Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Blackwall
Man with Van Blackwall is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety and welfare for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy outlines our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm arising from our work. We aim to provide safe working conditions, safe systems of work and appropriate information, instruction and training so that all activities are carried out safely and responsibly.
We comply, as a minimum, with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice for removal and transport services. Continuous improvement in health and safety performance is integral to our business and decision-making.
Management Responsibilities
Company management is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety Policy and integrating it into day-to-day operations. This includes:
Ensuring risk assessments are carried out for removal, lifting, driving and loading activities. Providing suitable vehicles, tools, lifting equipment and protective equipment that are maintained in safe working order. Establishing safe methods for handling heavy or awkward items and working in confined spaces, stairwells, loading bays and residential streets. Planning jobs to minimise manual handling risks, vehicle movement hazards and time pressure. Investigating accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions, and acting promptly to prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, drivers and porters share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. They are required to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safety instructions, procedures, risk assessments and training provided. Use vehicles, equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects or concerns immediately. Avoid taking shortcuts that could compromise safety, including when lifting, carrying or securing loads. Report all accidents, incidents, hazards and near misses at the earliest opportunity so that corrective action can be taken.
Customer and Public Safety
We plan and conduct each removal so that customers, visitors, pedestrians and other road users are protected as far as reasonably practicable. This includes:
Assessing access routes, stairs, corridors and doorways before moving items. Keeping walkways clear of trip hazards such as packing materials and equipment. Using appropriate lifting techniques to prevent items from being dropped or causing injury or damage. Positioning vehicles safely, with respect for traffic flows, driveways, loading areas and emergency access routes. Communicating clearly with customers about any restrictions or precautions required during loading and unloading.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct regular risk assessments for our services, including moving household goods, office equipment and furniture. The assessments consider manual handling, working at height when loading vehicles, slips and trips, vehicle movement, traffic conditions and weather-related risks.
Safe systems of work include: planning the route and parking before arrival where possible; assessing the weight, size and stability of items before lifting; using teams of two or more for bulky or heavy objects; making use of trolleys, straps and other handling aids when appropriate; stacking loads in vehicles to prevent movement during transit; and securing doors, ramps and tail lifts before driving.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our work and a key area of risk. To reduce the risk of injury, staff are trained to:
Evaluate each lift before starting and refuse to lift items that are unsafe to handle manually. Use correct posture and lifting technique, keeping loads close to the body. Share the load with colleagues and communicate clearly during team lifts. Use mechanical aids where available and appropriate. Break down loads into smaller units where feasible to reduce strain.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are inspected regularly. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and follow all road traffic rules and company driving procedures.
We require safe driving at all times, including adherence to speed limits, adjusting driving to weather and traffic conditions, and allowing sufficient time for journeys to avoid unsafe rushing. Loads must be secured before departure, and doors and tailgates checked. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs safe driving.
Equipment, Maintenance and Personal Protective Equipment
Handling equipment, ramps, straps and other tools used in our removal services are inspected and maintained so they remain in safe condition. Defective equipment is removed from use until repaired or replaced.
Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as gloves, footwear or high-visibility clothing for roadside work, this is provided and must be used as instructed. Employees are responsible for taking care of the equipment issued to them and reporting any damage.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide training appropriate to each role, including induction training for new starters and refresher training where required. Training topics may include manual handling, safe loading and unloading, use of equipment, vehicle safety and emergency procedures.
Supervision is proportionate to the experience of staff and the level of risk in the work being undertaken. Less experienced employees are supported and monitored to ensure they apply safe methods of work consistently.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage incidents that occur during our work must be reported as soon as possible. We record and review incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective measures.
Employees are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, road traffic collisions or hazardous conditions at customer premises. First aid arrangements and emergency contact details are made known to staff.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is monitored and reviewed at regular intervals, and sooner if there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or identified risks. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and used to improve our procedures.
By following this policy, Man with Van Blackwall aims to deliver reliable removal and transport services while protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of all those involved.
