Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Belsize Park Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Belsize Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our objectives, responsibilities and working practices to ensure that every move is carried out as safely as reasonably practicable.

Policy Objectives

Our primary health and safety objectives are to prevent injury, protect health and minimise risks associated with removals, loading, unloading, transport and related activities. We aim to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, approved codes of practice and industry guidance that apply to our services. We will review and update this policy periodically to reflect changes in law, best practice and the nature of our operations.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy throughout Man with Van Belsize Park. This includes providing appropriate resources, training, equipment and supervision so that work is carried out safely and risks are controlled. Management will ensure that risk assessments are completed, safe systems of work are developed and that staff understand and follow them. We will monitor performance, investigate incidents and take corrective action where necessary.

Management will also ensure that vehicles and equipment used in the course of our work are maintained in a safe condition and that only competent, authorised staff operate them. Records will be kept of inspections, maintenance and any remedial actions taken.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff must follow safety procedures, use equipment correctly and co-operate fully with the implementation of this policy.

Employees must report hazards, near misses, accidents, injuries, ill health or unsafe conditions to management as soon as possible. No employee should undertake any task for which they have not been trained or which they believe cannot be done safely. Staff are encouraged to raise health and safety concerns without fear of reprisal.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before undertaking removal work, we will assess the risks associated with the property, access routes, parking, manual handling tasks, the nature of the items to be moved and any other relevant factors. Where appropriate, on-site dynamic risk assessments will be carried out to identify and control specific risks on the day of the move.

Safe working practices will include planning the route for carrying items, using suitable lifting techniques, employing appropriate equipment and ensuring clear communication between team members. Where conditions are unsafe or significantly different from those anticipated, work will be paused and reassessed before proceeding.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed properly. We will provide training in correct lifting techniques, team lifting methods and the use of handling equipment such as trolleys, dollies and straps. Staff are required to use mechanical aids wherever reasonably practicable and not to exceed their own physical capability.

Equipment used for lifting and moving items will be regularly inspected for signs of wear, damage or defects. Any defective equipment will be removed from service until repaired or replaced. Only trained personnel may operate specialised moving equipment.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

All vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition, with regular checks carried out in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers must hold appropriate licences and follow safe driving practices at all times, including adherence to speed limits, safe loading limits and secure stowage of goods.

Loads will be distributed evenly and secured properly to prevent movement during transit. Drivers are responsible for conducting basic pre-use vehicle checks, reporting any defects and not operating vehicles they consider unsafe.

Customer and Public Safety

We take all reasonable steps to safeguard customers, neighbours and the general public during our operations. This includes keeping access routes as clear as possible, managing trip hazards, using caution when moving large or awkward items and controlling vehicle movements near pedestrians.

Customers will be advised where necessary to remain clear of active lifting and loading areas. Where operations could affect shared spaces, our team will work with all parties involved to minimise disruption and risk.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Belsize Park will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees, proportionate to their role and responsibilities. Induction training will cover general safety procedures, with additional instruction provided on manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety and emergency arrangements.

We will ensure that information about risks and control measures is communicated clearly to staff. Supervisors will monitor working practices, provide guidance and correct unsafe behaviour or conditions promptly.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management and recorded. We will investigate the circumstances to identify causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal obligations.

Our team is briefed on emergency procedures relevant to our operations, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, road traffic incidents or dangerous conditions at a property. Staff must follow these procedures and co-operate with emergency services when necessary.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of staff fitness for duty. Employees are expected to present themselves for work in a fit state, free from the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or any substance that could impair their ability to work safely.

Where staff have existing medical conditions or injuries that may affect their work, they should inform management so that reasonable adjustments and suitable duties can be considered. Breaks will be taken as required to reduce fatigue and maintain alertness, particularly during demanding or lengthy moves.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or recognised best practice. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed to help improve safety performance and service quality.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Man with Van Belsize Park aims to deliver a reliable removal service while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.