Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Morden Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Morden 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, loading, transporting and unloading goods as part of our man and van and removals services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe practices in all aspects of our removal operations. We aim to continually improve our safety performance by identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing control measures and monitoring their effectiveness. Health and safety considerations are integrated into day to day planning of every job, from small local moves to larger domestic and commercial removals.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate resources, training and equipment are provided to maintain safe working practices. This includes selecting and maintaining suitable vehicles, moving equipment and protective gear, and making sure that staff receive the information and instruction they need to carry out their tasks safely.

Managers and supervisors must:

Plan removal work so that risks are minimised, including route planning, vehicle loading, access and parking.

Ensure that all employees understand and comply with this Health and Safety Policy and related procedures.

Monitor the condition of vehicles, lifting equipment and other tools, ensuring they are regularly inspected and maintained.

Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses with the aim of preventing recurrence and improving safety practices.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee and contractor working with Man With a Van Morden 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 cooperate with management in implementing this policy and following safe systems of work.

Employees are expected to:

Follow all safety instructions, training and procedures provided by the company.

Use equipment, vehicles and protective gear in accordance with training and manufacturer guidelines.

Report hazards, unsafe conditions, damaged equipment or any concerns about safety as soon as they are identified.

Refrain from using alcohol or drugs that could impair their ability to work safely, and notify management of any health conditions that may affect their suitability for specific tasks.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Man With a Van Morden carries out ongoing risk assessments covering the key hazards associated with removals and transport work. These include manual handling, vehicle movements, loading and unloading operations, working in customers homes and business premises, and working in public areas such as streets and shared access ways.

For each job, staff are expected to assess conditions on arrival, taking into account access routes, stairs, lifts, parking and any obstructions. If conditions are unsafe or significantly different from those anticipated, employees must stop work and consult management to agree safe methods before proceeding.

Where appropriate, we implement specific control measures such as the use of trolleys, dollies, lifting straps, moving blankets, ramps and other aids to reduce manual handling risks. Staff are provided with guidance on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, load distribution and securing furniture and goods in transit.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Vehicle safety is central to our health and safety approach. All drivers must hold the appropriate driving licence, follow road traffic laws and operate vehicles responsibly with consideration for other road users and pedestrians.

Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic vehicle checks, including tyres, lights, mirrors and load securing points before each journey. Loads must be properly distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit, with particular attention to heavy or bulky items associated with house and office moves.

Drivers must plan journeys to allow sufficient time, avoid unnecessary risks, and comply with any company rules on rest breaks and working hours. The use of mobile phones or other distracting devices while driving is prohibited unless used in a safe, hands free manner in accordance with legal requirements.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is an inherent part of removal and man and van services, and it presents a significant risk of strains, sprains and other injuries if not managed correctly. Man With a Van Morden provides training and guidance on safe lifting and carrying techniques, including the use of team lifts for heavy or awkward items.

Employees must:

Assess the weight, shape and stability of an item before lifting or moving it.

Request assistance or use moving equipment when an item is too heavy, large or difficult to handle alone.

Avoid twisting, overreaching or carrying loads that obstruct clear vision while moving.

Take rest breaks as needed when carrying out physically demanding tasks, especially on stairs or over longer distances.

Working at Customer Premises

We recognise our responsibility to protect customers, their property and any third parties while working at homes, offices and other premises. Staff must act with care and professionalism at all times, keeping work areas tidy and minimising disruption and risk.

Where possible, routes for carrying items are planned to avoid trip hazards, damage to fixtures, and contact with fragile or high value items. Protective coverings may be used for floors and banisters when appropriate. Employees are instructed to be mindful of children, pets and visitors on site, and to pause work if a situation becomes unsafe.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses, injuries or significant property damage occurring in connection with our services must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. This allows us to provide support, fulfil any legal obligations, and implement corrective measures to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Employees are briefed on what to do in case of emergencies such as road collisions, injuries while moving items, fires or sudden health issues affecting staff or customers. This includes contacting the emergency services where needed and notifying management promptly.

Training, Supervision and Policy Review

Man With a Van Morden provides appropriate induction and ongoing training to ensure staff understand their responsibilities and can carry out their duties safely. Additional instruction or supervision is provided for new starters, young or inexperienced workers, and when new equipment or procedures are introduced.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, legal requirements, best practice in the removals industry and lessons learned from incidents or feedback. Any significant changes to this policy or to safety procedures are communicated to all relevant staff.

By following this Health and Safety Policy, Man With a Van Morden aims to deliver reliable removal and transport services while protecting the wellbeing of our team, our customers and the wider community.