Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Bloomsbury Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Bloomsbury is committed to providing a professional, reliable and safe removals service for all clients and employees. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with loading, unloading, transportation of goods, and work at residential and commercial premises.

Our objectives are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, to comply with relevant health and safety legislation, and to promote a culture of safety awareness throughout our operations.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man With a Van Bloomsbury is responsible for maintaining a safe working environment and ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place to protect staff, customers, visitors and members of the public during removal and delivery activities.

Management will regularly review health and safety practices, assess risks associated with our services, and provide appropriate resources for training, equipment and supervision. Any changes in work practices, vehicles, equipment or service areas will be evaluated for potential health and safety implications.

Employee Responsibilities

All staff, including drivers and porters, share responsibility for their own health and safety and for the safety of those who may be affected by their work. Employees are expected to follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and immediately report hazards, incidents or near misses to management.

Staff must not undertake any task for which they have not been trained, and must seek guidance from a supervisor if they are unsure about the safe way to perform a particular removal task or handle specific items.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before each job, a basic risk assessment is carried out, taking into account property access, parking arrangements, stairways, lifts, tight spaces, heavy or fragile items, and any particular client requirements. Where necessary, additional precautions will be implemented to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

For larger or more complex moves, a more detailed assessment may be completed in advance. This can include consideration of manual handling demands, time constraints, potential traffic and loading issues, and any special equipment required to minimise risk.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is central to our removals service, and we recognise the importance of safe lifting to prevent injury. Staff are trained in proper lifting techniques, including team lifting for heavier items, use of trolleys and lifting aids, and safe stacking of goods during loading and unloading.

Employees are instructed never to lift or move items that are beyond their capability, and to request assistance or additional equipment when required. Particular care is taken with bulky furniture, appliances and other heavy loads to ensure stability and prevent strain injuries.

Use of Equipment and Vehicles

All vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected regularly. Drivers must hold the correct licence for the vehicles they operate and adhere to all road safety regulations. Loads are secured appropriately to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of damage or injury.

Moving equipment such as trolleys, straps and blankets is checked for defects and used in accordance with training. Any damaged or faulty equipment is taken out of service immediately and reported to management to ensure timely repair or replacement.

Safe Working at Client Premises

Our team takes care to work safely in and around client premises. This includes protecting walkways, avoiding obstruction of exits, and keeping passageways clear to prevent slips, trips and falls. Where possible, we plan routes through the property to minimise risk and disruption.

Special attention is paid to stairways, narrow corridors and shared access areas. Where necessary, staff may restrict access temporarily while large or awkward items are being moved to protect clients, neighbours and passers-by.

Handling Fragile, Hazardous and Special Items

Fragile and high-value items are handled with particular care, using protective materials and appropriate lifting methods. Clients are encouraged to inform us in advance of any delicate, unusual or high-risk items so that suitable measures can be arranged.

We do not transport prohibited, illegal or uncontrolled hazardous substances. Where items may present a risk, such as certain tools, equipment or materials, they will only be moved in accordance with relevant safety guidance and regulations.

Training, Supervision and Communication

All staff receive induction training in health and safety, manual handling, vehicle safety and safe working procedures. Ongoing training is provided as needed to ensure that employees remain competent and up to date with best practices for removals and transport work.

Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices, providing guidance on site, and addressing any concerns raised by employees or clients. Open communication is encouraged so that health and safety issues can be identified and resolved quickly.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, damage to property and near misses must be reported promptly to management. Records are kept to help identify patterns, improve risk assessments and implement corrective actions where necessary.

When an incident occurs, it is investigated to determine causes and to establish whether additional training, equipment or changes to procedures are required to prevent recurrence.

Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

Due to the physical nature of removals, staff are expected to present fit for work and to inform management of any medical conditions or injuries that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. Employees must not work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or any substance that could impair judgement or coordination.

Workloads and schedules are organised to minimise fatigue, particularly for drivers and those involved in heavy lifting. Breaks are provided as necessary to maintain safe working conditions.

Continuous Improvement

Man With a Van Bloomsbury is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. This policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, and our working practices.

Suggestions from employees and clients about how we can improve safety are welcomed and will be considered as part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and reliable removals service.