Man with Van Morden Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Morden 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 delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting, and unloading goods in homes, offices, and commercial premises across our service area.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our primary objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our operations. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that work is carried out safely and in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation and best practice for the removals industry.
We will continually seek to improve our health and safety performance by reviewing our practices, learning from experience, and engaging with staff and customers to identify safer ways of working.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Morden rests with company management. Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing appropriate resources, and ensuring that safe systems of work are developed and followed.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of safe working practices, ensuring that staff receive the necessary instructions and training, and that equipment and vehicles are used correctly and safely.
All employees, including drivers and porters, have 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 follow safe working procedures, use equipment correctly, cooperate with health and safety measures, and report any hazards, near misses, or incidents without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for typical removal activities, including lifting and carrying items, loading and unloading vehicles, using trolleys and other equipment, and working in different types of properties. Where necessary, we also assess specific risks associated with individual moves, such as restricted access, stairs, heavy or awkward items, and fragile belongings.
From these risk assessments we develop safe systems of work, which may include planning access routes, using team lifts for heavy objects, selecting suitable lifting equipment, and scheduling work to avoid unnecessary time pressure. Staff are briefed on these systems and are expected to follow them at all times.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling and lifting are central to removal work and present significant risk if not managed properly. Man with Van Morden provides manual handling training so that staff understand correct lifting techniques, the importance of assessing the weight and shape of loads, and when to ask for assistance or use equipment.
We encourage staff to avoid unnecessary lifting by using trolleys, dollies, straps, and other aids wherever practicable. Loads must be kept stable, and staff must avoid twisting while carrying or overreaching when placing items. No employee is required to lift or carry an item they consider unsafe for any reason.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are essential to our service and must be operated safely at all times. Vehicles are maintained and inspected regularly to ensure they are roadworthy, clean, and suitable for transporting customer belongings.
Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws, and drive with care and consideration for other road users. They are required to check their vehicle before use, report any defects, and ensure that loads are distributed evenly, secured properly, and do not exceed safe weight limits.
Drivers must not drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that may impair their ability. Fatigue is managed by allowing sufficient breaks and realistic scheduling of jobs.
Working at Customer Premises
When working at customer premises, our staff must act with care to protect both people and property. This includes identifying and avoiding trip hazards, using suitable footwear, taking care on stairs and uneven surfaces, and keeping access routes clear of obstructions.
Where necessary, we may use protective coverings on floors and banisters and take extra care when moving large items through narrow spaces. Staff must communicate with each other during lifts and manoeuvres and with customers when access limitations or safety concerns arise.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Equipment such as sack trucks, moving straps, furniture blankets, and other tools must be maintained in good condition and used for their intended purpose only. Defective or damaged equipment must be removed from use and reported for repair or replacement.
Where personal protective equipment is required, such as gloves or high visibility garments when loading or unloading near traffic, it will be provided and must be worn as instructed. Employees are responsible for taking reasonable care of any equipment issued to them.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Man with Van Morden provides appropriate health and safety training for all employees, including induction training for new starters and refresher training as needed. Training covers safe lifting, vehicle safety, handling of fragile and high-value items, and general site safety.
Information on safe working procedures is communicated through briefings, instructions, and on-the-job supervision. Less experienced staff work under the guidance of senior team members until they are competent to carry out tasks independently.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and unsafe conditions must be reported immediately to management. We keep records of incidents and investigate them to identify causes and implement corrective actions.
Staff are instructed on what to do in the event of an emergency, such as fire, serious injury, or road traffic collision. This includes raising the alarm, contacting the emergency services where required, making the area safe if possible, and preserving the scene for investigation when appropriate.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We recognise that the involvement of our staff is essential to effective health and safety management. Employees are encouraged to suggest improvements to working practices and to raise any concerns about safety without fear of disadvantage.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or to relevant legislation. Updated information is communicated to all staff to ensure that standards are maintained and continuously improved.
Customer Responsibilities
We ask customers to support our health and safety arrangements by providing accurate information about access, parking, and any unusual items or risks at their premises. Customers should keep pathways clear where possible and ensure that children and pets are kept away from moving areas during loading and unloading.
By working together, Man with Van Morden and our customers help to ensure that every move is carried out safely, efficiently, and with respect for people and property.
