Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Walworth Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Walworth 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. Our goal is to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property by managing risks in a planned and responsible manner.

Policy Scope and Objectives

This Health and Safety Policy applies to all aspects of our operations, including domestic and commercial moves, packing, loading, unloading, transportation of goods and any related activities carried out on client premises, public roads or our operational locations. Our objectives are to minimise risks, comply with applicable health and safety legislation and promote a culture of safety awareness throughout the company.

We recognise that safe working practices are essential to the quality and reliability of our removal services. We therefore aim to integrate health and safety considerations into all stages of planning, scheduling and performing every move.

Management Responsibilities

Management holds overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes providing appropriate resources, setting clear safety standards and monitoring performance. Managers will ensure that risk assessments are completed for typical tasks such as lifting and carrying, working in stairwells, operating trolleys, loading vehicles and securing loads for transport.

Management is responsible for regularly reviewing safe systems of work, updating procedures where needed and communicating any changes to staff. We will take reasonable steps to identify hazards, evaluate associated risks and introduce control measures to reduce those risks to the lowest practicable level.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee and contractor engaged by Man with Van Walworth has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All staff must follow company safety procedures, use equipment correctly and cooperate with management in implementing this policy.

Employees are expected to report hazards, near misses, defective equipment or unsafe practices to their supervisor without delay. No member of staff should attempt tasks for which they are not trained or which they consider unsafe. We encourage open communication about safety concerns so that issues can be addressed promptly and effectively.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out ongoing risk assessments for our removal and transport activities. These assessments consider factors such as manual handling risks, confined spaces, awkward access, vehicle movements, working at height when loading vans, and potential interaction with the public or other contractors.

On the basis of these assessments, we establish safe working practices including, but not limited to, planning routes and parking to reduce traffic risks, using team lifts or handling equipment for heavier items, securing items properly within vehicles, and maintaining clear walkways in and around properties. Where necessary, site-specific assessments may be undertaken for complex or high risk jobs.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is central to removal work and is a significant potential source of injury. Man with Van Walworth provides guidance and training on correct lifting techniques, team handling and the use of moving aids such as dollies, sack trucks and furniture sliders.

Employees must always assess the weight, size and shape of an item before moving it, and must seek assistance or use equipment where there is a risk of strain or injury. Staff are not permitted to exceed safe lifting limits or to move items in a way that could endanger themselves, colleagues, clients or bystanders.

All equipment used in the course of our removals is to be maintained in good working order. Defective or damaged equipment must be withdrawn from service immediately and reported for repair or replacement.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Drivers and operators of company vehicles are expected to comply with road traffic laws and to drive courteously and safely at all times. Vehicles are to be kept in a roadworthy condition, with routine checks on tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors and securing mechanisms for loads.

Loads must be distributed and restrained safely to prevent shifting during transport. Drivers must not operate vehicles while impaired, fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Rest breaks and journey planning are managed to reduce fatigue and ensure safe arrival at each destination within our service area.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Walworth provides appropriate health and safety training for all staff, including induction training for new employees and job-specific instruction for tasks such as manual handling, use of equipment and working safely on client sites. Refresher training is provided as required, particularly when work practices, vehicles or equipment change.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that staff understand the procedures relevant to their work and are competent to carry out their duties safely. Information about risks and control measures is communicated clearly, and additional guidance is given before undertaking unusual or complex jobs.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses arising from our operations must be reported as soon as possible to management. Incident details are recorded, investigated and analysed in order to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Employees are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, vehicle collision or other emergencies while at clients premises or on the road. Where appropriate, first aid arrangements are made, and staff are made aware of how to obtain assistance promptly.

Cooperation with Clients and Other Parties

We recognise that effective health and safety management often requires cooperation with clients, building managers, other contractors and the public. Man with Van Walworth will liaise with relevant parties to coordinate safe access, agree loading and unloading points, and manage shared risks such as narrow staircases, lift use and restricted parking.

Where clients have their own safety procedures, we will take reasonable steps to comply with them as long as they are consistent with our policy and legal obligations. Before starting work, any significant safety concerns raised by our team will be discussed and resolved with the client wherever practicable.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Walworth is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We periodically review this policy and our procedures, taking into account changes in legislation, industry best practice, operational experience and feedback from staff and clients.

This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to all employees and is made available to clients upon request. By working together to follow these principles, we aim to provide reliable, efficient and safe removal services throughout our operating area.