Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Dulwich Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Dulwich is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, visitors and the general public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transport and all related removal activities.

Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective controls. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, temporary staff and anyone working on behalf of Man With a Van Dulwich.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, training and supervision are provided. Management is responsible for regularly reviewing this policy and monitoring compliance with health and safety arrangements.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on site, promoting safe working practices, leading by example and ensuring that all workers follow agreed procedures. They must report any concerns, incidents or near misses so that corrective action can be taken promptly.

Every worker has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff must cooperate with health and safety measures, follow instructions and training, use equipment correctly and immediately report hazards or unsafe conditions.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Man With a Van Dulwich carries out risk assessments for key activities including manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, working in and around customers premises, and driving or operating equipment. These assessments identify potential hazards and set out control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Safe systems of work are developed from these risk assessments and communicated to staff through training, briefings and written procedures. Staff must follow these systems at all times, and are encouraged to suggest improvements where safer methods are identified through experience.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling and lifting are core aspects of our removal services. To minimise the risk of injury, we provide training on correct lifting techniques, team lifting practices and the safe use of trolleys and other handling aids.

Before any item is lifted, staff are required to assess the weight, shape, stability and route, and to request assistance or equipment where necessary. Excessive or unsafe loads are not to be carried. Furniture and heavy items must be disassembled, wrapped or supported as required to make handling safer and to prevent strain or crush injuries.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our drivers and crew members must always operate vehicles in a safe, legal and considerate manner. Only authorised and competent personnel may drive company vehicles. All drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and adhere to company driving policies.

Vehicles are to be kept in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks are performed to ensure tyres, brakes, lights, securing points and access steps are in good order. Loads must be distributed evenly and secured to prevent movement during transit, protecting both staff and other road users.

Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair their ability to drive. They must take appropriate rest breaks and avoid using mobile phones or other distractions while driving.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, suitable personal protective equipment is provided. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and other protective items depending on the nature of the task.

Staff are required to use the personal protective equipment supplied to them, keep it in good condition and report any loss or damage immediately so it can be replaced. Equipment must be worn correctly whenever required by risk assessments or site rules.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to protect customers, their property and members of the public while carrying out removal services. Pathways and access routes will be kept as clear as reasonably practicable to prevent trips and falls. When necessary, warning signs or verbal instructions will be used to alert people to potential hazards.

Care is taken to protect walls, floors, doorways and fixtures during moves. Where there is a risk of damage or obstruction, staff will agree suitable arrangements with the customer before work proceeds. Tools and equipment are not to be left unattended in ways that could cause injury or obstruction.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man With a Van Dulwich ensures that all employees receive appropriate health and safety training relevant to their role. This includes induction training, manual handling instruction, safe vehicle loading, use of equipment and any other topics identified in risk assessments.

Ongoing refresher training is provided when needed, and additional instruction is given if new equipment, vehicles or working methods are introduced. Supervision is provided proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of the staff involved.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly to management, no matter how minor they may appear. This allows us to investigate causes, take corrective actions and prevent recurrence.

Accident records are kept securely and reviewed regularly to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Where necessary, procedures, training or equipment will be updated in response to findings from investigations.

Health, Welfare and Wellbeing

We recognise the importance of supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff. Work is planned to reduce excessive physical strain, fatigue and stress. Adequate rest breaks, access to drinking water and reasonable working hours are part of our working practices.

Staff are encouraged to raise any concerns about their health or fitness for work, including musculoskeletal issues from lifting tasks. Adjustments to duties may be made where reasonably practicable to support continued safe employment.

Review of this Policy

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and up to date with current legislation, best practice and the nature of our operations. Revisions are communicated to all staff, and any significant changes are implemented with appropriate training and guidance.

By following this policy, Man With a Van Dulwich aims to maintain safe, professional and reliable removal services for all customers in our service area, while safeguarding the wellbeing of our staff and the wider community.