Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Edgware
Man and a Van Edgware is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal, transport and handling activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and procedures that guide our day to day work when providing moving and delivery services.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and disruption to our customers. We will achieve this by managing risks associated with lifting, loading, transport, access to premises and storage of goods, and by continuously improving our working practices.
Health and safety considerations form an integral part of planning and delivering our man and van and removal services. Management will provide appropriate resources, information and supervision to ensure that all work is carried out safely and in accordance with relevant legislation and industry best practice.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man and a Van Edgware rests with management, who ensure that this policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. Management will:
Promote a positive safety culture and lead by example. Ensure that risk assessments are completed and actions implemented. Provide training, information and equipment necessary to work safely. Investigate incidents and take corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must:
Follow all safety instructions and procedures. Use equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Avoid unsafe practices, including improper lifting or overloading vehicles. Report hazards, near misses, accidents or concerns to management without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before undertaking removal or transport work, suitable and sufficient risk assessments will be carried out to identify potential hazards. These may include manual handling, access issues, traffic movement, use of lifting aids and weather conditions. Control measures will be put in place and communicated to all personnel involved in the job.
Safe systems of work will be developed for common removal tasks, with particular attention given to packing, loading and unloading, navigating staircases, corridors and tight spaces, and moving large or heavy items such as furniture and appliances.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is central to removal work and is a key focus of this policy. Man and a Van Edgware will minimise manual handling risks by planning loads, using mechanical aids where available and ensuring that items are within safe lifting limits for the team.
All staff involved in lifting and carrying will receive guidance and instruction in safe handling techniques, including assessing the load, adopting stable postures, keeping loads close to the body and avoiding twisting movements. Team lifts will be organised for bulky or awkward items. No employee is required to lift or move loads they consider unsafe.
Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are central to our removal and man and van services, and their safe operation is essential. Drivers must hold the appropriate driving licence, be medically fit to drive and comply with road traffic regulations at all times.
Vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points and loading areas. Loads must be distributed evenly, safely secured and kept within the specified weight limits of each vehicle. Doors, ramps and tailgates must be used according to manufacturer guidance, and only trained personnel may operate any lifting or loading equipment fitted to vehicles.
Customer Premises and Site Safety
When working at customer premises, including homes, offices, storage facilities or commercial properties, our teams will take reasonable steps to protect both people and property. This includes assessing access routes, highlighting trip or slip hazards, and using suitable protective coverings where appropriate.
Where multiple contractors or third parties are present, our staff will cooperate with on site rules and coordinate movements to reduce congestion and avoid incidents. Staff must remain alert to changes in conditions, such as wet floors or obstructed exits, and adjust working methods accordingly.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
Man and a Van Edgware will provide and maintain equipment that is fit for purpose, including trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and other moving aids. All items will be inspected and taken out of service if found defective or unsafe.
Personal protective equipment will be provided where risk assessments identify a need, which may include safety footwear, gloves, high visibility clothing and other items. Staff are required to use protective equipment as instructed and report loss or damage for replacement.
Training, Information and Supervision
All personnel will receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their role. This may cover manual handling, safe loading, use of equipment, vehicle checks, working in customer premises and emergency procedures.
Supervision will be proportionate to the nature of work and the experience of staff. New or inexperienced workers will be monitored more closely until they demonstrate competence in safe working practices.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage to property arising from our work must be reported as soon as possible. Records will be kept and used to identify trends and areas for improvement. Serious incidents will be investigated to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
Staff will be briefed on emergency arrangements, including what to do in the event of fire, injury, road traffic collision or sudden illness while carrying out removal services. Where appropriate, teams will carry basic first aid supplies and know how to contact emergency services quickly.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes in operations, legislation or industry best practice. Feedback from employees, contractors and customers is welcomed as part of our commitment to continual improvement.
By following this policy, Man and a Van Edgware aims to deliver reliable removal and man and van services while safeguarding the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
