Man with Van Ilford Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Ilford is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks during all man and van and removals work, whether domestic or commercial.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and applying effective control measures. We will continually seek to improve our health and safety performance and integrate safe working practices into every aspect of our removal operations.

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that adequate resources, information, instruction, and supervision are provided. Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must cooperate fully with this policy and follow all safety procedures and training.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting any removal or transport job, we will consider the specific risks involved. Where necessary, a formal risk assessment will be carried out covering premises access, parking, loading and unloading areas, route planning, manual handling requirements, and any unusual or heavy items.

From these risk assessments we will develop and implement safe systems of work, including appropriate methods for lifting, carrying, securing loads, and operating equipment. Staff are required to follow these systems at all times and to report any shortcomings or new hazards that arise during a job.

Manual Handling and Lifting Practices

Manual handling is a core activity in our removal services. To minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, all staff involved in lifting or carrying are trained in correct manual handling techniques. This includes safe lifting posture, team lifts for heavy or awkward items, use of handling aids, and recognition of personal limits.

Where reasonably practicable, we will use trolleys, dollies, straps, and other mechanical aids to reduce physical strain. Heavy or particularly bulky items will be assessed individually, and additional staff or specialist equipment will be arranged where required. Employees must not attempt to lift or move items they consider unsafe or beyond their capability.

Vehicles, Loading, and Transport Safety

Our vans and other vehicles used for removal and delivery work will be maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. Regular checks will be carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, and securing points. Any defects identified must be reported immediately and the vehicle taken out of use if it is unsafe.

All loads will be positioned and secured to prevent movement during transit, using straps, blankets, and suitable restraints. Weight limits will never be exceeded and the distribution of weight will be carefully considered to maintain vehicle stability. Drivers are responsible for operating vehicles safely, complying with traffic laws, and adjusting their driving to weather, road, and traffic conditions.

Working on Customer Premises

We recognise our duty to work safely on customer properties, including homes, offices, and commercial locations. On arrival, the team will assess access routes, stairways, corridors, and external areas to identify potential hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, trip risks, or restricted spaces.

Where practicable, we will agree safe routes through the property, protect floors or surfaces when necessary, and ensure that doors, gates, and access points are used safely. Our staff will take care to prevent damage to property and will handle all items with appropriate caution. If the environment is considered unsafe, the team leader may suspend work until suitable controls are in place.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment will be provided where identified as necessary by risk assessment. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing, or other protective items suitable for the task and conditions. Employees must use the equipment provided, take care of it, and report any damage or defects so that it can be repaired or replaced.

Training, Supervision, and Competence

We will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction training for new starters and refresher training where required. Training covers manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures relevant to removal and man and van activities.

Supervision will be provided particularly for new or less experienced staff to ensure that safe systems of work are followed. Only competent and authorised individuals may drive company vehicles or operate any specialist equipment.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses, and damage to property must be reported promptly to management. We will investigate such events to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents will be maintained for monitoring and improvement purposes.

Emergency arrangements, including what to do in case of injury, fire, or road traffic incident, will be communicated to staff. Employees must familiarise themselves with these procedures and cooperate fully in the event of an emergency.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and will take reasonable steps to support the health and welfare of our staff. Employees are expected to present themselves fit for work and must not work under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that could impair their ability to work safely.

Any health condition that may affect the safe performance of duties should be disclosed to management so that suitable adjustments or alternative duties can be considered where appropriate and reasonably practicable.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in discussions about safer ways of working during removal and transport operations. Feedback from customers regarding safety or conduct will also be reviewed and considered.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations, best practice guidance, or relevant regulations. The updated policy will be communicated to all employees and made available to customers on request.

By implementing this policy, Man with Van Ilford aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of our staff, customers, and the wider community in every area we serve.