Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Greenford Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Greenford is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the framework we follow to manage risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, transport, loading and unloading, and related services.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We aim to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our operations. Health and safety considerations are an integral part of planning and delivering all removal work. Management will provide appropriate resources, information, instruction, supervision and training to support this commitment and will ensure that health and safety responsibilities are clearly defined and understood.

Legal Compliance and Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Greenford complies with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice applicable to removal and transport activities. We regularly review our procedures in light of changes in legislation, guidance or the nature of our work. Lessons learned from incidents, near misses, customer feedback and internal reviews are used to improve our standards and reduce risk.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place for effective risk management. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, ensuring that safe systems of work are followed and that staff receive suitable training and supervision.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. They must follow all safety procedures and instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards, and cooperate with management in maintaining a safe working environment.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Prior to each removal or delivery, risks will be assessed so that suitable control measures can be put in place. This includes an assessment of access routes, parking arrangements, stairs, lifts, flooring, lighting, weather conditions and any specific risks associated with the items being moved.

Safe systems of work are established for tasks such as packing, loading and unloading vehicles, carrying items through properties, and securing loads for transport. Where necessary, work will be planned to avoid high-risk activities, and additional measures will be taken when operating in confined spaces, shared premises or busy public areas.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling presents a significant risk in removal work. To reduce the likelihood of injury, employees receive training in safe lifting techniques and the correct use of handling aids. Heavy or awkward items will be moved using appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, furniture sliders, straps and ramps wherever reasonably practicable.

Loads will be assessed for weight, shape and stability before being lifted or moved. No employee will be required to lift or carry a load they believe to be unsafe. Items will be dismantled where appropriate to reduce manual handling risks. Team lifting will be used for large or heavy objects. All equipment is maintained in a safe condition and used only by personnel who are trained and authorised.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in roadworthy condition in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Regular inspections, servicing and pre-use checks are carried out and recorded. Any defects or concerns are reported immediately and vehicles are not used if they are unsafe.

Drivers are expected to hold the correct licences and to drive in a safe, courteous and legal manner at all times, taking account of road conditions, weather and load characteristics. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and weight limits are not exceeded. Journey planning is carried out to minimise risks related to congestion, restricted access and time pressure.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises, our staff will take all reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of customers, visitors and members of the public. Access routes will be kept clear of trip hazards, and protective coverings may be used to help prevent slips and damage to flooring.

Where work takes place in shared or communal areas, we will coordinate with occupants or property managers as needed, and will use clear communication and visible presence to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Equipment and vehicles will be positioned to minimise obstruction and risk to others.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new employees receive an induction covering the company’s health and safety requirements, safe working practices and emergency procedures. Additional task-specific training is provided for manual handling, use of handling equipment, vehicle operation and any other relevant duties.

Ongoing training and refresher sessions are arranged where necessary to maintain competence and awareness. Supervisors monitor working practices and provide guidance and correction to ensure that procedures are followed consistently.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and must be used as instructed. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and other items proportionate to the task and environment. Employees are responsible for taking reasonable care of their equipment and reporting any defects so that it can be replaced promptly.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses that occur during our work activities must be reported as soon as possible. Management will investigate these events to identify causes and take corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Where required, incidents will be recorded and reported in line with legal obligations.

First aid arrangements are in place appropriate to the size and nature of our operations. Employees are informed of these arrangements during induction and through ongoing communication.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures are established for incidents such as fire, serious injury, road traffic collisions and hazardous situations at customer premises. Staff are trained to follow these procedures, prioritising the safety of people over property at all times. Evacuation routes will be identified where relevant, and work will be stopped immediately if a serious risk to health and safety is identified.

Consultation and Communication

Man with Van Greenford encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are consulted on changes that affect their safety and are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in the development of safe working practices. Information on health and safety is shared through briefings, training, written instructions and day-to-day supervision.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and following any significant change to our operations, legal requirements or identified risks. Updates are communicated to employees and incorporated into our procedures and training. By working together and following this policy, we aim to maintain a safe, reliable and professional removal service across our operating area.