Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Maida Vale Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Maida Vale is committed to conducting all removal and transport activities in a manner that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our customers, staff, contractors, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to ensure that our man and van services are delivered safely and responsibly.

Policy Aims and Scope

This policy applies to all operations carried out by Man with Van Maida Vale, including domestic and commercial removals, collection and delivery, loading and unloading, packing, and short-distance transport. Its aims are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, promote safe working practices, and ensure compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and industry standards.

All employees, contractors, and any persons working on our behalf are required to follow this policy and any associated procedures or guidance issued by management.

Management Responsibilities

Management has overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Maida Vale. This includes:

Ensuring appropriate systems are in place to identify, assess, and control risks arising from our removal and transport activities. Providing suitable vehicles, equipment, and tools that are safe, well maintained, and appropriate for the tasks carried out. Establishing safe systems of work for lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, and driving. Providing information, instruction, training, and supervision to employees to help them work safely and competently. Reviewing the effectiveness of this policy and associated procedures at regular intervals and updating them as necessary.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has a legal and moral duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees of Man with Van Maida Vale are required to:

Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and training provided. Use vehicles, lifting equipment, and personal protective equipment correctly and only for their intended purpose. Report any accidents, incidents, near misses, hazards, or defective equipment to management without delay. Cooperate with any risk assessments, safety checks, or investigations. Refrain from any behaviour that could endanger themselves, colleagues, customers, or the public, including the misuse of equipment or failure to follow manual handling guidelines.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Man with Van Maida Vale will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for its activities. These assessments will consider hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, vehicle movements, working in and around customers premises, and securing loads for transport.

The outcomes of risk assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work, which may include:

Planning access routes for moving items to minimise obstacles and trip hazards. Assessing the weight, size, and shape of items prior to lifting and moving them. Using team lifting techniques or mechanical aids where appropriate. Ensuring vehicles are parked and manoeuvred safely to protect staff, customers, and the public. Checking weather and surface conditions when loading and unloading to reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core element of our removal services and is therefore carefully managed. Employees are provided with guidance and, where necessary, training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including:

Assessing the load and route before starting the lift. Using correct posture and bending the knees rather than the back. Moving the feet instead of twisting the body. Asking for assistance or using equipment when handling heavier or awkward items.

Where practical, mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies, or straps will be used to reduce the risk of injury. No employee is required to lift or carry any item they reasonably believe to be unsafe.

Vehicles, Equipment, and Load Security

All vehicles used by Man with Van Maida Vale are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks are carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, and load areas, and any defects are reported and rectified promptly.

When loading and unloading, particular attention is paid to:

Distributing weight evenly to maintain vehicle stability. Securing items using appropriate restraints to prevent movement during transport. Protecting fragile or delicate items to prevent damage and avoid hazards caused by breakages. Keeping access doors and ramps clear of obstructions.

Drivers are responsible for checking that loads are safe and secure before departure and for conducting further checks during longer journeys where appropriate.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to protect customers, visitors, neighbours, and members of the public from risks arising from our work. Man with Van Maida Vale will:

Plan removal work to minimise disruption and avoid unnecessary risks in shared areas such as corridors, stairwells, and pavements. Use clear communication with customers to agree safe routes for moving items in and out of properties. Keep working areas as tidy as reasonably possible, ensuring that tools, packing materials, and equipment do not create trip hazards. Where necessary, restrict access to areas where lifting, loading, or vehicle manoeuvres are taking place.

Training, Competence, and Supervision

All staff are given appropriate information and instruction when they start work, and further training is provided as needed, particularly where new equipment, vehicles, or methods are introduced.

Training may include manual handling, safe loading techniques, safe driving practices, use of lifting aids, and awareness of hazards in domestic and commercial environments. Less experienced staff may be supervised more closely until they are deemed competent to work more independently.

Accident, Incident, and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, incidents, and near misses arising from our activities must be reported to management as soon as possible. Man with Van Maida Vale will maintain records of such events, investigate their causes where appropriate, and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Customers who become aware of any safety concern during our work are encouraged to bring it to the attention of the team on site so that immediate action can be taken where necessary.

Monitoring, Review, and Policy Availability

This Health and Safety Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and reviewed periodically to ensure it remains relevant and effective in light of changes in legislation, best practice, and the nature of our services.

The policy is made available to employees and can be provided to customers or other interested parties on request. By working in accordance with this policy, Man with Van Maida Vale aims to provide a reliable man and van service that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.