Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Isleworth

Man with Van Isleworth is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our responsibilities, procedures, and expectations to ensure that all moving and transport work is conducted safely and in accordance with relevant UK health and safety legislation and best practice.

Policy Aims and Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and temporary workers engaged by Man with Van Isleworth, and to all services we provide, including house removals, flat moves, office relocations, and transport of goods throughout our operating area. Our aims are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, protect property, and minimise disruption or risk to customers and the public during moves and deliveries.

Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver each job, from initial booking and access checks through to loading, transport, and unloading at the final destination.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Isleworth accepts overall responsibility for ensuring that appropriate arrangements and resources are in place to manage health and safety effectively. This includes:

Providing clear procedures and guidance for safe removals and transport activities.

Ensuring that risk assessments are completed, communicated, and reviewed as necessary.

Maintaining vehicles and equipment in a safe and roadworthy condition.

Providing suitable training, supervision, and information for staff.

Reviewing this policy regularly to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, or the nature of our work.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working for Man with Van Isleworth have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes:

Following all safety instructions, procedures, and training they receive.

Using vehicles, tools, and lifting equipment correctly and safely.

Wearing any required personal protective equipment where specified.

Reporting hazards, near misses, accidents, and unsafe conditions to management promptly.

Not undertaking tasks for which they have not been trained or that they believe cannot be carried out safely.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct risk assessments for our typical removal and transport tasks, and for any non-routine work that presents particular hazards. These assessments help us identify risks such as manual handling injuries, slips and trips, falls from height, vehicle movements, and damage to property.

Where possible we remove or reduce risks at the planning stage by considering access issues, parking arrangements, loading conditions, and any special items that require additional care, such as pianos, large furniture, or fragile goods. Safe working methods are communicated to staff in advance of each job and reinforced through ongoing supervision and training.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our work, and we recognise the importance of preventing strains, sprains, and back injuries. To manage these risks, we:

Provide instruction on safe lifting techniques and team lifting principles.

Use appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, and straps where beneficial.

Plan the lifting and carrying route to avoid obstacles, uneven ground, and unnecessary steps.

Assess the weight and shape of items before moving them and refuse to lift loads that are unsafe or beyond the capability of the team.

Encourage staff to take regular breaks during intensive lifting activities and to report any discomfort or pain early.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are central to the services provided by Man with Van Isleworth. We ensure that all vans are maintained to a safe and roadworthy standard, with regular checks on brakes, tyres, lights, and load securing points. Drivers must hold the correct licence and follow all road traffic laws.

Before each journey, drivers and crew must check that loads are evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent movement in transit. Routes are planned to allow safe access, appropriate parking, and realistic travel times, reducing pressure on drivers and helping to avoid unsafe driving behaviour.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises or in shared areas such as stairwells, entrances, and pavements, we take care to minimise risks to residents, neighbours, and passers-by. This includes:

Keeping walkways clear of trip hazards such as boxes, tools, and loose packaging.

Using safe lifting paths and, where necessary, spotters to guide large items.

Taking care when opening vehicle doors and moving items near roads or driveways.

Respecting building rules for access, lifts, and loading bays where applicable.

We will pause work if we consider that continuing would present an unacceptable risk to anyone present and will discuss alternative arrangements with the customer.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man with Van Isleworth provides appropriate training and guidance to all staff, tailored to their role and responsibilities. This includes induction training on general health and safety, manual handling, working in customer homes and business premises, and safe use of equipment.

Further instruction is given on job-specific risks, and new or less experienced workers are supervised until they are competent to work independently. Safety information, changes in procedures, and lessons from incidents are communicated to staff in a clear and timely manner.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, and significant near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We keep appropriate records of incidents and use this information to review our risk assessments, training needs, and working methods.

Our teams are briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency, such as fire, serious injury, or road incident. This includes contacting the appropriate emergency services, securing the scene where safe to do so, and notifying management. First aid provisions are made available in our vehicles where required.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly by Man with Van Isleworth management and updated as necessary to reflect changes in law, guidance, and operational practices. We welcome feedback from staff and customers on any aspect of health and safety related to our services and will use this to support continuous improvement in how we plan and deliver safe removals and transport.

By working together, following this policy, and maintaining a strong safety culture, we aim to ensure that every move we carry out is completed safely, efficiently, and with care for all involved.