Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Westcombe Park

Man with Van Westcombe Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with house moves, office relocations, collections, deliveries and related services.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and putting sensible control measures in place. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance and to ensure that health and safety considerations are an integral part of planning and delivering every move.

We comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice for the removals and transport sector. Health and safety responsibilities are communicated clearly to all staff, and every worker is expected to co-operate with this policy and take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Westcombe Park is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes:

Ensuring that appropriate resources are available to manage health and safety effectively. Providing information, instruction, supervision and training to help employees carry out their duties safely. Setting clear standards for safe working, monitoring performance and taking action where improvements are required. Reviewing risk assessments and methods of work regularly or when circumstances change.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, drivers, porters and contractors working with Man with Van Westcombe Park are required to:

Follow all safe systems of work, safety procedures and instructions provided. Use equipment, tools and vehicles correctly and report any defects immediately. Co-operate with risk control measures such as wearing appropriate clothing and following lifting techniques. Report accidents, near misses, hazards and unsafe conditions to management without delay. Avoid horseplay, reckless behaviour or shortcuts that could create risk.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Risk assessments are carried out to identify potential hazards associated with removal and transport activities, including moving heavy items, operating vehicles, working in confined spaces, using stairways, loading and unloading, and working in domestic or commercial premises.

Based on these assessments, we develop and implement safe working practices, such as planning access routes, confirming parking arrangements, assessing building layouts and identifying any restrictions or special requirements. Staff are informed of any specific risks related to a job and of the control measures to be followed on site.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our work and is treated as a priority area for health and safety. Man with Van Westcombe Park ensures that:

Staff receive guidance on correct lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifts for heavy or bulky items. Wherever reasonably practicable, handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, skates or straps are used to reduce physical strain. Loads are assessed for weight, size, stability and route obstacles before being moved. Staff are instructed not to lift or carry loads that exceed safe limits or that they feel unable to manage.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Vehicles used by Man with Van Westcombe Park are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular checks by drivers and management. We require:

Drivers to hold the appropriate valid licence and to obey road traffic laws at all times. Pre-use vehicle checks to be completed, including tyres, lights, mirrors, doors, tail-lifts and load securing equipment. Loads to be distributed evenly and secured properly to prevent shifting during transit. Journey planning that considers traffic, parking, loading restrictions and safe access for loading and unloading.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Measures

Any tools, lifting aids or equipment used during removal work are inspected and maintained to ensure they remain safe. Staff are trained in the correct use of such equipment and are instructed never to use damaged or faulty items.

Where appropriate, staff may be required to use personal protective measures, such as sturdy footwear with good grip, gloves or other protective items suitable for the task and environment. Clothing should allow free movement while minimising the risk of trips or entanglement.

Working on Customer Premises

We recognise our duty to protect customers and others while work is carried out on their premises. Man with Van Westcombe Park will:

Treat every property with respect, taking care to minimise disruption, noise and obstructions. Keep access routes as clear as reasonably possible and highlight any temporary hazards during work. Take reasonable precautions to protect flooring, walls, doors and fixtures from damage during moving activities. Ensure that staff behave professionally, courteously and in a way that does not cause risk or discomfort to customers or neighbours.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported to management as soon as possible. This information is recorded, investigated where necessary and used to identify root causes and to improve preventative measures.

Where applicable, we will comply with statutory reporting requirements for certain types of incidents. Lessons learned are shared with staff so that improvements to methods, equipment or training can be implemented.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Westcombe Park provides staff with information about the hazards associated with removal work and the measures required to control them. Training may include induction for new starters, on-the-job instruction, refreshers on manual handling and guidance on safe driving and customer care.

Supervision is provided appropriate to the level of experience and competence of staff. New or less experienced workers are monitored more closely until they demonstrate consistent safe working practices.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. Staff are encouraged to look after their general health and fitness, to work within their capabilities and to inform management of any condition that may affect their ability to work safely.

We do not tolerate the use of alcohol or illegal drugs during working hours or in a way that might affect the safety of driving or handling tasks. Any prescribed medication that could impact alertness or physical performance must be declared so that appropriate adjustments can be considered.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, company operations or identified risks. We welcome comments from staff and customers on any aspect of health and safety as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

By following this policy, Man with Van Westcombe Park aims to provide a reliable, efficient and safe removal service for every customer while protecting the wellbeing of our team and the wider community.