Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Chiswick

Man with Van Chiswick is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our aims, responsibilities and procedures to manage risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and avoidable disruption by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We aim to integrate health and safety considerations into the planning and delivery of all removal and man and van services, from small household moves to larger commercial relocations.

We will regularly review this policy to ensure it remains suitable for the type and scale of work we undertake and reflects current legal requirements and best practice within the removal and transport sector.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Chiswick is responsible for establishing and maintaining safe systems of work for all removal and transport activities. This includes:

Ensuring that vehicles, tools and handling equipment used for removals are maintained in a safe condition and are suitable for the tasks undertaken.

Providing clear instructions, information and supervision to staff carrying out lifting, carrying, loading and driving duties.

Carrying out and recording risk assessments for typical moving tasks and for any higher risk or unusual jobs.

Allocating sufficient resources for training, equipment, maintenance and protective measures.

Monitoring performance, investigating any incidents or near misses, and taking corrective action where required.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee and worker engaged by Man with Van Chiswick has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff must:

Follow the health and safety procedures and safe working practices issued by the company.

Use any equipment, protective clothing and safety devices provided in accordance with training and instructions.

Report hazards, defects, near misses, accidents or health concerns to management as soon as possible.

Cooperate with management in the implementation of this policy and any related safety measures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We will assess risks associated with typical removal activities, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, loading and unloading vans, working on or near the road, and operating in customer premises such as homes, offices and storage facilities.

For each job, our team will consider access routes, stairs, lifts, parking arrangements, floor conditions, weather conditions and any specific customer requirements. Where necessary, work will be adapted, additional equipment will be used or extra staff will be allocated to ensure tasks can be carried out safely.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key element of our work. To reduce the risk of injury, staff will:

Receive guidance in correct lifting techniques and safe team handling.

Use moving aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps and blankets where appropriate.

Avoid lifting loads that are too heavy or awkward for one person and ask for assistance when required.

Plan the route before moving large or heavy items, clearing obstacles where possible.

Equipment such as trolleys, ramps and securing straps will be maintained and inspected regularly. Any defective items will be taken out of use until repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to the safe delivery of our services. Man with Van Chiswick will ensure that:

Vans are maintained in roadworthy condition with regular checks on brakes, tyres, lights and securing points.

Loads are distributed evenly, secured properly and kept within the permitted weight limits.

Drivers hold the appropriate licence, are medically fit to drive and follow traffic laws and safe driving practices at all times.

Planned routes take into account access restrictions, low bridges, loading zones and safe stopping locations.

Working on Customer Premises

When working in customer homes, offices or other premises, our team will respect the property and ensure that the working area is kept as safe as possible. This includes:

Using floor protection where necessary to prevent slips and damage.

Keeping access routes, doorways and staircases clear of trip hazards.

Taking care when moving large items to avoid damage to fixtures, fittings and personal belongings.

Communicating with customers about any hazards identified and agreeing how to manage them.

Personal Protective Equipment and Welfare

Where necessary, Man with Van Chiswick will provide suitable personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety footwear and high visibility clothing. Staff are required to use this equipment when tasks or conditions make it advisable or mandatory.

We will also take reasonable steps to ensure that staff have access to drinking water, rest breaks and appropriate welfare facilities during the working day, particularly on longer or physically demanding moves.

Training, Information and Supervision

We recognise that proper training and information are essential for safe working. Man with Van Chiswick will:

Provide induction for new staff, covering health and safety expectations, safe lifting, vehicle use and site conduct.

Offer further guidance when work methods change or new equipment is introduced.

Ensure that staff are aware of emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, injury or road traffic incidents.

Supervise less experienced staff and support them in developing safe working habits.

Accidents, Incidents and Policy Review

All accidents, injuries and significant near misses that occur during our removal operations will be recorded and, where needed, investigated to identify causes and prevent recurrence. Lessons learned will be used to update procedures, training and this policy where appropriate.

This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in the nature of our work, legal requirements or industry standards. Updated versions will be made available to staff and customers upon request.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Chiswick is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. By working closely with our staff and customers, and by maintaining high standards in vehicle safety, manual handling and site conduct, we strive to provide a professional, reliable and safe removal service across our operating area.