Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Maida Vale

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Maida Vale manages the safety and welfare of its workers, customers, visitors and members of the public. Our work involves removals, collections, deliveries and related transport services, and we recognise the potential risks associated with manual handling, driving, loading and unloading, and working at or near customer premises. Our aim is to prevent accidents and work-related ill health and to provide a safe, healthy environment for everyone involved.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Man with Van Maida Vale is committed to complying with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to:

Identify and control risks associated with removal and transport activities, provide and maintain safe vehicles, equipment and working methods, ensure workers are competent through information, instruction and training, minimise the risk of injury from manual handling, driving and site activities, and strive for continuous improvement in our health and safety performance.

This policy applies to all workers engaged by Man with Van Maida Vale, including temporary or self-employed personnel working on our behalf, and to all customers and others who may be affected by our activities.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place. This includes assessing risks for typical removal and van services, providing safe systems of work, maintaining vehicles and equipment in safe condition, allocating adequate resources for health and safety, ensuring that workers are informed of their duties, and reviewing the policy periodically or following significant changes.

Managers and supervisors will lead by example, promoting a positive safety culture and responding promptly to health and safety concerns raised by workers or customers.

Worker Responsibilities

Every worker has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what they do or fail to do. Workers must follow all safety instructions and procedures, use equipment and vehicles safely and correctly, report any defects, hazards, near misses or incidents, cooperate with training and health and safety measures, wear suitable clothing and protective equipment where required, and avoid taking unnecessary risks during lifting, carrying and driving tasks.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Man with Van Maida Vale will carry out risk assessments for key activities such as manual handling, loading and unloading, packing, use of trolleys and lifting aids, driving and parking in busy streets, and working in customer homes, offices, storage units and access areas. Findings from these assessments will be used to develop sensible, practical control measures, which may include planning routes and parking in advance where possible, checking access routes, stairways and lifts before starting work, using appropriate lifting techniques and team lifts, using trolleys, straps and blankets to secure loads, and avoiding overloading vehicles or containers.

Workers are expected to follow the safe systems of work derived from these risk assessments and to stop work if a situation is assessed as unsafe until it has been reviewed and made safe.

Manual Handling and Personal Safety

Manual handling is a core part of our removal services and is a common source of injury. To reduce the risk, workers must assess the load before lifting, considering weight, size and shape, use team lifts for bulky or heavy items, keep loads close to the body and avoid twisting the spine, ensure walkways and stairs are clear of obstacles before moving items, and take regular breaks during intensive lifting tasks.

Where available and appropriate, mechanical aids such as trolleys or dollies must be used. Workers must not attempt to lift items beyond their capability and should discuss any concerns with a supervisor or the customer before moving especially large or fragile objects.

Vehicle, Driving and Road Safety

All vehicles used by Man with Van Maida Vale will be maintained in a roadworthy condition according to legal and manufacturer requirements. Drivers must carry out basic pre use checks for tyres, lights and securing points, report defects immediately, and not use vehicles they believe are unsafe. Loads must be evenly distributed and properly secured using straps and restraints to prevent movement.

Drivers must obey road traffic laws and speed limits, drive courteously and defensively, avoid mobile phone use while driving unless hands free and legal, and allow extra time for journeys to reduce pressure and stress. Journeys will be planned where possible to minimise congested or hazardous routes while still meeting service commitments.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our work often takes place in and around homes, offices, buildings and public spaces. We will take care to protect property and people by keeping access routes as clear as reasonably possible, using floor and wall protection where appropriate, taking care when moving large items through tight spaces, stairwells and doorways, and considering noise, obstruction and parking so as to reduce inconvenience to neighbours and the general public.

Workers must remain polite and professional at all times and must not carry out work that they consider unsafe, such as moving items through clearly unsuitable routes or over dangerous obstacles, without first reassessing the method and discussing alternatives with the customer.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Maida Vale will provide workers with appropriate information, instruction and training relevant to their duties. This may include induction on company safety rules and emergency procedures, manual handling guidance tailored to removal work, vehicle and equipment use and checks, and reporting lines for incidents and concerns.

New or inexperienced workers will receive closer supervision until they are competent in practical safety requirements. Ongoing refresher information will be given when procedures or equipment change or when lessons are learned from incidents or near misses.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, dangerous occurrences and near misses must be reported as soon as possible to management. Records will be kept and used to investigate causes and identify improvements. Customers are encouraged to inform us promptly of any safety concerns they notice during our work at their premises. We will cooperate with any legitimate investigations by relevant authorities if required.

Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

Removal work can be physically demanding. Workers must ensure they are fit to work and must not undertake duties while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or misused medication. Any worker taking prescribed medication that may affect alertness or physical capability should raise this confidentially with management so that suitable adjustments can be considered. Adequate rest breaks will be encouraged, particularly during long or intensive jobs and longer driving periods.

Policy Review and Communication

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations, legislation, or best practice. The latest version of the policy will be made available to workers and customers on request. All workers are required to familiarise themselves with this policy and to actively contribute to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.