Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Richmond upon Thames

Man with Van Richmond upon Thames is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, clients, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, furniture transport, and related services across our operating area.

Policy Statement and Objectives

We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. Our objectives are to:

Identify and control risks associated with manual handling, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, working in clients premises, and storage activities.

Provide safe equipment, vehicles, and handling aids suitable for removal work.

Ensure staff receive appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision.

Promote a positive safety culture and encourage the reporting of hazards and near misses.

Review and improve our health and safety performance on a regular basis.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Richmond upon Thames rests with the company management. Management will ensure that this policy is implemented, communicated, and reviewed as required. They are responsible for providing adequate resources for safety measures, training, and maintenance of vehicles and equipment.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day implementation of this policy. They must ensure that work is planned safely, that risk controls are in place, and that staff follow safe systems of work and site specific instructions.

All employees and 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 cooperate with the company to enable compliance with legal and policy requirements, follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear personal protective equipment where required, and report hazards, incidents, or unsafe practices without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We will carry out risk assessments for our activities, including house and flat moves, office relocations, collection and delivery of single items, and storage related work. These risk assessments will be used to develop safe working practices that consider load weights, access routes, stairways, parking arrangements, and any site specific hazards.

Before each job, staff will consider the individual circumstances of the location, such as traffic conditions, restricted access, uneven surfaces, and the presence of other trades or members of the public. Work will not proceed if the situation is considered unsafe; alternative arrangements will be agreed with the client wherever necessary.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are essential to our removal services and will be maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. Regular checks, servicing, and inspections will be carried out, and defects will be reported and rectified promptly. Loads will be secured to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles will not be overloaded.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, be medically fit to drive, and follow road traffic laws at all times. They are expected to plan routes to minimise risk from congestion, narrow roads, and restricted access points where possible. Drivers must not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that could impair their ability to drive safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key element of our work. We are committed to reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries by:

Assessing loads in terms of weight, size, and shape before moving them.

Using lifting aids such as trolleys, dollies, and straps where appropriate.

Providing training in correct lifting techniques and team lifting methods.

Encouraging staff to stop and seek assistance when they feel a load is unsafe to move alone.

Heavy, awkward, or high value items will be moved using planned methods that minimise manual strain and protect both staff and property.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, personal protective equipment will be provided and used. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high visibility clothing, and any other items identified by risk assessment. Staff are responsible for using PPE correctly, caring for it, and reporting any loss or damage so it can be replaced.

Client Premises and Public Safety

Our teams work in a variety of locations including homes, offices, and shared buildings. We will take sensible precautions to protect clients, visitors, and members of the public by:

Keeping access routes as clear as reasonably possible.

Using safe lifting routes to avoid obstruction and damage.

Positioning vehicles to minimise risk to pedestrians and other road users.

Communicating clearly with clients about any temporary restrictions or hazards during the move.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents, and near misses, however minor, must be reported to management as soon as possible. They will be recorded, investigated, and used to identify underlying causes and any necessary improvements to our working practices. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in accordance with legal obligations.

Training, Communication, and Consultation

We will provide appropriate health and safety training to all staff, including induction training for new employees and refresher training where necessary. Specific training will be provided for manual handling, driving, use of equipment, and any other relevant tasks.

Health and safety information will be communicated to staff through briefings, written instructions, and on the job guidance. We value the input of our teams and encourage them to raise health and safety concerns and suggestions for improvement at any time.

Monitoring and Review

This health and safety policy will be monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure its effectiveness and relevance to our removal operations. It will be formally reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in our activities, equipment, or legal requirements. Updated versions will be communicated to all employees and contractors.

By following this policy, Man with Van Richmond upon Thames aims to maintain high standards of safety and protect everyone involved in or affected by our services.