Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Camberwell
Man with Van Camberwell is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks connected with our removal and transportation services, including packing, loading, unloading and moving goods for domestic and commercial clients.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment arising from our activities. We aim to identify, assess and control risks associated with lifting and carrying items, driving and operating vehicles, working in and around client premises and handling equipment used in removal work.
We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised good practice for the removals industry. We will provide information, training and supervision to ensure that all team members understand their responsibilities and carry out their work safely and responsibly.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety policy and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place. This includes:
Conducting and reviewing risk assessments for removal jobs, vehicles, equipment and storage where applicable.
Providing appropriate training on manual handling techniques, use of lifting aids and safe driving practices.
Ensuring vehicles and equipment are properly maintained, inspected and suitable for the tasks undertaken.
Monitoring compliance with safety procedures and addressing any unsafe practices promptly.
Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses, identifying root causes and taking corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, including drivers and porters, must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees are expected to:
Follow the instructions, training and safe systems of work provided by management.
Use equipment and vehicles only in accordance with their training and the manufacturer guidance.
Report hazards, defects, accidents, incidents and near misses to management as soon as possible.
Cooperate fully in any investigation or risk assessment process.
Wear suitable clothing and protective equipment when required, such as gloves or safety footwear.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before each removal or delivery, we assess the risks associated with the property, route and items to be moved. This planning may include:
Checking access routes, stairs, lifts, parking and loading areas for hazards.
Assessing the size, weight and shape of items to identify safe lifting methods or the need for extra manpower or equipment.
Considering weather conditions and lighting, particularly when loading or unloading outdoors.
Identifying any fragile, hazardous or unusual items that may require special handling procedures.
Adjusting work methods or scheduling to minimise risk where potential issues are identified.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removals work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed correctly. Our approach includes:
Training staff in correct posture, lifting techniques and team handling methods.
Using trolleys, dollies, straps and other lifting aids whenever practical to reduce strain.
Encouraging staff to seek help when an item is too heavy, bulky or awkward to move alone.
Planning lifting routes to avoid obstacles, slippery surfaces and uneven ground.
Refusing to move items in a manner that would compromise the safety of staff or others.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Road safety is essential to our operations. To protect our staff, customers and other road users, we:
Ensure that vehicles are regularly serviced, maintained and kept in a roadworthy condition.
Require drivers to hold the appropriate licence and follow all traffic laws and speed limits.
Plan routes to allow sufficient time for safe travel, avoiding unnecessary rushing or fatigue.
Secure loads correctly to prevent movement of goods during transit.
Prohibit driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substances that impair judgement.
Client Premises and Public Safety
We recognise our responsibility to work safely on and around client premises and in public spaces within our service area. To minimise risks we:
Take care when moving items through doorways, corridors and communal areas to avoid damage and injury.
Use safe lifting routes and, where necessary, agree access arrangements with clients in advance.
Keep work areas as clear and tidy as reasonably practicable to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Consider the safety of neighbours, pedestrians and other building users, particularly when working near entrances or on pavements.
Equipment and Personal Protective Measures
Where necessary, we provide suitable equipment and protective measures for our team, including:
Lifting straps and trolleys to reduce manual handling strain.
Protective coverings for floors and furniture to prevent damage and help maintain safe footing.
Gloves and appropriate footwear to reduce the risk of cuts, crush injuries and slips.
Clear guidance on when and how equipment should be used safely.
Training, Communication and Consultation
We recognise that effective health and safety management relies on good communication. We:
Provide induction and refresher training on health and safety procedures relevant to removal work.
Inform staff about changes to policies, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
Encourage employees to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safety.
Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management without delay. We record these incidents, review the circumstances and implement measures to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Lessons learned are communicated to staff and reflected in updated risk assessments and procedures.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance, our operations or the nature of risks within our service area. The latest version is made available to staff and clients on request. By following this policy, Man with Van Camberwell aims to provide a safe, reliable and professional removal service for all customers.
