Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van South Hornchurch

Man with Van South Hornchurch is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our customers, team members, contractors, and members of the public affected by our work. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures that guide our removal and transportation services, including house moves, office moves, furniture transport, and general man and van services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent accidents, injuries, property damage, and ill health arising from our activities. We aim to achieve continuous improvement in health and safety performance by:

Identifying and managing potential hazards associated with lifting, carrying, driving, loading, and unloading. Providing staff with appropriate training, information, and supervision. Supplying and maintaining safe vehicles, equipment, and work practices. Encouraging a positive safety culture, where all staff take responsibility for their own safety and that of others.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van South Hornchurch is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. Management will:

Ensure that risk assessments are carried out for typical removal tasks and updated when needed. Provide appropriate resources to support safe working, including safe equipment and suitable protective clothing where required. Ensure that staff are competent to perform their duties safely, with adequate induction and ongoing training. Monitor health and safety performance and investigate any incidents or near misses to prevent recurrence.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, subcontractors, and helpers working under the name of Man with Van South Hornchurch have a duty to:

Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safety instructions, training, and established procedures. Use vehicles, tools, and handling equipment properly and report any defects immediately. Refrain from unsafe behaviour such as running while carrying loads, stacking items dangerously, or ignoring manual handling guidance. Report accidents, incidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions to management as soon as possible.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting any removal or transportation job, we will, where reasonably practicable, assess potential risks at the property, on the route, and at any delivery locations. This includes:

Reviewing access routes, stairs, lifts, and parking arrangements to identify hazards. Planning the safest method for lifting, carrying, and moving bulky or heavy items. Considering weather, lighting, and surface conditions that may affect safe loading and unloading. Checking for any special risks, such as fragile items, awkward shapes, or restricted spaces.

Where hazards are identified, appropriate control measures will be put in place, such as using additional staff, handling aids, or adjusting the route and method of work.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Safe manual handling is a core part of our health and safety approach. To minimise the risk of strain, injury, or accidents:

Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, including posture, load assessment, and team lifting. Heavy or bulky items will be handled by two or more people or with the assistance of suitable equipment where possible. Loads are kept as small and manageable as is practical. Staff are instructed not to exceed their personal lifting limits and to request assistance when needed. Customers are discouraged from participating in heavy lifting unless specifically agreed and risk assessed.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

We are committed to operating our vans in a safe and responsible manner. Our approach includes:

Ensuring vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition with regular checks and servicing. Requiring drivers to hold the correct licence and have adequate driving experience. Planning routes to minimise risk, considering traffic, road conditions, and time of day. Ensuring loads are secured properly to prevent movement, damage, or danger to road users. Prohibiting driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substances that impair judgement or reaction times. Encouraging rest breaks for longer journeys to reduce fatigue and maintain alertness.

Use of Equipment and Vehicles

Any equipment or aids used during removals, such as trolleys, straps, or ramps, will be:

Checked regularly for defects and removed from service if damaged or unsafe. Used only for their intended purpose and according to training and instructions. Stored safely within the vehicle or at base to prevent damage or accidental use.

Only authorised and trained staff may drive company vehicles or operate specialist equipment.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect our customers and members of the public while carrying out moves. To promote safety:

We will maintain clear walkways during loading and unloading and avoid obstructing entrances and exits wherever possible. We will request that children and pets are kept away from active work areas to avoid accidents. We will take care when moving items through shared spaces, corridors, pavements, and parking areas. We will position vehicles safely, avoiding dangerous reversing where reasonably practicable and using guidance from another team member when necessary.

Housekeeping and Property Protection

A tidy work area reduces risk. During and after our work:

Packaging materials, straps, and tools will be kept organised to minimise trip hazards. Protective coverings may be used where appropriate to reduce risk of slips and property damage. Any accidental damage or hazards noticed on site will be reported promptly to the customer and, where possible, made safe.

Training, Communication, and Consultation

We believe that effective communication supports safe working. Man with Van South Hornchurch will:

Provide staff with initial and refresher training on health and safety relevant to removal services. Inform workers of any specific risks associated with particular jobs or locations. Encourage staff to raise concerns, make suggestions, and participate in improving health and safety procedures.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, or dangerous occurrences must be reported to management. We will:

Record details of incidents to help identify trends and prevent recurrence. Investigate the root causes and update risk assessments or procedures where necessary. Ensure that appropriate first aid is sought and, if needed, that emergency services are contacted promptly. Cooperate with any official investigations relating to health and safety matters.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, equipment, or legal requirements. We are committed to making adjustments where needed to keep our team and our customers safe and to maintain high standards in our man and van and removal services across our operating area.

By working together and following this policy, Man with Van South Hornchurch aims to deliver an efficient, reliable, and safe removal experience for every customer.