Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van St John's Wood

Man with Van St John's Wood is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, transportation, loading, unloading and related services throughout our service areas.

1. Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property during every move we undertake. We aim to identify hazards, control risks, and promote a culture where safety is an integral part of all planning and operations. All work activities will be carried out in compliance with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all activities carried out by Man with Van St John's Wood, including domestic and commercial removals, packing, loading, transportation, unloading and rearranging goods at the destination. It covers all workers engaged by us, whether full-time, part-time or temporary, and applies wherever we operate within our removal service areas.

3. Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Man with Van St John's Wood. Management is responsible for providing safe systems of work, adequate training, suitable equipment, and for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed regularly.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of safe working practices, conducting dynamic risk assessments on site, and ensuring that workers follow the procedures set out in this policy.

All workers have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. This includes following instructions, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards, and cooperating with the company to meet health and safety requirements.

4. Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Prior to each removal job, we assess the risks associated with the particular property, access routes, items to be moved and any special requirements. Where necessary, a written risk assessment is carried out to identify suitable control measures.

Safe systems of work are established for common tasks such as lifting and carrying items, operating loading ramps, securing loads in the vehicle, and working in confined or shared spaces such as hallways, staircases and car parks. These systems are communicated to all workers and reviewed when circumstances change or following any incident.

5. Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed properly. Man with Van St John's Wood provides guidance and instruction on correct lifting techniques, including assessing the load, planning the route, using team lifts where appropriate, and avoiding twisting or overreaching.

Where reasonably practicable, mechanical aids such as trolleys or dollies are used to reduce manual handling risks. Workers are required to refuse to lift loads that are too heavy or awkward to move safely and to seek assistance or alternative methods.

6. Vehicles, Driving and Load Security

All vehicles used by Man with Van St John's Wood must be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with legal requirements and manufacturer recommendations. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic pre-use checks and reporting any defects immediately.

Loads are secured using appropriate straps, ties and protective materials to prevent movement during transit. Heavy items are placed low and evenly distributed to maintain vehicle stability. Doors, ramps and tailgates must be securely closed and locked before departure.

Drivers must comply with road traffic laws, drive at appropriate speeds for the conditions, and adjust driving style to account for the characteristics of a loaded vehicle, including extended braking distances and reduced manoeuvrability.

7. Working at Customer Premises

When working in homes, offices or other premises, our workers must consider the safety of occupants and visitors as well as their own. Access routes are to be kept clear of trip hazards such as packing materials, tools and loose items. Protective coverings may be used on floors and other surfaces to prevent slips and damage.

Particular care is taken on stairways, balconies, narrow corridors and shared entrances. Where necessary, one worker should act as a spotter to guide the person carrying larger items. Noise and disruption are kept to reasonable levels, and any hazards identified are communicated to the customer as appropriate.

8. Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Man with Van St John's Wood supplies appropriate equipment for tasks, including moving blankets, straps, trolleys and basic hand tools. All equipment must be used in accordance with instructions and inspected regularly for damage or faults.

Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment may be required, such as gloves or safety footwear. Workers are expected to use any issued protective equipment correctly and to report loss or damage promptly.

9. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses, injuries and instances of property damage occurring during our work must be reported to management as soon as reasonably possible. This enables us to provide appropriate support, fulfil any legal obligations and identify lessons to prevent recurrence.

Incidents are investigated to determine root causes and to implement corrective actions. These may include changes to procedures, additional training, modifications to equipment or adjustments to planning and scheduling.

10. Training, Information and Supervision

We provide workers with information and instruction on the risks associated with removal work, the control measures in place and their individual responsibilities. This may be delivered through inductions, briefings, on-the-job training and updated guidance when new equipment or methods are introduced.

Less experienced workers are supervised until they demonstrate competence in performing tasks safely. Refresher training is provided where needed, particularly after an incident or when work practices change.

11. Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Man with Van St John's Wood encourages feedback from workers and customers on health and safety matters. Concerns, suggestions and observations can be raised with supervisors or management, and will be considered when reviewing procedures.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, and our own operational experience across the areas we serve. Our aim is continuous improvement, ensuring that every move is carried out as safely and efficiently as possible.