Man with Van West Ealing Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles, responsibilities and procedures that guide how Man with Van West Ealing operates. Our aim is to protect the health, safety and welfare of our team members, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our moving and transportation activities.
Policy Statement
Man with Van West Ealing is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to preventing accidents, injuries and work-related ill health. We will identify and manage risks arising from our moving, loading, unloading and driving activities and will continually seek to improve our health and safety performance.
Health and safety considerations are integrated into planning for all our services, including home removals, office moves and collection and delivery work throughout our service area.
Legal Duties and Standards
We will comply with all relevant health and safety laws and regulations applicable to transport, manual handling and workplace safety. Where recognized industry standards or best practices go beyond statutory requirements, we will aim to follow those higher standards whenever reasonably practicable.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van West Ealing rests with the business owner or designated manager. They are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed regularly.
Supervisors and senior drivers are responsible for overseeing day-to-day safety practices on jobs, ensuring that vehicles, equipment and personnel are prepared and that work is carried out safely and efficiently.
Every worker, whether full-time, part-time or temporary, 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 workers must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, incidents or near misses immediately.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We will carry out risk assessments for key activities, including loading and unloading vehicles, packing and moving items, working on customer premises, and driving. These assessments will be reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in our operations.
Safe systems of work will be developed and communicated to all staff. These will cover issues such as route planning, access to properties, use of lifting aids, securing loads and handling fragile or heavy items. Where work at height is required, such as moving items from upper floors, this will be planned and supervised to minimise risk.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our removals work and is a key priority for risk control. We will aim to avoid hazardous manual handling where possible by using equipment such as trolleys, dollies and lifting straps.
All staff will receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting and the use of mechanical aids. Loads will be assessed before lifting, with consideration given to size, weight, shape and stability. No worker will be required to lift or carry an item that they reasonably consider to be unsafe or beyond their capability.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are central to our service and must be operated safely at all times. We will ensure that vehicles used for removals and deliveries are maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks and servicing undertaken in line with manufacturer and legal requirements.
Drivers must hold the appropriate valid licence, obey road traffic laws and follow safe driving practices. Journeys will be planned to allow sufficient time for safe travel, including consideration of traffic, weather conditions and loading and unloading requirements. Loads will be properly distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We recognise our duty to protect customers and members of the public during our work. When operating at customer premises, staff will assess access routes, stairs, lifts and doorways to identify and manage hazards.
Where necessary, staff will use warning signs, verbal instructions or temporary barriers to manage risks to others in the area. Care will be taken to keep walkways clear, avoid trip hazards from packaging or equipment and minimise noise and disruption.
Equipment and PPE
Suitable equipment will be provided to assist with safe moving and handling, including trolleys, blankets and securing straps. All equipment will be inspected regularly and taken out of use if found to be defective.
Where required, personal protective equipment such as gloves or protective footwear will be provided and must be used in accordance with instructions. PPE is considered a last line of defence and does not replace the need for safe working systems and risk control measures.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will provide appropriate health and safety training to all staff, both at induction and during their ongoing employment. Training will cover topics such as manual handling, vehicle safety, accident reporting, and safe working in and around customer properties.
Information about specific jobs, including known hazards at particular addresses or sites, will be shared with staff before work begins. Adequate supervision will be provided, particularly for new or inexperienced workers.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported to the responsible person as soon as possible. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify patterns and opportunities for improvement.
Emergency procedures will be in place for vehicle breakdowns, road traffic incidents, fire, injuries and other unforeseen events. Staff will be briefed on what to do in an emergency, including how to obtain medical assistance and how to secure the scene safely.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise that the physical nature of removals work can be demanding. Workers are encouraged to report any health issues that may affect their ability to perform tasks safely, especially where heavy lifting and driving are involved.
Workers must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on duty. Any prescribed medication that could impair driving or lifting capability must be discussed with a manager so that duties can be adjusted where necessary.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when there are changes in operations, legislation or best practice. Feedback from workers and customers is welcomed and will be considered as part of our effort to improve safety standards.
By working together, following agreed procedures and maintaining a strong safety culture, Man with Van West Ealing aims to provide reliable removal and transportation services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.
