Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Belsize Park Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Belsize Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, clients 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 managing risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, driving and working in residential and commercial premises.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise our legal and moral responsibilities to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property. Our aim is to conduct all removal and delivery work in a way that minimises risk, promotes safe behaviour and protects everyone involved in or affected by our services.

To achieve this, we will identify hazards, assess risks, implement control measures and regularly review our performance. Health and Safety considerations are integral to planning and carrying out every job, from small local moves to larger removal projects.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for ensuring that suitable Health and Safety arrangements are in place, that they are communicated clearly, and that workers have the resources to follow them. This includes providing guidance, instruction and, where appropriate, training relating to lifting techniques, safe driving and the use of equipment.

Drivers, porters and any other staff members are responsible for following safe systems of work, using equipment correctly, cooperating with supervisors and reporting hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions. Every worker has a duty to protect their own safety and that of colleagues, customers and the public.

Clients are asked to cooperate with our staff by providing clear access where possible, advising of any known hazards at the property and following reasonable safety instructions given by our team while work is being carried out.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before and during each job, we consider the specific risks involved, taking into account the nature of the items to be moved, access routes, parking conditions, traffic, weather and any particular customer requirements. Where risks are identified, we will adopt appropriate control measures such as using additional staff, adjusting the route or rescheduling work if conditions are unsafe.

Tasks are planned to avoid unnecessary manual handling, and where feasible, trolleys and other handling aids may be used. Heavy or awkward items are assessed individually, and our staff are instructed not to lift or move loads they believe are unsafe or beyond their capability.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a key focus of our Health and Safety arrangements. Staff are expected to follow safe lifting principles, including assessing the load before lifting, adopting a stable stance, keeping the load close to the body and avoiding twisting while carrying items.

Where items are particularly heavy, fragile or bulky, team lifting methods are used. Furniture and appliances are moved carefully to prevent injury and avoid damage to walls, floors, stairways and fixtures. Staff are instructed to stop and reassess if a task becomes unsafe or if conditions change.

Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are driven with due care and attention, respecting road traffic laws and local conditions. Drivers must be fit to drive, hold the appropriate licence and ensure that vehicles are loaded securely and within permitted weight limits. Loads are checked for stability before departure and at appropriate intervals.

Drivers must not operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any medication that may impair their ability to drive safely. Mobile devices and navigation aids must be used in a way that does not distract from driving and complies with road safety regulations.

Working at Customer Premises

When working inside homes, offices or other premises, our staff aim to minimise disruption while maintaining safe working conditions. This includes keeping access routes as clear as possible, using caution when moving items on stairs, and taking care with doors, lifts and shared spaces.

Where practical, floors and surfaces are protected to reduce the risk of slips and trips. Staff are instructed to be aware of children, pets and other occupants, and to pause work if safety is compromised. If we identify significant hazards that we cannot control, we may adjust the way work is carried out or decline to proceed until risks are reduced.

Equipment, Vehicles and Maintenance

Any equipment used in the course of our removal services should be suitable for its intended purpose and maintained in a safe condition. Vehicles are inspected regularly to help ensure they are roadworthy, and any defects that could affect safety are addressed before the vehicle is used for work.

Staff must not use any equipment or vehicle that they believe to be unsafe. Any concerns or defects must be reported promptly so that appropriate action can be taken.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Arrangements

All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage to property occurring during our work must be reported as soon as practicable. This enables us to investigate the causes, take corrective action and prevent recurrence where possible.

In the event of an emergency, such as a serious injury, fire or road traffic collision, staff must prioritise safety, contact the appropriate emergency services and follow any relevant procedures. We will cooperate with authorities and clients in any subsequent investigation.

Training, Communication and Supervision

We seek to ensure that staff receive appropriate information and guidance to carry out their tasks safely. This may include instruction on safe lifting techniques, vehicle loading, working in confined spaces, and dealing with challenging environments.

Supervision is provided in proportion to the risks involved and the experience of the staff. New or less experienced workers may be supported more closely until they are competent in required tasks. Health and Safety expectations are communicated clearly and reinforced as part of everyday working practices.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically and when there are significant changes in our operations, legislation or recognised best practice. Feedback from staff and customers, together with incident reports, is taken into account to improve our approach to managing risks.

By following this policy and working together, Man with Van Belsize Park aims to maintain safe, reliable and responsible removal services throughout our operating area.