Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Sydenham Hill

Man with Van Sydenham Hill 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 policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks linked to moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods for domestic and commercial clients.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Our aims are to prevent injury, protect health and minimise property damage across all aspects of our removal services. We will continually review and improve our procedures so that our operations remain safe, professional and reliable.

Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate resources, training and supervision are provided. Every worker is expected to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions while working on removal and man and van jobs.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before commencing any removal activity, a suitable and proportionate risk assessment will be carried out. The assessment may be written or dynamic, depending on the size and complexity of the move. Key risks we consider include manual handling, trips, falls, vehicle movements, traffic conditions, access routes, weather and the condition of items being transported.

Where risks are identified, we will introduce appropriate control measures, which may include adjusting the route, changing lifting methods, using additional equipment or increasing staffing. Our teams are instructed to follow safe systems of work at all times and to stop work if they consider that an activity cannot be carried out safely.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling activities are a core part of our services and can pose a risk of injury when not properly managed. All staff receive instruction in safe lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling aids such as trolleys and straps. Heavy or awkward items are never to be moved by a single person where this could give rise to a foreseeable risk of injury.

Removal equipment, including ramps, trollies, blankets and securing straps, will be inspected regularly and withdrawn from use if found to be damaged or unsuitable. Vehicles are loaded to ensure stability and safe weight distribution, and loads are secured to prevent movement during transit. Employees are expected to report any defects or concerns about equipment immediately.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Safe vehicle operation is essential for protecting our staff, customers and other road users. Only competent and authorised drivers may operate our vehicles. Drivers must hold valid licences for the type of vehicle they are using and comply with road traffic laws at all times.

Vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition, with routine checks carried out on tyres, lights, brakes and securing points. Loads will not exceed the permitted weight limits, and vehicles will be loaded and unloaded in a manner that minimises risk to staff and the public. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair their ability to drive safely.

Customer Premises and Public Protection

We take care to protect customers, their property and members of the public while working at homes, business premises and shared spaces. Where necessary we will agree safe access routes, keep walkways clear, and use appropriate protective coverings to reduce risks from slips, trips and damage to flooring.

Our teams will maintain a tidy work area, ensure doors and gates are used safely, and move items in a controlled and considerate manner. If a situation arises that could endanger people or property, work will be paused until a safe solution is identified.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff are given appropriate information and instruction on health and safety requirements relevant to their role, including manual handling, use of equipment, safe driving and emergency procedures. New starters receive an induction that covers our health and safety rules and expectations before they undertake operational duties.

Ongoing supervision is provided to ensure that safe systems of work are followed. Additional training or guidance will be given when new equipment is introduced, when tasks change or where performance indicates that further support is required.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

We are committed to learning from accidents, incidents and near misses to prevent recurrence. All work-related injuries, property damage or dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as is reasonably practicable. Where appropriate, details will be recorded and investigated to identify root causes and corrective actions.

Suitable first aid provisions will be available during operations, and staff are expected to cooperate fully with any investigation or follow-up required to improve safety standards. Serious incidents will be escalated in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise that the physical nature of removal work can place demands on staff. Workers are encouraged to maintain their health and fitness, take reasonable breaks and report any medical conditions that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. No employee or contractor should undertake work for which they are not fit, trained or properly equipped.

We aim to foster a positive working environment where staff feel able to raise health and safety concerns without fear of disadvantage. Any concerns raised will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly.

Responsibility and Review of this Policy

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Man with Van Sydenham Hill. Every employee and contractor has a duty to follow this policy, take reasonable care of themselves and others, and cooperate with any measures introduced to improve safety. Failure to follow health and safety rules may be treated as a disciplinary matter.

This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary, for example in response to changes in law, industry guidance, operating practices or following an incident. The latest version of this policy will be made available to staff and customers on request.

By working together and following these principles, Man with Van Sydenham Hill aims to deliver professional removal services while safeguarding the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.