Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Plaistow

Man with Van Plaistow is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with man and van services, household and office removals, loading and unloading, and general transport activities.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and unnecessary disruption during any removal or delivery service. We will provide safe working conditions, safe systems of work and appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision for all staff involved in our operations.

All employees and contractors are required to co-operate with this policy and take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety is considered in all planning and operational decisions. This includes:

Assessing risks associated with removal services, manual handling, driving and working on site, and putting in place suitable control measures.

Ensuring vehicles, lifting equipment and tools used for removals are maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly.

Providing health and safety information and training relevant to employees roles and responsibilities.

Reviewing incidents, near misses and customer feedback to improve safety performance.

Regularly reviewing and updating this policy to reflect changes in legislation, best practice and operational methods.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee and contractor working with Man with Van Plaistow has a duty to:

Work safely and follow all health and safety instructions, procedures and risk assessments provided.

Use vehicles, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects or concerns immediately.

Take care of their own health and safety and avoid actions that could put colleagues, customers or the public at risk.

Report accidents, incidents, near misses or unsafe conditions to management as soon as possible.

Co-operate with training, supervision and any investigations relating to health and safety matters.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for typical activities involved in removals and man and van services, including loading and unloading, carrying items, operating in confined spaces, using stairs, and working in customers homes, offices and other premises.

Where specific risks are identified, such as heavy or awkward loads, fragile items or restricted access, we will consider additional controls such as extra staff, specialised moving equipment or adapted methods of work.

Safe working practices are communicated to staff and reviewed regularly to ensure that they remain suitable and effective as our services and working environments evolve.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of our work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. We promote safe lifting techniques and the correct use of trolleys, dollies, straps and other moving aids. Wherever reasonably practicable, mechanical assistance or team lifting is used for heavy or bulky items.

Employees receive guidance on assessing the weight, size and stability of items before moving them, and on planning the route to avoid slips, trips, falls or damage to property.

All equipment is checked regularly, and any defective items are removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Vehicles used for our man and van and removal services are maintained to a high standard and are subject to regular checks. Drivers must carry out basic pre-use inspections, including tyres, lights and securing systems for loads.

Loads are secured within the vehicle to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of injury and damage. Drivers are instructed to follow road traffic laws, drive responsibly and adjust their driving to suit weather, traffic and local conditions.

Drivers must not drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Working at Customer Premises

When working in homes, offices or other locations, our teams aim to protect both people and property. This includes assessing access routes, identifying potential hazards such as loose flooring, low ceilings or restricted stairways, and planning the move accordingly.

Protective coverings may be used where appropriate to safeguard floors, walls and doorways during the move. Our staff are instructed to maintain clear walkways and keep equipment and boxes organised to minimise trip hazards.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment is provided and used. This may include protective footwear, gloves and high-visibility clothing where necessary. Staff are responsible for using and caring for any equipment issued to them and reporting when it needs replacement.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate induction and on-the-job training covering manual handling, safe loading, customer site safety and emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided where necessary and when work practices or equipment change.

Supervisors and senior staff monitor working methods, provide guidance and intervene where unsafe practices are observed.

Accidents, Incidents and First Aid

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. Details are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and agree any corrective actions needed to prevent a recurrence.

Basic first aid provisions are maintained in vehicles and at base locations used for our operations. Staff are made aware of how to access first aid supplies and how to seek medical assistance in an emergency.

Consultation and Policy Review

We recognise the value of input from employees and customers in improving health and safety performance. Employees are encouraged to raise suggestions or concerns and these will be considered during policy reviews and operational planning.

This health and safety policy is reviewed periodically and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our services, working methods or applicable legal requirements.

By following this policy, Man with Van Plaistow aims to provide a safe, reliable and professional removal service for all customers while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in our operations.