Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Richmond upon Thames

This Health and Safety policy sets out how Man with Van Richmond upon Thames manages the safety and wellbeing of our workers, customers and members of the public during all moving, collection and delivery activities. Our aim is to provide a professional, reliable and safe removal service while minimising risks associated with transportation, manual handling and work in and around properties.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

We are committed to maintaining a safe working environment and to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised good practice for removal and transport services. We will identify and assess risks, implement suitable control measures and continuously review our procedures to improve safety standards.

Everyone involved in our services is expected to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, and to cooperate fully with our safety arrangements.

Responsibilities

Management is responsible for putting this policy into practice, ensuring that appropriate risk assessments are completed, providing training and maintaining equipment and vehicles in a safe condition. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day implementation of safety procedures, monitoring working practices and addressing any safety concerns immediately.

All drivers, movers and contractors must follow the health and safety instructions provided, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Customers are asked to cooperate by providing clear access, informing us of any known hazards at the property and following any safety guidance given by our staff.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

For each job, we consider the nature of the property, access routes, parking arrangements, load types and any special risks such as stairs, narrow corridors, fragile items or heavy equipment. Where required, a site specific assessment will be carried out to identify hazards and establish safe work methods.

Safe systems of work are established for common removal activities such as loading and unloading vehicles, carrying items up or down stairs, operating lifting aids and working in busy streets or shared access areas. These procedures are communicated to all relevant staff and reviewed regularly.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key element of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff receive guidance in safe lifting techniques, including assessing the weight and shape of loads, using correct posture, avoiding twisting and sharing loads between team members where appropriate.

Where possible we use trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids to move heavier items. Staff are instructed not to attempt to lift or move any item that they believe is beyond their capability or presents an unacceptable risk to themselves or others. Customers may be asked to remove contents from furniture and appliances to reduce weight and improve safety.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected regularly. Loads are secured using appropriate restraints to prevent movement during transit, and heavy items are positioned safely to maintain vehicle stability.

Drivers are required to hold a valid driving licence for the class of vehicle they operate and to follow safe driving practices, including compliance with speed limits, parking regulations and rest requirements. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any medication that affects their ability to drive safely.

Safe Access, Loading and Unloading

Before loading or unloading, our team assesses the access route between the property and the vehicle, checking for hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, wet or slippery areas, low ceilings and obstructions. Where practical, we use cones, signs or verbal warnings to manage risks to pedestrians and other road users.

We take care to keep routes clear, avoid blocking fire exits or shared access ways and minimise tripping hazards from equipment or packing materials. In busy areas we may adjust timing, team size or route planning to reduce interaction with traffic and the public.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to protect not only our workers but also customers, visitors, neighbours and passers by. Customers may be asked to stay clear of active lifting and carrying operations and to keep children and pets away from working areas.

Where work takes place in communal or public areas, additional care is taken to prevent collisions, trips or contact with moving loads. Any damage to property or near misses that could have resulted in harm are recorded and reviewed so that improvements can be made.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment used for removals and transport, including ramps, lifting aids and securing devices, is selected for suitability and maintained in safe condition. Defective equipment must not be used and is removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Where necessary, staff use personal protective equipment such as gloves, high visibility garments and protective footwear. This equipment is provided and must be used correctly whenever the task or risk assessment requires it.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide appropriate information and instruction to staff so they understand the hazards associated with removal work and the procedures in place to control those risks. This may include induction training, on the job instruction and periodic refreshers on topics such as manual handling, vehicle safety and emergency procedures.

New or inexperienced workers are supervised by more experienced colleagues until they are competent to work safely on their own. Supervisors monitor working practices and address unsafe behaviour or conditions immediately.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage incidents must be reported to management as soon as possible. We investigate these events to understand what went wrong and to take corrective action, including revising procedures or providing additional training where needed.

Emergency arrangements are in place for incidents such as fire, serious injury, traffic collisions or sudden illness while at work. Staff are briefed on how to summon assistance, protect themselves and others and cooperate with emergency services.

Review of this Policy

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are changes to our services, working methods or applicable legislation. We welcome feedback from staff and customers on any aspect of safety so that we can continue to improve our removal and transport operations.

By choosing Man with Van Richmond upon Thames, customers can be confident that health and safety is treated as a core part of our service and that we work proactively to manage the risks associated with moving and transport work.