Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Redbridge Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Redbridge is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to identifying, managing and reducing risks associated with moving, handling, loading, transport and delivery of goods.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The primary aim of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health and incidents during removal and transport operations. We will achieve this by:

Ensuring that health and safety responsibilities are clearly defined and understood. Providing appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision. Maintaining vehicles, equipment and tools in a safe condition. Undertaking and reviewing risk assessments for all key activities. Promoting a culture of safety awareness and reporting of hazards and near misses.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Redbridge is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring it is reviewed regularly. This includes:

Setting clear safety standards and procedures for all staff. Ensuring that suitable resources are available to meet health and safety requirements. Monitoring performance and investigating accidents, incidents and near misses. Taking prompt corrective action where improvements are required. Reviewing the policy periodically to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice and our own operations.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, including drivers and removals staff, share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Employees must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions. Follow all safety procedures, instructions and training provided. Use vehicles, equipment and protective gear correctly and report any defects immediately. Co operate with management on health and safety matters, including attending training and briefings. Report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents and near misses as soon as possible.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will identify and assess the risks associated with our removal and transport services, including manual handling, loading and unloading, driving, working at height where relevant and working in customers premises.

Where significant risks are identified, we will introduce safe systems of work and communicate these to all affected staff. Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly, especially when new services, equipment, vehicles or work locations are introduced.

Manual Handling and Lifting Practices

Lifting, carrying and manoeuvring items is central to our work and presents a significant potential for injury. To reduce risks:

All staff involved in removals will receive training in safe lifting techniques. Heavy or awkward loads will be assessed and, where appropriate, lifted by team effort or mechanical aids such as trolleys and dollies. Staff must never attempt to lift or move loads that exceed their personal capability or the capacity of available equipment. Paths of travel will be checked and kept clear of obstacles before moving items. Particular care will be taken with stairs, narrow corridors and uneven surfaces.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We will provide appropriate equipment such as moving blankets, straps, trolleys and other handling aids to support safe working practices. Where required, we will also supply suitable personal protective equipment, for example gloves or high visibility garments.

Employees must use equipment only for its intended purpose, follow any training provided and report defects without delay. Faulty or damaged equipment must be taken out of service until it can be repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our removal services and will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. We will:

Carry out regular checks and servicing in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Ensure drivers complete daily walk around checks and report any defects. Make sure loads are properly distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit. Require all drivers to comply with road traffic laws, speed limits and parking restrictions.

Drivers must be fit to drive, not under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Mobile phones and other devices must be used in a safe and legal manner and must never distract from safe driving.

Working at Customers Premises

When working in homes, offices or other premises, our staff will act with care to protect themselves, customers and property. This includes:

Assessing access routes, doorways, staircases and external areas before moving items. Using protective coverings where appropriate to reduce the risk of slips, trips or damage. Keeping work areas tidy and free from obstructions as far as reasonably practicable. Respecting any house rules or site rules relating to safety, such as fire procedures or restricted areas.

Training, Information and Supervision

We recognise that competent and informed staff are essential to safe operations. We will:

Provide induction training on health and safety for new employees. Deliver job specific training on manual handling, vehicle safety and use of equipment. Offer refresher training where necessary or when procedures change. Ensure that less experienced staff are supervised appropriately until fully competent.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly to management. This allows us to investigate causes, learn lessons and prevent recurrence. Records of incidents and any resulting corrective actions will be maintained securely.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We will take reasonable steps to protect the health and welfare of our employees, including those engaged in physically demanding roles. Staff are encouraged to inform management of any health conditions that may affect their ability to carry out specific tasks safely. Where appropriate, work will be adapted or alternative duties considered.

Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Redbridge is committed to continually improving its health and safety performance. We will seek feedback from staff and customers, review incident data and monitor compliance with this policy. Changes to procedures and additional control measures will be introduced where they can further reduce risk and enhance the safety of our removal services.

This policy applies to all employees and contractors engaged by Man with Van Redbridge and forms an integral part of our approach to delivering reliable, professional and safe moving services.