Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Shoreditch Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Shoreditch is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, members of the public and anyone affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and standards we apply across all jobs, from small moves to larger property relocations.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
We recognise our responsibility to manage health and safety as an integral part of operating a professional removal service. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health and damage to property while delivering moving and transportation services.
Everyone working for or with Man with Van Shoreditch is expected to cooperate with this policy, follow safe working practices and take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes:
Ensuring that activities such as packing, lifting, loading, unloading and transporting goods are planned and carried out safely. Providing information, instruction, training and supervision so that staff can perform their duties safely and competently. Supplying and maintaining vehicles, tools and equipment in a safe condition. Conducting regular risk assessments of typical removal work, including domestic and commercial moves. Investigating incidents and near misses in order to learn lessons and improve working practices. Reviewing this policy periodically and revising it when necessary.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees and contractors working with Man with Van Shoreditch must:
Work in accordance with this Health and Safety Policy and any site specific guidance. Use vehicles, tools and equipment in the correct manner and report defects immediately. Follow manual handling guidance, especially when lifting and carrying furniture, appliances and other heavy items. Wear any personal protective equipment provided, where appropriate for the task. Report accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous situations without delay. Behave in a safe, responsible and considerate manner towards customers and members of the public.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before carrying out any removal or delivery work, we will assess the risks involved and plan the job accordingly. This may include:
Surveying access routes, stairs, lifts and parking areas to identify potential hazards. Considering the weight, size and shape of items to be moved and the need for additional equipment or personnel. Planning safe loading and unloading sequences to prevent falls, trips or crush injuries. Allowing sufficient time to carry out the work safely, without rushing. Identifying any special requirements for fragile, bulky or high value items.
Where necessary, specific instructions will be given to staff to control identified risks.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and will be managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Our approach includes:
Training staff in correct lifting techniques and team lifting. Using lifting aids such as trolleys or dollies where appropriate. Avoiding single person lifts of excessively heavy or awkward items. Planning the route before lifting, ensuring it is clear of obstacles. Taking regular breaks during intense lifting work to avoid fatigue.
Employees should never attempt to lift items they believe to be unsafe or beyond their capability.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to our moving services and will be operated safely at all times. We will:
Maintain vehicles in a roadworthy condition and carry out regular checks. Ensure only authorised and competent drivers operate vehicles. Load and secure goods correctly to prevent shifting during transit. Plan routes to minimise unnecessary risk and comply with road regulations. Instruct drivers to follow safe driving practices, adapt to weather and traffic conditions and allow sufficient time to complete journeys without speeding.
Customer and Public Safety
We will take all reasonably practicable steps to protect customers, visitors and members of the public while work is being carried out. This includes:
Keeping access routes clear and organised during loading and unloading. Using safe systems of work when moving items through shared corridors, stairwells or entrances. Communicating clearly with customers about any temporary restrictions, such as keeping children and pets away from work areas. Acting promptly to address any hazards that could cause slips, trips or falls.
Equipment and Protective Measures
Equipment used for removal work will be suitable for its purpose and maintained in a safe condition. Where appropriate, staff may be provided with protective gloves, footwear or other safety items. Any defective or damaged equipment must be removed from service and reported immediately so that it can be repaired or replaced.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will provide appropriate training and information so that staff understand their responsibilities and can work safely. This may include induction training, manual handling instruction, vehicle safety guidance and task specific briefings. Less experienced workers will be supervised until they are competent to work independently.
Accidents, Incidents and First Aid
All accidents, injuries and near misses that occur during our removal activities must be reported as soon as possible. Details will be recorded and reviewed in order to identify underlying causes and implement improvements. Basic first aid provisions will be available in vehicles or on site where appropriate, and staff will be informed of any arrangements made for emergency assistance.
Monitoring and Policy Review
We will monitor the effectiveness of this Health and Safety Policy through ongoing supervision, feedback from staff and customers, and periodic reviews of our working practices. The policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations, legal requirements or industry best practice.
By consistently applying this Health and Safety Policy, Man with Van Shoreditch aims to provide a reliable, professional and safe removal service for all customers and communities we serve.
