Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Wood Green Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Wood Green is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy outlines our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting, and unloading goods.

Our Health and Safety Responsibilities

We recognise our duty to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and to follow industry best practice in the removals and transport sector. Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing appropriate resources, and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place. All workers and contractors are required to follow safe practices, cooperate with safety procedures, and report hazards or incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before undertaking any removal or delivery task, risks are assessed and suitable control measures are identified. This includes assessing access routes, parking and loading areas, stairs and lifts, the size and weight of items, and any environmental factors that could present a hazard. Where risks are identified, we will adapt working methods, allocate additional personnel, or use appropriate equipment to ensure tasks can be carried out safely.

Safe systems of work are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and reflect any changes in our operations, equipment, or service areas. Staff are informed of updates to procedures and are encouraged to provide feedback based on their practical experience.

Manual Handling and Lifting

The nature of removal and transport work means manual handling is a key risk. We take all reasonable steps to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injury by:

Providing training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifts where appropriate. Encouraging the use of mechanical aids or moving equipment, such as trolleys, dollies, and lifting straps, wherever practical. Planning loading and unloading to reduce unnecessary carrying distances and awkward movements. Avoiding the manual handling of items that are excessively heavy, bulky, or unstable unless suitable assistance or specialist equipment is available.

Workers are instructed not to exceed their physical limits and to request assistance whenever they are unsure about the safety of a lift.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Safe driving is fundamental to our operations. All drivers must hold a valid driving licence for the class of vehicle operated and must be medically fit to drive. Vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and undergo regular inspections and servicing in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements.

Drivers are required to:

Observe all road traffic laws and speed limits. Allow sufficient time for journeys to avoid unsafe driving practices. Complete loading checks to ensure that goods are properly positioned and secured. Refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that could impair judgement or reaction times. Avoid the use of mobile devices while driving, other than approved hands free systems where legally permitted.

Site Safety, Access, and Public Protection

We take care to protect customers, neighbours, and members of the public during removal activities. This includes planning safe parking and loading points to minimise obstruction and risk, managing vehicle movements carefully in residential and commercial areas, and maintaining clear walkways wherever possible.

Where work is carried out near public pathways or shared access areas, the team will take reasonable steps to prevent slips, trips, and falls, such as managing trailing straps, loose packaging, and temporary obstructions. When required, additional precautions may be used, such as verbal warnings, spotters, or temporary barriers.

Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment and tools used for removals, including ramps, trolleys, and securing straps, must be suitable for the task and kept in good condition. Faulty or damaged equipment must be removed from use immediately and reported for repair or replacement.

Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety footwear, or high visibility clothing, will be provided when identified as necessary by risk assessment. Workers are expected to use such equipment correctly and to report any defects or concerns.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We provide appropriate health and safety training for all workers, including induction training for new starters and ongoing refresher training where required. Training may cover manual handling, safe loading and unloading, vehicle safety, emergency procedures, and incident reporting.

Supervision is provided to ensure that safety procedures are followed on each job. Less experienced workers will receive additional guidance and oversight until they are competent to work independently in line with company standards.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, injuries, and damage to property or vehicles must be reported as soon as possible to management. Incident reports are reviewed to identify root causes and to implement measures that reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Emergency arrangements appropriate to the nature of the work will be in place, including procedures for fire, serious injury, vehicle breakdown, and road traffic collisions. Staff receive guidance on how to respond safely in such situations and how to contact emergency services when necessary.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and encourage workers to maintain good health and fitness. Where a worker has a medical condition that could affect their ability to perform tasks safely, this must be disclosed so that appropriate adjustments can be considered.

We do not tolerate the use of alcohol or illegal drugs during working hours or immediately beforehand. Any worker suspected of being unfit for work due to substance misuse or fatigue may be removed from duty pending further assessment.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, and our operational practices within our service areas. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and used to improve safety performance.

By following this policy and working together, Man with Van Wood Green aims to maintain a safe, reliable, and professional removal service for all customers.