Man with Van Tooting Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Tooting is committed to maintaining the highest practical standards of health, safety and welfare for our customers, employees, subcontractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy applies to all removal and transportation activities carried out by our business, whether domestic or commercial, and covers work at clients premises, on the road and at any temporary storage locations.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying and controlling risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, unloading and transporting goods. We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice, and we will continuously improve our procedures as our services and operations develop.

All staff are required to co-operate fully with this policy, follow safety instructions and take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Tooting is responsible for implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety Policy and for providing suitable resources to ensure it is effective. This includes:

Assessing risks associated with our removal activities and putting in place appropriate control measures. Ensuring vehicles, equipment and tools are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Providing appropriate training, information and instruction to staff and permitted subcontractors. Monitoring performance, investigating accidents and near misses, and updating procedures where necessary. Promoting a positive safety culture across the company and leading by example in all operations.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and working partners have a duty to:

Work safely and follow all safety instructions, training and procedures. Use vehicles, equipment and protective aids correctly and report any defects immediately. Avoid taking shortcuts that could compromise safety during lifting, carrying, loading, unloading or driving. Report hazards, accidents, incidents or near misses to management without delay. Show consideration for customers, colleagues, pedestrians and other road users at all times.

Failure to follow reasonable health and safety requirements may result in disciplinary action and, where appropriate, may be reported to relevant authorities.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including manual handling, working in confined or shared spaces, stair carries, vehicle loading and unloading, parking and accessing properties in busy streets, and use of moving equipment. These assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change to our services, equipment or working environment.

Safe working practices are implemented through clear instructions and training for staff. This includes agreeing access routes with customers, planning the order of loading and unloading, using appropriate lifting techniques, and ensuring adequate manpower or equipment is available for heavy or awkward items.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a major part of removal work and a key focus of our safety approach. Our staff are trained to:

Assess the weight, shape and stability of items before moving them. Use correct posture and team lifts to reduce strain and risk of injury. Use trolleys, dollies, blankets, straps and other aids where suitable. Avoid carrying loads that are too heavy or difficult to handle safely. Protect customer premises and public areas by using covers and by taking care on stairs, narrow hallways and shared access routes.

All equipment used for lifting, moving and securing goods is inspected regularly and replaced when worn or defective.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers are responsible for completing pre-use checks and reporting any defects. Loads are secured appropriately to prevent movement during transit and to avoid injury, damage or instability.

Drivers must follow road traffic laws, drive courteously and adjust their driving to suit weather, traffic and road conditions. Fatigue management is taken seriously and drivers are expected to take suitable rest breaks, plan routes sensibly and avoid distractions when driving.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard customers, neighbours and the general public during our work. At each job, the team will consider access points, parking locations, shared entrances and common areas to minimise disruption and risks. Where necessary, staff will use cones, barriers or verbal warnings to mark loading areas or to highlight potential trip hazards such as ramps, steps or trailing equipment.

Care is taken to avoid blocking fire exits, walkways or emergency access routes. Staff are instructed to be courteous and co-operative with building managers, neighbours and any officials present.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive induction training covering our Health and Safety Policy, safe lifting techniques, vehicle safety, customer care and emergency procedures. Additional instruction is given where specialist items are being moved, such as pianos or large appliances.

Supervision is provided on jobs to ensure procedures are followed, especially where new or inexperienced staff are involved. Training needs are reviewed regularly and refresher training is provided whenever required.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, injuries, near misses and damage to property must be reported to management as soon as possible, regardless of how minor they may appear. This enables us to investigate thoroughly, learn from events and improve our working methods.

In the event of an emergency, the safety of people is always the first priority. Staff are instructed to call emergency services where necessary, make the area safe, provide basic assistance within their competence and inform management and the customer without delay.

Review and Policy Communication

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our removal operations. Updates may be made to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, equipment, work practices or organisational structure.

The policy is communicated to all staff and is available to customers on request. By working together to follow these principles, Man with Van Tooting aims to deliver safe, efficient and reliable removal services throughout our operating area.