Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Marylebone Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Marylebone is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, clients 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 risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods in homes, offices and commercial premises.

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe practices during every stage of a move. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance and to integrate safe working methods into all aspects of our man and van and removal services.

Legal Responsibilities and Management Commitment

We recognise our responsibility to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and relevant codes of practice for removal and transport operations. Management is responsible for providing leadership, resources and support to ensure that this policy is implemented effectively and reviewed regularly.

Health and safety considerations are taken into account when planning every job, including residential moves, office relocations and commercial collections or deliveries. We expect all staff and contractors to co-operate fully with this policy and with any associated procedures or instructions.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting any removal work, risks are identified and assessed so that appropriate control measures can be put in place. This includes looking at access routes, parking, stairways, lifts, floor conditions, weather conditions, manual handling needs and any unusual items such as safes, pianos or fragile goods.

Where necessary, specific risk assessments are prepared for higher risk activities, including heavy or awkward lifts, work at height when loading vehicles, and moves involving restricted access. These assessments inform the safe systems of work that our teams must follow, including the use of additional staff or specialist equipment when required.

Manual Handling and Lifting Practices

Manual handling is a core part of a man and van service, and we take particular care to reduce the risk of strain and injury. Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including maintaining good posture, team lifting for heavy items, using lifting aids where appropriate and recognising their own limits.

Where possible, loads are broken down into smaller, manageable units. Trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and other aids are used to minimise manual effort and reduce risk. Items are stacked securely in vehicles to avoid shifting during transit, and staff are instructed never to take unnecessary risks to speed up a job.

Vehicles, Equipment and Maintenance

All vehicles used for removal and transport work are maintained in safe, roadworthy condition. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, lights, brakes, loading areas and securing points. Any defects that could affect safety are reported immediately and the vehicle is not used until it is safe.

Removal equipment such as trollies, ramps, straps, blankets and tools are inspected regularly and replaced when worn or damaged. Equipment is used only for its intended purpose and in accordance with manufacturer guidance and internal procedures.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure that our staff can work safely and competently. This includes induction training on our health and safety procedures, manual handling techniques, safe loading and unloading, personal protective equipment and emergency procedures.

Ongoing refresher training is provided where needed, particularly when new equipment, vehicles or methods of work are introduced. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring compliance with health and safety procedures on every job and for addressing unsafe behaviour immediately.

Personal Protective Equipment

Suitable personal protective equipment is provided where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means. Depending on the work, this may include safety footwear, work gloves, high visibility clothing or other items. Staff are required to wear protective equipment as instructed and to look after it properly, reporting any loss or damage without delay.

Client Premises and Public Safety

When working at client premises, we take care to protect both people and property. This includes safe parking of vehicles, clear marking of loading areas, careful use of ramps and trolleys, and securing of access points where necessary.

We aim to keep walkways clear of trip hazards such as packaging, tools and loose items. Where work may affect members of the public, staff take particular care to communicate clearly, control access to work areas and minimise disruption.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses that occur during our removal and transport work must be reported promptly. We investigate these events to identify root causes and to put in place corrective actions that reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Records of accidents and incidents are maintained and reviewed by management as part of our commitment to continuous improvement in health and safety performance.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the importance of the general health and wellbeing of our staff in carrying out physically demanding removal work. Employees are encouraged to report any health issues that may affect their ability to work safely, particularly those involving back problems, joint issues or reduced mobility.

Staff must not work under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or any substances that impair judgement, reaction times or co-ordination. Any medication that may affect safe working must be discussed with management so that suitable arrangements can be considered.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, our operations or identified risks. Feedback from staff, clients and other stakeholders is taken into account when improving our procedures and practices.

By following this policy and associated procedures, Man with Van Marylebone aims to deliver efficient, reliable and safe removal services while protecting everyone involved in or affected by our work activities.