Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Norwood Green

Man with Van Norwood Green 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 removals and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, loading and unloading operations, and related services within our service area.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property during all moving and transportation tasks. We aim to identify and control risks arising from manual handling, vehicle movements, use of equipment, working in and around client premises and public spaces. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.

We will review this policy regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective for the scale and nature of our man and van operations.

Responsibilities and Management Commitment

Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the management of Man with Van Norwood Green. Management will provide leadership, resources and supervision necessary to implement this policy and will ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into everyday decision making and job planning.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for ensuring that work is carried out in accordance with safe systems of work, that staff are properly trained and equipped, and that any hazards or incidents are reported and addressed promptly.

All employees and regular contractors 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 must follow instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards, and cooperate with management on all health and safety matters.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our removal, packing, loading, transport and unloading activities. These assessments will consider factors such as access routes, stairs, lifts, parking, weather conditions, load weights and shapes, and the presence of vulnerable persons at the premises.

Where risks are identified, we will implement appropriate control measures, which may include planning of access, use of mechanical aids, team lifting arrangements, personal protective equipment, and time allowances to avoid rushing. Staff will be briefed on key risks before each job, especially where premises present unusual access or layout challenges.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a primary focus of our safety arrangements. All team members engaged in lifting, carrying and moving furniture, appliances and boxes will receive training in safe handling techniques, including assessing loads, keeping items close to the body, using legs rather than the back, and working in pairs where required.

Staff are instructed not to attempt to move items that are too heavy or awkward for them to handle safely. Handling equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, furniture sliders and straps will be used whenever practical to reduce physical strain and risk of musculoskeletal injury.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are central to our removals service and must be operated safely at all times. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and drive in a manner that reflects the size and load of the vehicle. Speed limits, parking regulations and local restrictions must be observed throughout the service area.

Vehicles will be maintained in roadworthy condition, with regular checks on brakes, tyres, lights and securing points. Loads must be distributed evenly and secured using appropriate restraints to prevent movement during transport. Staff will not travel in load spaces and all passengers must use seat belts where provided.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Care will be taken to protect the safety of customers, visitors, neighbours and the general public when we are working at or near their premises. We will minimise obstruction of pavements, entrances and communal areas, and we will use safe routes for carrying items in and out of properties.

Where possible, we will agree safe access arrangements with customers in advance, including timing of the move, parking locations for the van, and clear walkways free of trip hazards. Staff will place ramps, boards or protective coverings only where it is safe to do so and will remove them promptly once work is completed.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment and tools used in our operations will be suitable for their intended purpose and maintained in a safe condition. Defective equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of use until repaired or replaced.

Personal protective equipment may include safety footwear, gloves, high visibility clothing or other items appropriate to the task and working environment. Staff will be instructed in correct use, care and storage of such equipment and are required to wear it whenever it is specified for a task.

Training, Information and Supervision

We will provide relevant health and safety training to all staff, appropriate to their role and level of responsibility. This includes induction training for new employees and refresher training when work methods or equipment change, or when risk assessments identify new hazards.

Information about safe working practices will be communicated through verbal briefings, written instructions and job documentation. Adequate supervision will be provided, particularly for complex moves, work involving restricted spaces or higher risk environments.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible, no matter how minor they may seem. We will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures will be in place for vehicle breakdowns, road incidents, fire, serious injury and other emergency situations. Staff are required to follow these procedures, remain calm, and prioritise the safety of people over property. Where necessary, emergency services will be contacted without delay.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise that the physical nature of removal work requires good health and fitness. Staff are expected to present themselves fit for duty and must not work while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that impairs their ability to work safely. Any medical condition that may affect safe working should be disclosed to management in confidence.

Reasonable steps will be taken to manage fatigue by allowing appropriate rest breaks and avoiding excessive working hours. Drinking water and basic welfare provisions will be made available during working shifts, especially on longer moves or during hot weather.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Norwood Green is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We will review this policy periodically or following significant changes in our operations, legislation or incident findings. Staff feedback, customer comments and incident reports will be used to refine our procedures and enhance safety across all removal and transport services we provide.