Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van New Cross Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van New Cross is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, loading, unloading, transport and on-site activities.

Policy Statement

Our aim is to operate all removal and transport services in a manner that prevents injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe situations. We will comply, as a minimum, with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice for moving and handling goods, operating vehicles and working in domestic and commercial premises.

We will provide suitable information, instruction and support so that everyone working on behalf of Man With a Van New Cross can carry out their duties safely and responsibly.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man With a Van New Cross rests with the company management. Management will allocate adequate resources to health and safety, review performance regularly and ensure that risks are identified, assessed and controlled.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy in day-to-day operations, including ensuring that staff follow safe systems of work, attend required training and use appropriate equipment.

All workers, whether full time, part time or temporary, 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 cooperate with the company by following safe working procedures, reporting hazards and incidents, and using the equipment provided.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures

We will identify and assess risks associated with our removal and transport services, including manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, vehicle movements, working on or near roads, working in stairwells and confined spaces, and handling fragile or heavy items.

For each type of task, we will develop safe systems of work that describe the steps to be followed, the equipment to be used and any control measures required. These procedures will be communicated to all relevant staff and reviewed on a regular basis or following any significant change in operations, equipment or legislation.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal services and must be carried out safely. Wherever reasonably practicable, mechanical aids such as sack barrows, dollies, sliders and straps will be used to reduce the need for lifting and carrying by hand.

All staff involved in lifting and carrying will receive manual handling training that covers safe lifting techniques, team lifting, assessing the load and route, and recognising personal limitations. Staff must not attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their capability or that could cause injury.

Special care will be taken with bulky, awkward or fragile items, with clear communication between team members to coordinate safe lifting and movement.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

All vehicles used by Man With a Van New Cross must be maintained in a roadworthy, clean and safe condition. Regular checks will be carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, restraints and loading areas, in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements.

Drivers must hold a valid driving licence and be medically fit to drive. They must comply with road traffic laws at all times, including speed limits and parking restrictions, and must drive responsibly to protect passengers, other road users and pedestrians.

Loads must be secured properly using straps, blankets and appropriate restraints to prevent movement during transit. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited, and weight distribution must be considered for safe handling and braking.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams will carry out work at customer homes and commercial premises with care and consideration for the safety of all present. Routes for moving items will be planned in advance to avoid unnecessary risks such as trip hazards, restricted spaces and unstable surfaces.

Where necessary, we will use warning signs or verbal warnings to alert customers and visitors to potential hazards, such as moving large items through doorways, using ramps or operating in shared access areas. We will make every effort to keep walkways clear, protect floors and surfaces, and avoid blocking fire exits or access routes.

Staff must act courteously and professionally at all times and take immediate action to correct or report any condition that could pose a risk to others.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

Man With a Van New Cross will provide suitable equipment and tools for the tasks required, such as trolleys, ramps, blankets and securing straps. All equipment will be inspected regularly and removed from use if defective or unsafe.

Where risks cannot be fully eliminated by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves or safety footwear, will be provided. Staff are required to use the equipment provided and report any defects or issues without delay.

Training, Information and Supervision

We will ensure that workers are competent to carry out their duties safely. This includes providing induction training, task-specific instruction and refresher training where necessary. Topics may include manual handling, vehicle safety, loading techniques, hazard awareness and emergency procedures.

Supervision will be proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of staff. New or less experienced workers will receive closer supervision until they are able to work safely without direct oversight.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, dangerous occurrences and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. Man With a Van New Cross will keep appropriate records and investigate incidents in order to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

Where necessary, corrective actions will be put in place, such as revising procedures, providing additional training or improving equipment or work practices.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that effective health and safety management benefits from the involvement of those who carry out the work. We will encourage workers to raise health and safety concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about risk control and working methods.

This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as required to reflect changes in our activities, legislation, guidance or industry best practice. Our objective is to achieve continual improvement in the safety and wellbeing of everyone affected by the services provided by Man With a Van New Cross.