Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van North Woolwich
Man with Van North Woolwich 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 delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods, as well as working in homes, offices and other premises.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We recognise our duty to manage health and safety risks and to work in a way that prevents injury, ill health, damage to property and disruption to our clients. We will, so far as is reasonably practicable:
Assess and control risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading and transport activities.
Provide safe equipment and maintain our vehicles to a safe standard.
Ensure our team is trained and competent in safe handling and moving techniques.
Plan each job carefully to minimise risks to staff, customers and the public.
Monitor and review health and safety performance and make improvements when necessary.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van North Woolwich rests with the company management. Management will ensure that appropriate resources, training and supervision are provided to uphold this policy.
Supervisors and lead drivers are responsible for implementing safe systems of work on each job, including checking access routes, overseeing lifting and loading activities and communicating safety requirements to team members.
All employees and contractors working with us have a duty to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow the instructions, procedures and training provided.
Use equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses or unsafe conditions without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before or on arrival at each location, we will assess the main hazards related to the move, including access issues, stairs, narrow corridors, uneven surfaces, vehicle positioning and weather conditions. Where required, we will adapt our methods, timescales or staffing levels to ensure the job can be carried out safely.
We will develop and follow safe systems of work for recurring tasks such as lifting heavy furniture, moving appliances, loading vans and securing loads for transport. These systems are regularly reviewed and adjusted if circumstances change or new risks are identified.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our removal services and presents a key health and safety risk. To control this risk we will:
Provide training on safe lifting techniques and the correct use of lifting aids.
Avoid manual lifting of heavy or awkward items where mechanical aids or additional manpower can be used.
Plan routes to reduce carrying distances and avoid obstacles.
Encourage team lifting of bulky or heavy items to reduce the strain on individuals.
Refuse to move items where the weight, size or access makes the task unsafe without additional measures.
Vehicle Safety and Loading
Our vehicles are essential to our operations and will be maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. Regular checks and servicing will be carried out in accordance with legal and manufacturer requirements.
To ensure safe loading and transport we will:
Distribute weight evenly across the vehicle load area, keeping heavy items low and secure.
Use suitable securing equipment and protective materials to prevent movement and damage during transit.
Avoid overloading vehicles and comply with legal weight limits.
Ensure that doors, ramps and tail lifts are used safely and kept clear of obstructions during loading and unloading.
Working at Customer Premises
We aim to work safely and respectfully in all homes, offices and commercial properties. Our staff will:
Identify potential hazards on arrival, such as loose flooring, poor lighting, slippery surfaces or low ceilings, and take steps to reduce these risks.
Use protective coverings where necessary to reduce trip hazards and avoid damage to floors.
Keep walkways and stairways as clear as possible while work is carried out.
Communicate clearly with customers and other occupants about any restrictions or safety requirements during the move.
Customer and Public Safety
We recognise our responsibility to protect customers, visitors and members of the public from risks associated with our activities. To support this we will:
Position vehicles safely to avoid obstructing roads, driveways or access routes wherever possible.
Use safe lifting and carrying techniques to avoid sudden movements near bystanders.
Control access to work areas where practical, especially near vehicle loading zones and staircases.
Stop work if any situation arises that presents a serious or immediate danger to customers or the public.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff will receive appropriate induction training on our health and safety procedures and safe working methods. Additional training will be provided where tasks or equipment present increased risk.
We will ensure that staff are kept informed about any changes to procedures, equipment or legislation that may affect their safety. Supervision and regular briefings will be used to reinforce good practice and address any concerns.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, incidents and near misses will be reported and recorded. We will investigate these events to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Where necessary, we will review and update risk assessments, procedures and training in light of any findings.
Monitoring and Review
Man with Van North Woolwich is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. This policy, along with our detailed procedures, will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, equipment or applicable health and safety requirements.
By working together and following the principles set out in this Health and Safety Policy, we aim to provide a reliable and safe removal service for customers while protecting our staff and the wider community.
