Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Docklands

Man with Van Docklands 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 Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to identifying, managing and reducing risks associated with moving, loading, unloading and transporting goods.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property during all man and van and removal operations. We aim to continually improve our safety performance by planning work carefully, consulting with staff and learning from experience on every job we undertake.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Man with Van Docklands complies with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice for removal and transport work. We recognise our duty of care to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of our employees and anyone who may be affected by our activities.

Management is responsible for providing appropriate resources, information, training, supervision and safe systems of work. Employees are responsible for following all safety instructions, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards, and cooperating with management to maintain safe working conditions.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before carrying out any moving or transport task, we assess the risks associated with the work. This includes consideration of access routes, stairways, parking, lifting requirements, heavy or bulky items, and any restrictions at pickup and delivery locations. Where risks are identified, we implement suitable control measures, which may include additional staff, specialist equipment or changes to the planned method of work.

Safe systems of work are developed for typical activities such as loading vehicles, navigating tight spaces, moving items in residential buildings, commercial premises and shared areas, and securing loads for transport. These systems are regularly reviewed and updated when new risks are identified or following incidents or near misses.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is therefore a key focus of our policy. We aim to minimise unnecessary lifting and carrying by using appropriate equipment and planning the job to reduce manual effort. All staff involved in lifting and moving items receive training in safe manual handling techniques, including correct posture, team lifting, evaluation of item weight and shape, and recognition of personal limits.

Where an item is too heavy, bulky or awkward to move safely by hand, we will use suitable equipment or additional personnel, or we may decline to move the item if the risk cannot be controlled to an acceptable level.

Use of Equipment and Vehicles

We ensure that all vehicles and equipment used by Man with Van Docklands are suitable for their intended purpose and are maintained in a safe condition. This includes vans, trolleys, dollies, protective covers, straps and securing devices. Equipment is checked regularly, and any defects are reported, recorded and addressed promptly.

Drivers are responsible for the safe operation of vehicles, including pre-use checks, secure loading, compliance with traffic laws and safe parking at collection and delivery points. Loads must be distributed evenly, properly restrained and checked before departure and during longer journeys.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We take care to protect the safety of customers and the public in and around the locations where we operate. Access routes are assessed to avoid unnecessary risks, and where possible we will identify trip hazards, uneven surfaces and other potential dangers before starting work.

Where necessary, we may temporarily restrict access to certain areas while moving large or heavy items to prevent accidents. We will also take reasonable steps to reduce noise, disturbance and obstruction in shared or communal areas.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff engaged in removal and transport activities receive suitable training relevant to their role. This may include manual handling, safe loading and unloading, use of equipment, hazard awareness and incident reporting. Refresher training is provided when required, especially after changes in work procedures or when new equipment is introduced.

Supervision is provided in proportion to the level of risk and the experience of the staff involved. New or less experienced workers are closely monitored until they demonstrate consistent safe working practices.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

Man with Van Docklands encourages prompt reporting of all accidents, incidents and near misses, however minor they may appear. This information helps us identify trends, learn lessons and put additional safety measures in place where needed.

All reported events are recorded, reviewed and, when appropriate, investigated to determine root causes. Corrective actions are then implemented and communicated to relevant staff to prevent recurrence.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise that removal and transport work can be physically demanding. Staff are encouraged to maintain good physical health, take appropriate rest breaks and report any health concerns that may affect their ability to work safely. No employee should undertake tasks they are not fit to perform.

We do not tolerate the use of alcohol or illegal substances during working hours or any behaviour that could impair judgement or coordination while performing work duties or driving vehicles.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective for the type of removal and man and van services we provide. Reviews take into account changes in legislation, guidance, work practices, equipment and feedback from employees and customers.

All employees are made aware of this policy and are expected to follow its principles at all times. By working together to manage and reduce risks, Man with Van Docklands aims to provide a safe, reliable and professional removal service throughout our operating area.