Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Bayswater

Man With a Van Bayswater is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with our man and van and removal services, including local moves, loading, unloading and transportation of goods.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our main objectives are to prevent injury, protect property, minimise disruption to the public and maintain a safe environment wherever we operate. We aim to:

Identify and manage health and safety risks linked to our removal activities.

Provide training, instruction and supervision so our teams work safely and responsibly.

Use appropriate equipment and vehicles that are maintained in a safe condition.

Promote a positive safety culture where everyone takes responsibility for safe working practices.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man With a Van Bayswater holds overall responsibility for health and safety performance. Management will:

Implement and review this Health and Safety Policy on a regular basis.

Ensure risk assessments are carried out for our services, including residential moves, commercial moves and local deliveries.

Provide suitable equipment, such as trolleys, straps and protective materials, to support safe lifting and secure transportation.

Ensure vehicles are roadworthy, clean, well maintained and appropriately loaded.

Provide staff with information on safe driving, parking, loading, and working in busy streets and residential areas.

Employee Responsibilities

Every member of staff has a duty to care for their own safety and that of colleagues, customers and the public. Employees must:

Follow all safety procedures and instructions given during induction and ongoing training.

Use the equipment provided in a safe and sensible manner.

Report any hazards, incidents, accidents, vehicle defects or unsafe conditions to management without delay.

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for manual handling and moving work.

Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair performance or judgement.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting any removal job, our team assesses the working environment and plans the safest way to carry out the task. This includes considering:

Access routes in and out of properties, including stairs, narrow corridors and shared entrances.

Parking arrangements, loading zones and potential impact on traffic and pedestrians.

The size, shape and weight of items being moved, and the need for extra staff or specialised equipment.

Weather conditions that may affect lifting, loading and driving.

Any customer-specific requirements that may influence the method of work.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of our work and is managed with care to prevent injury. We ensure the following principles are applied:

Staff receive guidance on correct lifting techniques and safe posture.

Heavier or awkward items are moved by two or more team members or using handling aids.

Loads are assessed for weight and stability before they are lifted or carried.

Frequent breaks are taken where necessary during intensive lifting tasks.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

Safe driving and secure loading are vital for the protection of staff, customers and other road users. We ensure that:

Vehicles are loaded within legal weight limits and loads are evenly distributed.

Items are secured using straps, blankets and other restraints to prevent movement in transit.

Drivers follow road traffic laws and adjust driving behaviour for weather, congestion and local conditions.

Parking for loading and unloading is chosen to limit obstruction to neighbours and pedestrians while maintaining safe access.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We take care to protect customer premises and the surrounding area during our work. Our teams:

Plan routes through properties to minimise risk of damage or accidents.

Keep walkways, stairwells and entrances as clear as possible to prevent trips and falls.

Use protective coverings where appropriate to safeguard floors and surfaces.

Remain considerate of neighbours and the public, reducing noise and avoiding unnecessary disruption.

Equipment and Personal Protective Measures

We provide suitable equipment and encourage personal protective measures where appropriate. This may include:

Use of trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and boards for heavy or bulky items.

Gloves and other protective items where handling may present a risk to hands or skin.

Regular checking of equipment to ensure it is in safe working order.

Training and Competence

All team members receive induction on our health and safety expectations when they join. Ongoing training may cover:

Safe lifting and carrying techniques for furniture and appliances.

Secure loading and unloading of vehicles for local removal work.

Driving and parking safely in residential streets and busy areas.

Handling customer property carefully to avoid damage or injury.

Incident Reporting and Policy Review

All accidents, near misses, damage to property or safety concerns are recorded and reviewed. We use this information to improve our methods and prevent recurrence. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly, or following any significant change in our operations, to ensure it remains appropriate for the services we provide and the areas in which we work.

By following this Health and Safety Policy, Man With a Van Bayswater aims to provide a reliable, efficient and responsible removal service while protecting the wellbeing of everyone affected by our work.