Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Dagenham

Man With a Van Dagenham is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, subcontractors, customers and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out how we manage risks associated with removals, lifting and transportation activities, both at customers premises and in transit.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The primary aim of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property during all removal and transportation work carried out by Man With a Van Dagenham. We will achieve this by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing proportionate control measures that reflect the specific demands of moving goods, furniture and personal belongings.

Our objectives include maintaining safe systems of work, promoting safe behaviour, continuously improving our practices and complying with all applicable health and safety legislation and industry guidance relevant to small removal and transport operations.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and reviewing this policy and ensuring that adequate resources are available to meet our health and safety commitments. This includes providing appropriate equipment, training, supervision and planning time to allow jobs to be carried out safely and efficiently.

Managers and supervisors will ensure that risk assessments are completed for typical removal tasks and that any significant risks are communicated to staff and, where relevant, to customers before work begins. They will monitor performance, investigate incidents and take corrective action where necessary.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and regular subcontractors must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of those who may be affected by their actions. This includes following training and instructions, using equipment correctly, and cooperating with management on all matters relating to safety.

Staff are required to report hazards, near misses, accidents and any concerns about unsafe conditions or practices as soon as possible. Deliberate or repeated disregard for safety procedures may result in disciplinary action or termination of working arrangements.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Man With a Van Dagenham will assess risks associated with our activities, including loading, unloading, carrying items up and down stairs, working in confined or shared spaces, and operating in busy residential streets and commercial areas. Job-specific assessments will be made where unusual items or access issues are identified in advance.

Where risks are identified, suitable control measures will be implemented. These may include the use of additional staff for heavy or awkward items, the application of lifting aids, the adjustment of route plans, timing of work to avoid congestion, and clear communication with customers about access, parking and any limitations on what can be safely moved.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal work and presents significant risk if not managed properly. All staff will receive instruction on safe lifting techniques, including assessing the load, planning the route, using team lifts where necessary and avoiding twisting or overreaching while carrying items.

We will provide suitable handling aids, such as trolleys, straps and blankets, where appropriate, and will not ask staff to move items that are judged to be unsafe to lift or carry. Customers may be advised where specialist equipment or additional labour is required to handle particularly heavy or fragile items.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are an essential part of our service and will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks will be carried out on tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors, securing points and loading areas to reduce the risk of incidents on the road.

Drivers must hold a valid licence appropriate to the vehicle they are operating and must observe all road traffic laws and company driving procedures. Loads will be packed and secured to prevent shifting during transit, taking into account the nature of the items being transported and the expected route conditions within our service area.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises, Man With a Van Dagenham will take reasonable steps to protect the customer, their property and others who may be present. This includes planning access routes, keeping walkways as clear as reasonably practicable, and using protective coverings where appropriate to reduce the risk of slips, trips and damage.

Care will be taken when operating in shared entrances, hallways, stairwells and on public pavements or roads. Where necessary, staff will use spotters or temporary signage to warn others of moving loads or vehicle movements.

Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment and Housekeeping

Only equipment that is suitable and in good condition will be used for removal activities. Any defects or damage must be reported immediately and the equipment taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Where risk assessments identify a need for personal protective equipment, such as gloves, high-visibility clothing or safety footwear, this will be provided and must be worn as instructed. Good housekeeping will be maintained in vehicles, storage areas and at work sites to reduce the risk of trips, falls and damage to belongings.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff will receive induction training covering the key risks associated with removal work and the control measures in place. This will be supported by on-the-job training, supervision and regular briefings on specific topics such as manual handling, vehicle safety and working at customer premises.

Additional training will be provided where job roles change, new equipment is introduced or where incident investigations highlight a need for improved knowledge or procedures.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management without delay. We will record and investigate incidents to identify root causes and to implement measures that reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Staff will be briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of a personal injury, fire, road traffic incident or sudden illness at a work site. Where serious incidents occur at customer premises, emergency services will be contacted as required and the area made as safe as reasonably practicable.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Man With a Van Dagenham values feedback from staff and customers on health and safety matters. We encourage open communication about concerns, suggestions and ideas for improving our safe working practices.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, operational practices or the nature of the services we provide within our removal service area.

Policy Review and Availability

This policy is approved by the management of Man With a Van Dagenham and is effective from the date of publication. It will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to our operations or relevant regulations.

A copy of this Health and Safety Policy is available to all employees, subcontractors and customers on request and forms part of our commitment to providing a reliable and safe removal service.