Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Walthamstow Village
Man with Van Walthamstow Village is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, and the general public. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with house moves, office relocations, furniture transport, and related removal services. Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property through responsible planning, safe working practices, and continuous improvement.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
We recognise our responsibility to manage health and safety in all aspects of our removal operations. Management is responsible for putting effective procedures in place, while every worker is expected to follow them. We will provide the resources, training, and equipment needed to carry out work safely and to a high standard.
Health and safety considerations form an integral part of how we plan, schedule, and deliver our man and van services. This includes assessing risks associated with lifting, loading and unloading, driving, access to properties, and working in shared or public spaces.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management. Managers are responsible for:
Ensuring that safe systems of work are developed and implemented for removal activities. Providing suitable training, guidance, and supervision to all drivers, porters, and removals staff. Supplying appropriate equipment, including moving aids and personal protective equipment where required. Monitoring performance and investigating any incidents or near misses to prevent recurrence.
All employees and contractors engaged in our moving and transport services are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Following all safety procedures and instructions provided by the company. Using equipment properly and reporting any defects or concerns immediately. Reporting accidents, injuries, hazards, and near misses to management without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We will identify, assess, and manage risks associated with our man and van services. Before or at the start of each job, our team will evaluate key factors such as access to properties, parking arrangements, the weight and size of items, potential trip or slip hazards, and the presence of vulnerable people, children, or pets on site.
Where significant risks are identified, we will take proportionate steps to control them. This may include using additional equipment, adjusting the number of staff assigned to the job, changing the sequence of tasks, or refusing unsafe lifting requests. We will not ask or allow staff to undertake tasks that are unsafe or beyond their physical capability.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of our removals work, and we treat it as a major safety priority. Staff receive instruction on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of moving aids. Wherever possible, we will use trolleys, dollies, straps, and other equipment to reduce the need for heavy manual lifting.
We will:
Plan lifts before they take place and clear routes where possible. Avoid twisting, over-reaching, or carrying loads that restrict vision. Use team lifting for heavy or bulky items, such as appliances and large furniture. Take regular breaks when carrying out repetitive or strenuous lifting tasks.
All equipment used in connection with removals is to be properly maintained, inspected, and taken out of service if defects are found.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to providing safe and reliable removal services. We will maintain our vans in a roadworthy condition, carry out regular checks, and ensure that any necessary repairs are completed promptly. Drivers must hold a valid licence appropriate for the vehicle they are operating and must follow all road traffic regulations.
Drivers are responsible for:
Conducting pre-use checks on tyres, lights, mirrors, and load securing points. Loading and securing items safely to prevent movement during transit. Driving in a manner that is considerate, legal, and suited to changing road and weather conditions. Avoiding the use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We recognise that our work often takes place in customers homes, workplaces, shared entrances, and public areas. Our staff are expected to work with care and consideration to protect people and property at all times.
We will aim to:
Keep access routes as clear as reasonably possible during loading and unloading. Use floor protection and other measures where appropriate to reduce the risk of slips or damage. Communicate clearly with customers about any access issues or hazards identified. Take extra care when working near children, older people, or those with reduced mobility.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We will provide our staff with suitable information and instruction so that they can perform their duties safely and competently. This includes induction for new workers, job-specific guidance on lifting and carrying, vehicle operation, and safe working at customer premises.
Supervisors and experienced team members will support less experienced staff and ensure that work is carried out in line with this policy and any supporting procedures.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will keep appropriate records, review the circumstances, and take action to prevent a recurrence. Where necessary, work will be stopped or adjusted to remove or reduce any identified hazard.
In the event of an emergency, our staff will prioritise the safety of people present, contact the emergency services where required, and follow any site-specific procedures that apply to the premises at which we are working.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our services, working methods, or relevant guidance. We will use feedback from staff and customers, alongside any incident investigations, to continually improve our approach to safety.
By following this policy, Man with Van Walthamstow Village aims to provide a professional, efficient, and safe removal service for every customer, on every job.
