Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Woodside Park

Man with Van Woodside Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in all aspects of our man and van and removals operations.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise that moving homes, offices and belongings involves physical work, vehicle use, lifting and handling, and access to different types of premises. To manage these risks, we aim to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe situations by planning our work carefully, training our staff, and continually improving our standards.

Health and safety is an integral part of how we operate, not an add-on. Every removal job, from small local moves to larger property clearances, must be carried out with safety as a priority.

Legal Duties and Responsibilities

Man with Van Woodside Park is committed to complying with all relevant health and safety laws, regulations and recognised industry guidance. We will keep our procedures under review and adapt them where legislation or best practice standards change.

Management is responsible for putting in place safe systems of work, providing appropriate equipment and ensuring workers receive suitable information, instruction and training. Workers are responsible for following safe working practices, using equipment correctly and reporting hazards or concerns without delay.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all workers engaged by Man with Van Woodside Park, including full-time and part-time staff, subcontractors and temporary workers involved in lifting, loading, driving or handling customer goods. It covers work carried out in our vehicles, at customers' homes and premises, and at any other location where we are providing removal or transport services.

Risk Assessment and Planning

We will identify and assess the risks associated with our removal and man and van activities. This includes, but is not limited to, manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting aids, loading and unloading vehicles, driving and parking at collection and delivery points, work in confined or cluttered spaces, and working on stairs or in buildings with restricted access.

Where necessary, we will carry out site-specific assessments, particularly for complex moves or where there are known hazards such as difficult access, heavy items, fragile goods or shared access routes. Control measures will then be implemented, and workers will be briefed before work begins.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removal work and a major focus of our health and safety arrangements. We will:

Provide training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifts for heavier items. Make use of handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps and furniture blankets where appropriate. Plan lifting routes to avoid unnecessary carrying, uneven ground and trip hazards. Ensure workers do not attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their capability or cannot be moved safely.

All handling equipment will be maintained in good working order and inspected regularly. Defective equipment must be removed from service and reported immediately.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our man and van services and must be operated safely at all times. We will ensure that vehicles are regularly serviced and maintained, that loads are distributed and secured correctly, and that doors and ramps are used in a safe manner when loading and unloading.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence for the vehicle they are using and must follow all road traffic rules. They are expected to drive courteously and safely, adjust to weather and traffic conditions, and avoid unnecessary risk when parking, reversing or manoeuvring near customers' properties and public areas.

Working at Customers' Premises

Every property and site is different. Before starting work, workers should familiarise themselves with access points, stairways, corridors, lifts, external steps and any shared areas. Hazards such as loose carpets, clutter, low ceilings, narrow doorways, wet floors or poor lighting should be noted and, where possible, controlled.

Walkways should be kept clear of packing materials and tools. Where necessary, floor protection and corner protection may be used to reduce damage and create a safer environment for both workers and customers. Children, pets and other household members should be kept away from active loading areas whenever possible.

Protective Clothing and Personal Safety

Where the work or conditions require it, we will provide appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear and high-visibility clothing. Workers are expected to use this equipment correctly and to look after it. Any damage or loss should be reported.

Workers must not undertake tasks for which they are not trained, and they must not work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair judgement or reaction times.

Housekeeping and Control of Hazards

Good housekeeping is central to safe removal work. We will aim to keep working areas tidy, avoid trailing cables where possible, and stack items securely in vehicles and properties. Heavy or bulky items will be placed in stable positions where they cannot fall or cause obstruction.

During loading and unloading, care will be taken to prevent blocking exits, fire routes or access for emergency services. Any spills, breakages or sharp objects will be dealt with promptly and safely.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, damage to property and significant near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will record and investigate these events to understand what happened and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Where appropriate, we will review our risk assessments and working methods in response to incidents, and we will communicate any changes or lessons learned to the workforce.

Training, Communication and Supervision

We will provide induction and ongoing training covering safe lifting, vehicle use, hazard awareness, use of equipment and emergency procedures. Supervisors and team leaders will monitor working practices to ensure that safety standards are being followed.

Workers are encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns and to suggest improvements. Open communication about risks and safe practice is essential to maintaining a safe working culture.

Review of this Policy

This health and safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations, legal requirements or industry best practice. A current version will always be available to workers and customers on request.

By following this policy, Man with Van Woodside Park aims to deliver reliable removal and man and van services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our work.