Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Bayswater Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Bayswater is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our moving and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out the standards and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with removals, loading and unloading, driving, and work at customers premises.

Policy Aims and Scope

This policy applies to all employees, drivers, porters, subcontractors, and temporary workers engaged in activities for Man with Van Bayswater. It covers all aspects of our work, including domestic moves, office relocations, collection and delivery services, packing support, and short-distance and longer-distance journeys within our service area.

Our aims are to prevent injury, protect health, minimise damage to property, and comply with all applicable health and safety legislation. Health and safety considerations are integrated into the planning and delivery of every job.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Bayswater is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place. This includes:

Assessing risks associated with removal work, driving, and handling of goods.

Providing suitable equipment, including vehicles, trolleys, straps, blankets, and personal protective equipment where necessary.

Ensuring that staff are competent, trained, and supervised appropriately.

Monitoring health and safety performance and investigating any incidents to prevent recurrence.

Reviewing and updating this policy regularly to reflect changes in law, guidance, and operational practice.

Employee and Contractor Responsibilities

All individuals working for or on behalf of Man with Van Bayswater are required to:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Follow safe working practices, instructions, and training provided.

Use equipment and vehicles correctly and report any defects immediately.

Inform management of any hazards, near misses, accidents, or health concerns.

Cooperate fully with health and safety procedures, including the use of any personal protective equipment supplied.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before starting any job, we assess key risks related to the property, access routes, items to be moved, and journey requirements. Where appropriate, this may involve a pre-move survey or on-site assessment. The purpose of these checks is to identify control measures, such as additional staff, specialist equipment, or alternative lifting methods, to ensure the work can be carried out safely and efficiently.

Safe Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core feature of removal work, and we apply safe practices to prevent injury. Our staff receive training in safe lifting techniques, including assessment of load weight, size, and stability before moving any item. Team members are instructed to:

Avoid lifting loads that are too heavy or awkward for one person and to seek assistance or use handling aids.

Keep loads close to the body and maintain good posture, avoiding twisting or sudden movements.

Use trolleys, dollies, and lifting straps where beneficial.

Break down loads into smaller parts when possible to reduce strain.

If an item cannot be moved safely, the team will not proceed until a safe method is identified.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected regularly. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws, and observe speed limits and parking regulations. Loads are secured using straps and appropriate packing materials to prevent movement or damage during transit. Drivers are expected to plan routes with safety in mind, allowing sufficient time for journeys and avoiding unnecessary risks. Fatigue management, rest breaks, and adherence to driving time rules are integral to our approach.

Safe Working at Customer Premises

When working in homes, offices, or other premises, our teams take care to protect both people and property. This includes:

Checking for hazards such as wet floors, loose carpets, low ceilings, or obstructed access routes.

Using protective coverings where appropriate to prevent damage to floors and surfaces.

Keeping walkways clear of boxes, tools, and packing materials to reduce the risk of trips and falls.

Taking extra care when operating on stairs, narrow corridors, and shared access ways.

Maintaining polite communication with customers and others on-site to coordinate safe movement of items.

Equipment and Personal Protective Measures

Man with Van Bayswater provides appropriate equipment to support safe handling and transport of goods. Where tasks require it, personal protective equipment such as gloves, high-visibility clothing, or safety footwear may be issued and must be used as instructed. All equipment should be checked before use and taken out of service if damaged or defective.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. We investigate incidents to understand their causes and to implement corrective actions. Our teams are briefed on emergency arrangements, including how to respond to fire alarms, accidents on the road, and other urgent situations. When working on customer premises, staff must follow any site-specific emergency instructions.

Training, Supervision, and Policy Review

We provide induction and ongoing training to ensure that staff understand their health and safety responsibilities and the specific risks related to removal work. Supervisors monitor working practices and provide guidance and feedback where necessary. This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or relevant legal requirements, to ensure it remains current, effective, and appropriate to the scale and nature of our services.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Bayswater is committed to continually improving health and safety performance. We welcome feedback from employees, customers, and partners about any aspect of safety during our services. By working together and maintaining high standards, we aim to ensure that every move is carried out safely, responsibly, and with respect for people and property.