Man with Van Earlsfield Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Earlsfield is committed to providing a professional removals and transport service that protects the health, safety and welfare of our customers, our staff and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods for domestic and commercial clients.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We recognise our responsibility to operate safely at all times and to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation. We aim to continuously improve our safety performance and to create a culture where safety is integral to all removals and related activities.
We will provide the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure that work can be carried out safely and without risk to health. This applies to our employees, contractors and any person working under our control.
Responsibilities and Management
The overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Man with Van Earlsfield. Management will ensure that appropriate arrangements, resources and monitoring systems are in place to implement this policy effectively.
All staff are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly and report any hazards, near misses, accidents or incidents without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We assess risks associated with our removal services, including lifting and carrying, loading vehicles, driving, parking, and working in and around customers premises. Where significant risks are identified we put in place suitable control measures and safe systems of work.
Before beginning any job, staff are expected to consider access routes, stairs, lifts, uneven surfaces and weather conditions. Where necessary, additional precautions will be taken, such as using more personnel, modifying the lifting method or adjusting the planned route to manage risk.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of our removals work. To reduce the risk of injury, we train staff in safe lifting techniques, team lifts and the correct use of handling equipment. Staff are instructed to avoid lifting loads that are beyond their individual capability and to seek assistance whenever required.
We provide and maintain suitable equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps and protective covers. All equipment is checked regularly and removed from service if found to be defective or unsafe. Staff must not misuse equipment or use items for purposes for which they were not designed.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained to a safe and roadworthy standard. Regular checks are carried out on brakes, tyres, lights and load restraint systems. Any defects are reported immediately and vehicles are not used if they are unsafe.
Drivers are expected to obey all road traffic laws, drive safely and courteously, and allow adequate time for journeys. Loads must be secured properly to prevent shifting during transit. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair their ability to drive safely.
Customer and Public Safety
We plan and conduct our work to minimise risks to customers, visitors and members of the public. Where possible, we maintain clear walkways, avoid blocking entrances and exits, and use safe lifting and carrying routes within properties and shared areas.
Customers may be asked to stay clear of lifting operations, loading areas or vehicle ramps for their own safety. We take care to prevent damage to property and to leave premises tidy and free from debris that could cause slips, trips or falls.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, personal protective equipment may be used. This can include safety footwear, gloves and other protective items appropriate to the task. Staff are required to use such equipment as instructed and to report any damage or defects.
Training, Information and Supervision
We ensure that all staff receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their role, including manual handling, safe loading, basic vehicle checks and emergency procedures. Training needs are reviewed regularly, and refresher training is provided when necessary.
Supervision is provided to ensure that procedures are followed correctly, particularly for new or less experienced staff. Instructions and safety information are communicated clearly before and during each job.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and hazardous situations must be reported as soon as possible. This allows us to investigate, identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Staff are briefed on emergency arrangements, including what to do in the event of a fire, injury, road traffic incident or sudden structural issue at a property. Where appropriate, first aid supplies are available in vehicles or at operational bases.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise that the physical demands of removals work require staff to be fit for duty. Staff are encouraged to report any health issues that could affect their ability to work safely, particularly conditions impacting mobility, balance or strength.
We do not tolerate working under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances. The misuse of medication or any substance that could impair judgement, coordination or alertness is also prohibited while carrying out work on behalf of Man with Van Earlsfield.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, legal requirements or operational practices. We use feedback from staff, customers and incident investigations to improve our procedures and reduce risks.
By choosing Man with Van Earlsfield, customers can expect a removals service delivered with safety, care and professionalism at its core. All staff are expected to support and uphold this policy in every aspect of their work.
