operating with management in implementing this policy and attending relevant training.

Customers and visitors are expected to:

Co-operate with our team and follow any safety guidance provided during moves. Keep access routes as clear as reasonably possible and inform us of known hazards at the property or premises.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before work begins, we assess each job to identify potential hazards and determine appropriate control measures. This includes consideration of property layout, access routes, stairways, lifts, parking and loading arrangements, weather conditions, and the nature and size of items to be moved.

Where a job presents specific challenges, such as heavy or bulky items, restricted access, or fragile or high-value goods, additional planning will be carried out. This may involve using additional personnel, specialist equipment, or alternative handling methods to manage risk effectively.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal services, and we take particular care to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injury. Our procedures include:

Providing manual handling training covering safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and use of handling aids. Assessing the weight, shape, and stability of items before moving them. Using trolleys, dollies, straps, and other appropriate equipment where possible. Encouraging team lifts for heavy or awkward items, and refusing to move loads that cannot be handled safely. Planning safe routes and clear communication between team members when carrying items.

Vehicles, Driving, and Loading Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in safe working order and are suitable for the type of removal work undertaken. Regular checks and servicing are carried out in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements.

Drivers and crew members are instructed to:

Perform basic pre-use vehicle checks before starting journeys. Comply with road traffic laws and drive considerately and defensively. Secure loads correctly to prevent movement and potential damage during transit. Avoid overloading vehicles and respect weight limits. Park and unload in a manner that minimises risk to pedestrians, other road users, and property.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We supply appropriate equipment to support safe removal operations. This may include moving blankets, straps, trolleys, lifting aids, and other specialist tools. Equipment is inspected regularly and taken out of service if found to be defective.

Personal protective equipment is provided where risk assessments indicate it is necessary, which may include gloves, safety footwear, and high-visibility clothing. Staff must use such equipment as instructed and report any damage or issues without delay.

Work at Height and Use of Stairs

Work involving height, such as using ramps or working near stairways, is planned and carried out with care. We aim to avoid unnecessary work at height and use appropriate methods to move items safely between levels.

Where stairs are used, teams are instructed to maintain clear communication, take extra care on corners and narrow landings, and avoid rushing. Items that cannot be moved safely using normal stairways will not be carried until a suitable and safe method is identified.

Housekeeping and Slips, Trips and Falls

Maintaining good housekeeping is essential to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. During moves we aim to:

Keep walkways, doorways, and stairs as clear as reasonably possible. Manage cables, packaging materials, and tools so they do not create trip hazards. Clean up or highlight spillages when identified. Plan routes that avoid unnecessary hazards inside and outside properties.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of staff fitness and wellbeing. Employees must not work under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair their ability to carry out tasks safely.

Any health conditions, injuries, or medication that may affect safe working must be reported to management so that appropriate adjustments or restrictions can be considered.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur during our operations must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. Details are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Our team members are briefed on emergency arrangements relevant to their work, including procedures for fire, injury, or sudden illness. Where required, basic first aid supplies are carried in vehicles, and staff are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance whenever needed.

Training, Communication and Monitoring

Ongoing training is provided to ensure all employees understand their responsibilities and are competent to perform their roles safely. This includes induction training for new starters and refresher training when work practices or equipment change.

Health and safety performance is monitored through regular reviews, inspections, and feedback from employees and customers. Findings are used to improve our procedures and working methods.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legal requirements, or best practice guidance. Updated versions are communicated to all employees so that everyone understands the standards expected and the procedures to follow.

By following this policy, Man with Van Wembley aims to deliver removal services in a manner that protects our staff, our customers, and the wider community, while maintaining the quality and reliability of our work.