Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Watford
Man and a Van Watford 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 and delivery activities. This policy sets out our approach to health and safety in connection with our man and van and removal services, including packing, loading, transport, unloading, and related tasks.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. We will identify hazards, assess risks, and implement proportionate control measures to ensure that our removal operations are carried out safely and responsibly. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.
This policy applies to all staff, whether permanent, temporary, or self employed, and to any other person working under our direction. It also provides guidance to customers on how they can help maintain a safe environment during removal work.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place to plan, organise, control, monitor, and review health and safety in all areas of the business. This includes the following actions.
Ensuring that risk assessments and method statements covering lifting, carrying, driving, working at height, and use of equipment are completed and reviewed regularly. Providing appropriate equipment in safe working order, including vehicles, trolleys, straps, ramps, and personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety footwear. Making sure employees receive suitable information, instruction, training, and supervision to carry out their work safely.
Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Reviewing this Health and Safety Policy periodically and updating it when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, operations, or identified risks.
Employee Responsibilities
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 acts or omissions. They are required to cooperate with management to help fulfil health and safety responsibilities. This includes the following key duties.
Following safe systems of work, risk assessments, and any site specific safety rules provided. Using equipment correctly and reporting any defects in vehicles, lifting aids, or other tools without delay. Wearing appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment as instructed.
Reporting hazards, unsafe conditions, and near misses to management promptly so that corrective action can be taken. Refraining from horseplay, unsafe shortcuts, or working under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Participating in required training and toolbox talks, and applying the learning in daily work.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Methods
Before removal work is undertaken, the job will be assessed to identify potential hazards such as heavy or awkward loads, restricted access, stairs, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or adverse weather. Suitable control measures will be agreed, such as the number of staff required, use of lifting aids, protective coverings, and safe loading methods.
Where necessary, a documented method statement will be prepared to describe the step by step approach for completing the work safely. All staff involved in the job must be familiar with and follow the agreed method.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and will be managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff will receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of trolleys, dollies, and other aids.
Heavy or bulky items will be assessed before moving. Where the load is too heavy or awkward, additional manpower, mechanical assistance, or alternative methods will be used. Routes for carrying items will be planned in advance to remove trip hazards and ensure clear access, particularly around staircases, corridors, and doorways.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
All vehicles used in connection with our man and van and removal services must be maintained in a roadworthy condition and checked regularly. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic pre use checks and reporting defects immediately.
Loads must be evenly distributed, properly secured, and within vehicle weight limits. Items will be restrained using suitable straps or other fixings to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must comply with road traffic laws, observe speed limits, and drive with consideration for other road users and local communities.
Mobile phones and other devices must not be used while driving unless operated through a legal hands free system. Drivers must be fit to drive and must not drive while impaired by tiredness, alcohol, drugs, or medication that affects concentration.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
During removals, consideration will be given to the safety of customers, neighbours, visitors, and members of the public. Where possible, work areas and vehicle loading zones will be organised to avoid blocking access routes or creating trip hazards.
Protective materials may be used to safeguard floors, staircases, and doorways. Items will be stacked in a stable manner, and walkways will be kept as clear as is reasonably practicable. Customers will be advised of any short term restrictions or hazards where this is necessary to maintain safety.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We will provide our staff with appropriate training relevant to their roles, including induction training, manual handling, safe use of equipment, and any additional training required by specific tasks or locations. Refresher training will be given where necessary.
Supervision will be proportionate to the risks and the competence of individual workers. New or inexperienced staff will receive closer supervision until they demonstrate that they can work safely and consistently follow procedures.
Accident Reporting and First Aid
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and cases of work related ill health must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
Appropriate first aid arrangements will be maintained, including access to basic first aid equipment in vehicles or at operational bases. In serious situations, emergency services will be contacted without delay and the area will be made safe for all involved.
Review of Policy
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and following any significant change to our operations or legislation. Updates will be communicated to all staff and implemented as part of our commitment to continual improvement in health and safety performance.
