Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Colliers Wood

Man With a Van Colliers Wood is committed to providing removal and delivery services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our workers, customers, members of the public and anyone else affected by our activities. This policy sets out our overall approach and the standards we apply to all removals, collections, deliveries and related tasks.

Policy Statement

Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unnecessary risk during every move. We will manage health and safety as an integral part of running our removal services, and we expect everyone working with us to follow this policy and associated procedures at all times.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man With a Van Colliers Wood rests with the company management. Management will:

Ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed regularly.

Provide appropriate resources, equipment and information to support safe working practices.

Identify significant risks and put suitable control measures in place.

Ensure that workers are competent and receive appropriate instruction and guidance.

All workers, including drivers, porters and support staff, have a duty to:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.

Follow safe working procedures and instructions provided by the company.

Use equipment correctly and not interfere with or misuse anything provided for safety.

Report accidents, near misses, hazards or safety concerns promptly to management.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before starting a job, we will consider the specific hazards associated with the property, access routes, parking, items to be moved and any special customer requirements. Where necessary, a more detailed risk assessment will be carried out to identify risks such as manual handling issues, traffic and loading risks, and potential damage to property.

Control measures may include adjusting staffing levels, using appropriate moving equipment, planning safe loading and unloading areas, and allowing sufficient time for the move to be completed without rushing or unsafe short cuts.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is central to removal services and is one of the key areas of risk. We will:

Encourage the use of mechanical aids and moving equipment such as sack trucks, dollies and lifting straps where suitable.

Avoid single-person lifting of heavy or awkward items wherever possible.

Use team lifting for bulky or heavy furniture and appliances.

Plan the route in and out of properties before lifting, keeping paths clear of tripping hazards.

All workers must use safe lifting techniques, including keeping loads close to the body, bending the knees rather than the back, and avoiding twisting while carrying items. Loads that are too heavy, unstable or unsafe to lift will not be moved until an alternative method or additional help is arranged.

Safe Use of Vehicles

Our vehicles are essential to our removal operations and must be operated safely at all times. Drivers must hold a valid driving licence for the vehicle they operate and comply with road traffic laws and company instructions.

We will ensure that vehicles are maintained on a regular basis, kept clean and in good working order, and that any defects are reported immediately. Loads will be secured properly using suitable restraints so that items do not move during transit and risk injury or damage.

Drivers must plan routes, allow sufficient time for loading, travel and unloading, and avoid fatigue by taking appropriate breaks. Parking and unloading areas should be chosen to minimise risk to staff, customers and other road users.

Equipment and Personal Protective Measures

Where required by the nature of the work, we will provide suitable protective equipment, such as gloves or high-visibility clothing, and ensure that moving equipment is appropriate for the load and environment.

Workers must use any protective or moving equipment provided in accordance with instructions and must not use damaged or defective items. Any faults or concerns about equipment must be reported at once so that it can be repaired or replaced.

Customer and Public Safety

During removals and deliveries, we take care to minimise risks to customers and members of the public. This includes maintaining clear walkways, controlling access to loading areas where possible, and communicating with customers about any potential hazards, such as trip risks from ramps or loose packaging materials.

We will treat customers premises and belongings with respect, aiming to prevent damage and avoid creating unnecessary clutter or obstructions. Where work is taking place in shared or public areas, we will act with consideration for neighbours and other users of the space.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses that occur during our work must be reported to management as soon as possible. The details will be recorded, and where necessary, we will investigate to identify root causes and implement improvements to prevent recurrence.

We will cooperate with any lawful requests for information relating to accidents arising from our activities and take prompt corrective action where required.

Training and Competence

To support safe working, we will ensure that workers are given suitable information and guidance in areas such as manual handling, vehicle safety, use of moving equipment and general site safety. New workers will receive an introduction to our health and safety expectations before starting work.

Ongoing guidance will be provided as needed, particularly when tasks, equipment or procedures change. Workers are encouraged to ask questions if they are unsure how to carry out a task safely.

Monitoring and Review

Man With a Van Colliers Wood will monitor health and safety performance through regular communication with workers, review of any accidents or incidents, and feedback from customers. This policy and related procedures will be reviewed periodically and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations or relevant standards.

Everyone involved in our removal services is expected to cooperate with these arrangements so that we can provide a professional, efficient and safe service across our operating area.