Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Twickenham Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Twickenham is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our work. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and practices we follow to ensure that all removal and transport activities are carried out as safely as reasonably possible.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and best practice for the removals and transport sector. Our goal is to prevent injury, protect property, and minimise risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, and driving activities involved in our moving services.

Health and safety considerations are integral to the planning and delivery of every job, whether a small flat move, a larger household relocation, office move, or item collection and delivery.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man With a Van Twickenham rests with the company management, who are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, monitored, and reviewed regularly.

Management will:

Ensure that risk assessments are carried out for common tasks and that control measures are implemented and maintained. Provide appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision to staff. Supply and maintain suitable vehicles, tools, and equipment in a safe condition. Promote a positive health and safety culture where staff are encouraged to report hazards, near misses, and incidents.

Employees and operatives must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safety instructions, training, and procedures. Use vehicles, equipment, and personal protective equipment correctly. Report any hazards, defects, or incidents to management promptly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Man With a Van Twickenham undertakes risk assessments for typical removal activities and specific jobs where required. These assessments identify potential hazards and appropriate control measures to reduce risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

Safe working practices are developed and followed for tasks such as manual handling, packing and loading goods, operating lifting aids, and working in confined or busy locations such as narrow streets, shared driveways, and communal entrances.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our work and is managed carefully. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, team lifts, and the use of equipment such as trolleys and straps. We plan jobs to minimise excessive carrying distances and awkward lifts, and we assess items for weight, size, and stability before moving them.

Where an item is assessed as too large, heavy, or hazardous to be moved safely by hand, we will either use appropriate lifting equipment or advise the customer of alternative arrangements. Staff are instructed never to attempt lifts that exceed their capacity or could put them or others at risk.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular checks carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points, and load areas. Drivers are expected to hold the correct licence for the vehicle they operate and to follow all road traffic laws and safe driving practices.

Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, using suitable restraints and packing methods. Weight limits are observed and items are distributed evenly to maintain vehicle stability. Drivers are required to drive at appropriate speeds, consider weather and traffic conditions, and allow extra time for safe journeys.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises, our teams take care to protect both the property and the people in and around it. This includes careful positioning of vehicles, keeping access routes clear, and using safe methods for moving items through corridors, stairwells, and doorways.

We aim to reduce disruption and safeguard members of the public by managing loading and unloading areas responsibly. Where necessary, we will use spotters, temporary barriers, or signage to guide pedestrians and avoid conflicts with vehicles.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

Man With a Van Twickenham supplies suitable equipment and tools for removal work, including trolleys, blankets, straps, and protective materials. All equipment is inspected and used in accordance with manufacturer guidance and internal procedures.

Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, personal protective equipment may be provided, such as gloves or safety footwear. Staff are required to use such equipment correctly and report any defects or damage immediately.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive an induction that includes our health and safety expectations and safe working practices relevant to their role. Ongoing training is provided in topics such as manual handling, vehicle safety, load securing, and hazard awareness.

Supervision is provided proportionate to the experience of the team members and the complexity of the work. Less experienced staff work under the guidance of more experienced colleagues or supervisors until they demonstrate competence.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

We encourage prompt reporting of all accidents, incidents, near misses, and property damage. Reports are reviewed by management to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Where necessary, we will cooperate with insurers and relevant authorities, provide accurate information, and keep appropriate records. Lessons learned from incidents are shared with staff and used to improve our procedures.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

Removal work can be physically demanding. We expect staff to present fit for work and to inform management of any condition that may affect their ability to work safely.

We discourage unsafe practices such as rushing, working while overly fatigued, or ignoring pain or discomfort during lifting. Breaks are taken as needed to maintain safety and concentration, particularly for driving duties and long or complex moves.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance, and our own working practices. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

By following this policy and working together, Man With a Van Twickenham aims to deliver reliable, efficient, and above all safe removal and transport services across our operating area.