Man With a Van Roehampton Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Roehampton is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our responsibilities, our standards and the procedures we follow to manage risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods.

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm by planning our work carefully, using suitable equipment and ensuring that all tasks are completed by trained and competent people.

Legal Duties and Responsibilities

We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and accepted industry guidance for removal and transport operations. Management has overall responsibility for ensuring that these legal requirements are met, that this policy is implemented, and that appropriate resources are provided for its ongoing review and improvement.

Every employee and contractor working on behalf of Man With a Van Roehampton shares responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. Staff are expected to follow safe systems of work, cooperate with instructions, and immediately report hazards, near misses and incidents.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before each removal or transport job, we assess the risks associated with the property, access routes, items to be moved and the surrounding area. Where necessary, a written risk assessment and method statement are prepared to identify hazards and the control measures required.

Risk assessments consider factors such as manual handling, staircases and narrow access, heavy or awkward items, traffic movement, weather conditions and the condition of floors and surfaces. Findings are communicated to staff involved in the task, and work is planned to minimise risk to people and property.

Manual Handling and Load Management

Manual handling is a key element of our removal work and is managed carefully. We aim to avoid hazardous manual handling wherever reasonably practicable by using trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and other handling aids. When manual lifting is unavoidable, correct techniques must be used at all times.

All staff receive training in safe lifting and carrying, team handling, assessing the weight and stability of items, and recognising when a task is beyond their capabilities. Loads are secured within vehicles to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of injury and damage when unloading.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are regularly inspected and serviced. Drivers must conduct basic safety checks before each journey, including tyres, lights, mirrors, securing points and load stability.

Drivers are required to follow road traffic laws, drive considerately, and plan routes that take account of local traffic conditions, loading restrictions and safe stopping points. Fatigue management is taken seriously; journeys are scheduled to allow adequate rest and safe driving at all times.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer homes, flats, offices or other premises, our teams take steps to protect people and property. This includes using protective coverings where appropriate, keeping walkways clear, controlling trip hazards from ramps and equipment, and maintaining clear communication with the customer throughout the job.

Care is taken to protect members of the public by managing vehicle movements safely, avoiding obstruction of pavements and access routes, and using safe lifting practices near entrances and shared areas.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man With a Van Roehampton provides suitable instruction and training to all staff to enable them to work safely and competently. This includes induction training on health and safety responsibilities, manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, and emergency procedures.

Ongoing training and refreshers are provided where needed, especially when new equipment or working methods are introduced. Supervisors and senior staff monitor working practices on site and provide guidance and correction to ensure that procedures are followed.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

We supply and maintain suitable equipment for lifting, securing and transporting goods, such as trolleys, blankets, straps and ramps. All equipment is inspected regularly, and defective items are taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Where appropriate, staff are provided with personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear and high-visibility clothing. Employees are required to use this equipment correctly and to report any damage or loss so it can be replaced.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous conditions must be reported as soon as possible to management. Records are kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Staff are briefed on what to do in an emergency, including procedures for fire, serious injury, vehicle collisions and damage to customer property. Where necessary, first aid supplies are carried in vehicles, and arrangements are made for access to emergency services.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of staff being fit for duty. Employees must not report for work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that could affect their performance or safety. Any health condition that may impact the ability to perform tasks safely must be reported to management.

We encourage open communication about fatigue, stress and workload so that support and adjustments can be provided where reasonably practicable.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, legislation or best practice. Feedback from staff and customers, as well as lessons learned from incidents, is used to refine our procedures and improve safety performance.

By working together, following this policy and maintaining a proactive approach to risk management, Man With a Van Roehampton aims to deliver a reliable and safe removal service across our operating area.