Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Southall
Man with Van Southall is committed to maintaining high standards of health, safety, and welfare for our workers, customers, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in connection with our man and van and removal services.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
We aim to conduct all removal, loading, unloading, and transportation work in a way that prevents injury, ill health, and damage to property. We will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised good practice for the removals and transport sector.
Health and safety considerations are integrated into daily planning of jobs, vehicle loading, route selection, and customer communication. We expect everyone working on behalf of Man with Van Southall to follow this policy and take reasonable care of themselves and others.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Southall rests with the company management. They are responsible for:
Ensuring that appropriate risk assessments are carried out and reviewed.Providing suitable equipment, vehicles, and work methods for safe operations.Arranging appropriate instruction and guidance for workers.Monitoring health and safety performance and investigating incidents.
Drivers, porters, and any contractors working with us must:
Follow all safety procedures and instructions.Use vehicles and equipment correctly and report defects immediately.Wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment where required.Take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.Report accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before work is carried out, jobs are assessed to identify potential hazards such as restricted access, heavy or awkward items, stairs, parking restrictions, and weather conditions. Where risks are identified, control measures are planned, which may include additional manpower, equipment, or changes in the method of work.
On arrival at each property or premises, workers carry out a dynamic assessment, check access routes, and identify any new or unexpected risks. Work is adapted where necessary to maintain safety.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a significant part of removal work. To reduce the risk of injury:
Workers are instructed in safe lifting techniques, including keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting, and sharing loads where necessary.Heavy, bulky, or awkward items are assessed before moving and, where appropriate, moved with two or more people or using equipment such as trolleys.Workers are encouraged to refuse to lift items that are beyond their safe capability and to request assistance or alternative methods.Loads are planned before lifting, with clear communication between team members about the route and any obstacles.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All vans and equipment used by Man with Van Southall must be kept in a safe and roadworthy condition. Management is responsible for arranging regular servicing, maintenance, and any legally required inspections.
Drivers must carry out routine checks before use, including tyres, lights, mirrors, securing points, and any lifting or securing equipment. Any defects must be reported and vehicles taken out of service if they are unsafe.
When loading vehicles, workers must:
Distribute weight evenly and avoid overloading.Secure loads using suitable straps, blankets, and other equipment.Place heavy items at the bottom and towards the centre of the vehicle where possible.Ensure that doors can be closed safely and that nothing can fall from the vehicle during transit.
Working at Customer Premises
Respecting and protecting customer premises is an important part of safe working. Workers must:
Keep access routes clear and avoid creating trip hazards with tools or packaging.Use suitable methods to protect flooring and property where reasonably practicable.Take extra care on stairs, narrow corridors, and near fragile surfaces such as glass panels and ornaments.Communicate with customers about any risks, restricted access, or items that may not be safe to move as requested.
Driving Safety and Journey Management
Safe driving is essential to protect workers and other road users. Drivers must:
Follow all traffic laws and drive at speeds appropriate to conditions.Avoid using mobile phones or other distractions while driving.Plan journeys to allow sufficient time, reducing the pressure to rush.Take breaks on longer journeys and avoid driving when excessively tired.
Weather, traffic, and road conditions are taken into account when scheduling work. Jobs may be adjusted or delayed if conditions make driving unsafe.
Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing
Where identified as necessary through risk assessment, suitable personal protective equipment will be provided, such as gloves, high-visibility clothing, or safety footwear. Workers are responsible for using this equipment correctly and reporting loss or damage.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, and near-miss incidents must be reported to management as soon as possible. This allows appropriate support to be provided and helps identify improvements to prevent future incidents.
In the event of an emergency at a customer property or on the road, workers must prioritise their own safety and that of others, contact the appropriate emergency services, and then notify company management.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Man with Van Southall will provide information and guidance so that workers understand the risks associated with removal and transport work and how to manage them. New workers are given an introduction to this health and safety policy and working methods. Ongoing supervision and reviews of performance help to maintain standards and correct unsafe practices.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our services, vehicles, equipment, or relevant legal requirements. Feedback from workers and customers, and the findings from any incident investigations, are used to improve our safety arrangements.
By following this policy, Man with Van Southall aims to provide a reliable, efficient, and safe removal service for customers while protecting the health and wellbeing of everyone involved in our operations.
