Man with Van Streatham Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Streatham is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our responsibilities, systems, and working practices to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property during all removal and delivery operations.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

We recognise that professional removals, loading, unloading, and transportation involve manual handling, driving, and working in a variety of locations. We are committed to managing these risks through careful planning, appropriate equipment, and competent staff. Our aim is to achieve continuous improvement in health and safety performance and to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance.

Responsibilities and Leadership

The overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Streatham lies with company management, who will ensure that appropriate resources are provided to implement this policy. Management is responsible for:

Establishing safe systems of work for removals and related services. Ensuring that staff receive suitable information, instruction, and training. Providing and maintaining vehicles and equipment in a safe condition. Reviewing risk assessments and procedures on a regular basis.

All employees and contractors are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and report any hazards, incidents, or near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Risk assessments are conducted for typical moving activities, including packing, loading, unloading, and transporting goods. Site-specific hazards, such as access restrictions, stairways, parking locations, and weather conditions, are considered before work starts. Where necessary, work methods will be adapted to reduce risk.

We will implement safe working practices that include, but are not limited to:

Planning the route and parking to minimise manual handling distances and traffic risks. Assessing the weight, size, and shape of items before lifting or moving. Using suitable lifting techniques and team lifting for heavy or awkward items. Using appropriate handling equipment such as trolleys, blankets, and straps where required. Keeping work areas, pathways, and vehicle loading areas as clear as reasonably practicable.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a significant part of removal work and is carefully managed. Staff receive training on safe lifting techniques and on recognising their own limitations. Heavy, large, or unbalanced items must not be lifted by a single person where this creates a significant risk of injury.

Wherever possible, items will be dismantled into manageable components before lifting. Team lifts are used for heavier goods, and lifting aids are utilised when suitable for the property layout and access. Staff are instructed to stop work and seek guidance if a load is considered unsafe to move as planned.

Vehicles, Driving, and Road Safety

All vehicles used by Man with Van Streatham are maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks carried out in line with legal requirements and internal procedures. Drivers must be competent, hold the appropriate licence, and follow safe driving practices at all times.

Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of damage or injury when doors are opened. Drivers must plan their journeys to allow sufficient time, taking account of traffic and weather conditions. The use of mobile devices while driving must comply with the law and our internal rules for safe driving.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our work often takes place in and around customer homes, offices, and shared areas used by the public. We take reasonable steps to minimise disruption and risk in these locations. This may include using protective coverings where appropriate, managing trip hazards from tools and packaging, and positioning vehicles safely when parked near entrances or on the road.

We ask customers to keep children, pets, and other non-essential persons away from active loading and unloading areas. Where there are shared access routes, our staff will take care to move items in a way that minimises obstruction and maintains safe passage for others.

Equipment, Tools, and Protective Measures

Any equipment used in our removals operations, such as trolleys and securing straps, will be maintained to a safe standard and inspected regularly for signs of damage or wear. Staff must not use defective equipment and should report issues immediately so that remedial action can be taken.

Where necessary, personal protective equipment may be provided, such as gloves or safety footwear, and must be used in accordance with training and guidance. Additional protective measures may be used for specific jobs where risks justify them.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We ensure that all staff involved in removals and related services receive appropriate induction and ongoing training. This includes instruction in manual handling, safe vehicle loading, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures.

Supervision will be provided commensurate with the level of risk and the experience of staff. Workers are encouraged to raise health and safety concerns without fear of criticism, and suggestions for improving safety are welcomed.

Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur during our work activities must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. We will investigate these events, record the findings, and take appropriate action to prevent recurrence.

Staff are briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a road collision, fire, or serious injury. This includes contacting the emergency services where required and ensuring that the safety of people is prioritised over property.

Monitoring, Review, and Policy Updates

We monitor our health and safety performance and review this policy regularly, or following any significant change in our operations, relevant legislation, or best practice guidance. Where improvements are identified, we will update our procedures, training, and this policy as necessary.

By working together and following the principles in this Health and Safety Policy, Man with Van Streatham aims to provide a reliable removal service while protecting the wellbeing of our staff, customers, and the wider community.