Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van St Johns Wood

This Health and Safety policy sets out the standards and procedures followed by Man with Van St Johns Wood when providing removal and delivery services. Our aim is to protect the health, safety and welfare of our workers, customers, the public and anyone affected by our activities.

Policy Statement

Man with Van St Johns Wood is committed to conducting all work in a way that prevents injury, ill health and damage to property. We will identify and manage risks associated with lifting, loading, transport, access to properties and any other removal-related tasks. Health and safety considerations are integrated into our planning, day-to-day operations and ongoing review of working methods.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for establishing safe systems of work, providing information and ensuring that this policy is implemented and reviewed. Supervisors and lead drivers are responsible for applying these systems on each job, briefing team members and checking that work areas remain safe.

All workers are required to follow safety instructions, use equipment properly, report hazards, and take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others. Customers are expected to provide accurate information about access, parking, and items to be moved, and to keep access routes clear and safe where possible.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out proportionate risk assessments for our removal and transport work. The findings are used to develop safe methods for common tasks such as loading vans, handling heavy items, navigating stairs, and working in confined or busy locations. Where conditions change on the day of the job, team members will reassess the risks and adjust working methods before proceeding.

If a task is considered unsafe, the work will be paused while an alternative method is agreed, additional assistance is arranged, or the item is refused if no safe method can be identified.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removal work, and we take steps to reduce the risk of strain, slips, trips and falls. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, including team lifting for heavy or awkward items. Wherever practical we use handling equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps and blankets to move goods safely and protect both people and property.

All equipment used in connection with our services is selected for suitability, maintained in good condition and inspected regularly. Damaged or defective equipment is removed from use until repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are operated in line with road safety and transport requirements. Drivers must be competent, hold a valid driving licence for the vehicle they operate, and follow safe driving practices at all times. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited and loads are secured to prevent movement during transit.

Daily checks are carried out on vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy, including brakes, lights, tyres, mirrors and securing points. Any defects that could affect safety are reported immediately and the vehicle is not used until the issue is resolved.

Site Access, Parking and Property Protection

Safe access for loading and unloading is essential. Drivers and team leaders will assess parking arrangements, traffic conditions, and pedestrian routes before starting work. We aim to park legally and safely, minimising risk to staff, customers and the public.

Inside properties, we take reasonable steps to protect floors, walls and fixtures from damage during moves. Team members are instructed to keep pathways clear, avoid obstructing exits, and be alert to hazards such as loose rugs, uneven surfaces or low ceilings. Where conditions cannot be made safe, alternative routes or methods will be considered.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide our workers with appropriate training and information on safe lifting, use of equipment, vehicle operation, hazard awareness and emergency procedures. New workers are briefed on this Health and Safety policy and supervised until they are competent in our working practices.

Refresher training and toolbox talks are used to reinforce key safety topics and update staff on any changes to procedures or equipment. Supervisors monitor working practices on jobs and take corrective action where necessary.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur during our work must be reported to management as soon as possible. This includes injuries, damage to property and any event that could have caused harm. Reports are reviewed to identify causes and to implement measures that reduce the likelihood of similar events happening again.

Workers are briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency, including contacting the relevant emergency services, making the area safe where possible, and notifying management and the customer. First aid supplies appropriate to the nature of our work are provided in our vehicles or at work locations.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise that the physical nature of removal work requires workers to be fit for duty. Staff are expected to present for work in a condition that allows them to carry out tasks safely, and not under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that could impair performance or judgement.

Where a worker has a medical condition or injury that may affect their ability to undertake certain tasks, they must inform management so that reasonable adjustments and alternative duties can be considered.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van St Johns Wood is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We review our policy and procedures regularly, and whenever there are significant changes to our services, working methods or relevant guidance. Feedback from workers and customers is welcomed as part of this process.

This Health and Safety policy is made available to all workers and customers and reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering safe and reliable man and van services.