Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Stockwell Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Stockwell is committed to providing removal and transport services in a way that protects the health, safety and wellbeing of our customers, employees, contractors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading personal and commercial goods.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property by planning work carefully, using appropriate equipment, and following safe systems of work. Health and safety is an integral part of every removal job we carry out, from small local moves to larger property clearances and multi-van operations.

We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry good practice, and we will actively seek to improve our standards over time through training, supervision and review.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Stockwell is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that suitable resources are provided for health and safety. This includes:

Assessing risks associated with removal and transport tasks and putting in place appropriate control measures.

Providing and maintaining suitable vehicles, lifting aids and equipment in a safe condition.

Ensuring that employees receive appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision.

Monitoring working practices to confirm that safe systems are being followed.

Reviewing this policy regularly and updating it when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance or our services.

Employee Responsibilities

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 work. They are expected to:

Follow all safety instructions, procedures and guidance provided by the company.

Use vehicles, equipment and protective gear correctly and not misuse or interfere with safety devices.

Report accidents, near misses, hazards and defective equipment promptly to management.

Cooperate fully with training, supervision and any health and safety initiatives.

Plan lifting tasks carefully and ask for assistance or equipment when needed, rather than attempting unsafe manual handling.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before undertaking removal work, we will assess the key risks associated with the job, including access conditions, parking arrangements, manual handling requirements, and any specific customer needs. Where necessary, a site assessment will be made to identify obstacles such as narrow staircases, uneven surfaces, low ceilings or restricted loading points.

Safe systems of work will be used for loading and unloading vehicles, carrying items, use of lifting aids, and securing loads. Work will be organised so that tasks are planned and coordinated, and sufficient time and manpower are allocated to complete the job safely without undue pressure.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques and in team lifting for heavier or awkward items. Wherever reasonably practicable, we use appropriate equipment such as trolleys, skates, straps and ramps.

Items will be assessed for weight, size, shape and stability before moving. Excessive loads are avoided and items are dismantled when it is safe and practical to do so. Particular care is taken with fragile, sharp or bulky items to minimise strain and protect both staff and customer property.

Vehicle Safety and Load Security

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition with regular checks carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, lifting equipment and any securing points. Drivers are responsible for carrying out daily visual inspections and reporting any defects immediately.

Loads are distributed evenly and secured using straps, blankets and other restraints to reduce movement during transit and avoid shifting that could cause injury or damage. Overloading is strictly prohibited. Access to vehicle loading areas is kept clear and work is arranged so that reversing and manoeuvring are carried out as safely as possible, using guidance from colleagues where necessary.

Customer and Public Safety

During removals and deliveries, we take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors and members of the public. This may include managing access points, keeping walkways clear of trip hazards, and ensuring that children and pets are kept away from moving vehicles and lifting operations.

Where work is carried out in shared spaces, such as communal hallways or parking areas, we will coordinate activities to minimise disruption and ensure that emergency exits and routes remain unobstructed at all times.

Housekeeping and Property Protection

Good housekeeping is essential for safe removal work. We will keep work areas as tidy as practicable, reduce clutter, and move packaging materials, tools and equipment promptly when no longer needed.

Protective materials such as floor coverings, corner guards and blankets will be used as necessary to reduce the risk of damage and to prevent slips, trips and falls caused by dust, dirt or debris. Waste and unwanted materials will be removed responsibly at the end of the job.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Stockwell provides relevant health and safety training for all staff according to their role. This may include manual handling, safe use of lifting aids, vehicle safety, load securing, use of protective equipment and emergency procedures.

New staff receive appropriate induction and on-the-job supervision until they demonstrate competence in safe working practices. Instructions and guidance are communicated clearly and updated when procedures or equipment change.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses and incidents are reported and recorded, regardless of severity. Information from these reports is reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement in our working methods or equipment.

In the event of an emergency, such as injury, fire or risk to the public, staff are instructed to prioritise safety, contact emergency services as required, and follow agreed procedures for securing the site and informing management.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate to the nature and scale of our removal and transport activities. Feedback from staff and customers, together with incident data and changes in legal or industry guidance, will be used to improve our performance.

By working together and maintaining a clear focus on safe working practices, Man with Van Stockwell aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.