Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Thamesmead

This Health and Safety policy explains how Man with Van Thamesmead manages risks and protects the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors, customers and members of the public during removal and transport services. Our aim is to provide a professional, safe and reliable moving service while preventing accidents, injuries and damage to property.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Man with Van Thamesmead is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety in all activities, including home removals, office moves, collections and deliveries. Our objectives are to:

Identify and manage risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and driving. Provide safe equipment and vehicles that are properly maintained. Ensure staff are trained and competent to carry out their work safely. Protect customers, visitors and the public from hazards related to our operations. Comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry good practice. Promote a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Responsibilities and Management

The business owner has overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Thamesmead, including setting standards, providing resources and reviewing performance. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy in day to day operations, carrying out checks and addressing health and safety concerns raised by staff or customers.

All employees and contractors working with Man with Van Thamesmead must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, cooperate with training and report hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct risk assessments for key tasks involved in our removal services, such as manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, working in confined spaces such as stairwells, and operating in areas with moving vehicles or pedestrians. These assessments are reviewed regularly and after any significant change in work practices, equipment or locations.

Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work. These include guidance on lifting techniques, maximum load sizes, use of moving equipment such as trolleys, safe stacking within vehicles, securing loads, and procedures for working in shared access areas such as communal corridors and loading bays.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core element of removal work and is a key focus of our health and safety controls. We aim to reduce the need for unsafe lifting and carrying by:

Planning jobs so that heavy or bulky items are identified in advance. Using suitable handling aids such as sack trucks, trolleys, sliders and straps where appropriate. Encouraging team lifting for heavy or awkward items. Training staff in correct lifting techniques, posture and recognising personal limits. Avoiding unnecessary carrying over long distances or up excessive numbers of stairs where alternative methods can be used.

Staff are instructed not to attempt to move items they believe are beyond their capability or that cannot be moved safely in the available space.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vans and related equipment are essential to our service and are maintained with safety as a priority. Vehicles are regularly inspected for roadworthiness, including brakes, tyres, lights, load securing points and access steps. Any defects are reported and addressed promptly before the vehicle is used for removals or deliveries.

Drivers are expected to hold valid licences for the vehicles they operate and to comply with road traffic laws, speed limits and parking restrictions. Routes are planned to allow safe access for loading and unloading, and to minimise reversing where possible. Loads are secured within the vehicle to prevent movement during transit, protecting both staff and other road users.

Protecting Customers and the Public

During removal work, our teams often operate in and around homes, offices, shared entrances and public roads. We take practical measures to protect customers and members of the public, including:

Keeping access routes as clear as possible while loading and unloading. Using safe lifting routes through properties to avoid unnecessary obstruction or damage. Taking care with doors, gates and common areas to prevent trips, slips and falls. Supervising any use of ramps or lifting aids in areas where others may be present. Communicating clearly with customers about the sequence of work and any temporary restrictions on access.

We will stop work if a situation arises that presents an unacceptable risk to safety, and will work with the customer to find a safer alternative approach.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff engaged in removal and transport work receive appropriate training for their roles. This includes induction training on general health and safety responsibilities, manual handling, vehicle loading, use of equipment, and dealing with challenging access conditions. Refresher training is provided when necessary or when new equipment or methods are introduced.

Supervision is provided in proportion to the experience and competence of team members and the complexity of the job. Less experienced staff work under closer supervision until they have demonstrated safe working practices and a clear understanding of our procedures.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We supply and maintain equipment suitable for removal work, including trolleys, blankets, straps and load securing devices. Regular checks are carried out to ensure equipment remains safe and effective. Faulty or damaged items are taken out of use and repaired or replaced.

Where necessary, we provide personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear and high visibility clothing. Staff must use this equipment in accordance with their training and report any defects or losses immediately.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents, near misses and health concerns connected with our activities must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records are kept to help identify patterns, underlying causes and opportunities for improvement. Where appropriate, incidents are investigated to determine what went wrong and what actions are needed to prevent a recurrence.

Lessons learned from investigations may lead to updates to risk assessments, procedures, training or equipment, and these changes are communicated to all relevant personnel.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Thamesmead is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We review this policy regularly to ensure it remains suitable for the scale and nature of our removal services and reflects current legislation and best practice.

Feedback from staff and customers about health and safety issues is welcomed and is used to improve how we plan and deliver our services. By working together and maintaining clear standards, we aim to provide a safe, efficient and professional moving experience for everyone involved.