Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Morden Park

Man with Van Morden Park 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 transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, unloading and transporting goods for customers across our service areas.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice applicable to removal and transport operations. Health and safety considerations will be integrated into all planning and operational decisions.

This policy applies to all employees, temporary workers, contractors and any other persons working on behalf of Man with Van Morden Park. We expect a high standard of health and safety awareness and behaviour from everyone representing the company.

Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Morden Park has overall responsibility for ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place to manage health and safety. This includes providing adequate resources, information, instruction, training and supervision so that employees can carry out their work safely and competently.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in day-to-day operations, ensuring that safe systems of work are followed, vehicles and equipment are maintained in a safe condition, and any breaches or concerns are dealt with promptly.

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. They are required to follow all safety instructions, report hazards and incidents, use equipment correctly, and cooperate fully in the implementation of this policy.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our removal and transport activities, including manual handling, vehicle use, loading and unloading, work at customers premises, and storage of items in vehicles. These assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are changes in work practices, equipment, or the nature of services provided.

Safe systems of work are developed based on the findings of risk assessments. These include, but are not limited to, procedures for lifting and carrying, the use of trolleys and moving equipment, safe loading configurations, securing of loads, and procedures for working in confined or restricted spaces such as stairwells and corridors at customer locations.

Manual Handling and Lifting Operations

Manual handling is a core element of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. We aim to avoid hazardous manual handling wherever reasonably practicable by using mechanical aids and planning routes to minimise carrying distances and obstacles.

Employees receive training in correct lifting techniques, team lifts, use of moving equipment and recognition of loads that are too heavy or awkward to move safely without assistance. No employee is expected to lift or move items that they believe to be unsafe, and they are encouraged to request additional help or equipment when needed.

Vehicle Safety and Load Security

Our vehicles are selected and maintained to support safe removal and transport operations. Regular checks are carried out to ensure that vehicles remain in a roadworthy condition, including brakes, tyres, lights, mirrors and load areas.

All loads are secured appropriately to prevent movement during transit. This includes using straps, blankets, padding and other equipment to ensure that items are protected and do not pose a risk to the driver, passengers or other road users. Drivers are responsible for checking that loads are stable and secure before moving off and during the journey when appropriate.

Working at Customer Premises

When working in homes, offices and other premises, our staff will assess access routes, stairways, lifts and doorways to identify hazards such as trip risks, poor lighting, wet surfaces or restricted spaces. Where necessary, alternative routes or additional controls will be used to maintain safety.

We take care to protect both our staff and customers by practising safe moving techniques, using suitable equipment and maintaining good housekeeping, such as keeping walkways clear of boxes, tools and packing materials. Staff will also be mindful of children, pets and other occupants in the property and will work in a way that minimises risk to all present.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive appropriate induction and on-the-job training relevant to their role within the removal service. This includes instruction on manual handling, vehicle and equipment use, personal protective equipment, hazard awareness, emergency procedures and customer care in relation to safety.

Refresher training is provided when necessary, particularly following any incident, near miss or change in procedures. Supervision levels are adjusted according to the experience and competence of each team member to ensure safe and efficient working practices.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, suitable personal protective equipment will be provided. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and any other items identified through risk assessment. Employees are required to use the equipment as instructed, keep it in good condition and report any defects or losses immediately.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. Each incident is reviewed to identify root causes and to determine whether additional control measures, training or changes in procedure are required to prevent recurrence.

Records of incidents and corrective actions are maintained and used to monitor overall safety performance and drive continual improvement in our operations.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains effective, relevant and aligned with current legislation, guidance and best practice for removal and man and van services. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and used to improve our systems and standards.

By following this policy, Man with Van Morden Park aims to deliver a reliable and professional removal service while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved in or affected by our work.