Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Welling Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Welling is committed to providing a safe, healthy and controlled working environment for our customers, staff and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow while carrying out removals, collections, deliveries and related services in homes, offices and commercial premises across our service area.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and property damage by identifying and managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods. We comply with applicable health and safety legislation and continually seek to improve our practices through regular review, training and communication.

Responsibilities

The company is responsible for ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place to manage health and safety risks during all removal and transport activities. This includes providing safe equipment, information, instruction, supervision and training for staff.

All workers, whether permanent, temporary or subcontracted, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate with any health and safety instructions given by supervisors or management.

Customers also have an important role in safety. We request that access routes are kept clear, parking and loading areas are made available where possible, and any known hazards within the property or premises are disclosed to our team before or on arrival.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before or on arrival at a property, our staff assess the working environment to identify potential hazards, such as restricted access routes, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, heavy or awkward items and environmental conditions. Where risks are identified, appropriate control measures are put in place, which may include using additional equipment, adjusting the moving plan, or refusing to move items deemed unsafe.

We follow safe manual handling techniques for lifting and moving goods. Staff are trained not to exceed safe weight limits, to ask for assistance with heavy or bulky items, and to make use of trolleys, straps and other aids where available. Items are loaded and secured in the van to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of damage or injury.

Vehicle and Equipment Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular inspections and servicing in line with legal requirements and best practice. Any defects that may affect safety are reported immediately and rectified before the vehicle is used for removals work.

Equipment such as trolleys, blankets, tools, straps and protective covers is checked regularly for damage or wear. Faulty or unsafe equipment is taken out of service until repaired or replaced. Staff are instructed to use equipment only for its intended purpose and in accordance with training and guidance.

Customer and Public Safety

During loading and unloading, we aim to minimise disruption and maintain safe access for customers, visitors and members of the public. We plan vehicle positioning, use safe lifting routes and, where necessary, temporarily restrict access to certain areas while heavy or awkward items are being moved.

We take particular care in shared spaces such as pavements, corridors, car parks and entrances to ensure that our work does not create unnecessary risks. Our team will politely advise anyone nearby when potentially hazardous operations are in progress, such as moving large furniture through tight spaces or along stairs.

Working in Homes and Business Premises

When working in residential properties, our staff act with respect and care, ensuring that belongings, fixtures and fittings are handled safely. Protective measures, such as using covers on floors and bannisters, are used where appropriate to reduce the risk of slips, trips and damage.

In business premises, we cooperate with any existing site safety rules, induction requirements or access controls. We liaise with site representatives to plan safe routes for moving items, schedule work to reduce disruption and follow any special safety instructions relevant to the premises.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff are provided with information and instruction on health and safety matters relevant to their role. This includes training in manual handling, safe loading and unloading, vehicle safety, use of equipment and customer interaction. New workers receive induction training and are supervised until they can work safely and competently.

We encourage open communication about safety. Staff are expected to ask for guidance where they are unsure about any aspect of their work and to report hazards, near misses and incidents so that corrective action can be taken.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses that occur during our work must be reported to management as soon as possible. Details are recorded, investigated and used to identify root causes and implement preventive measures. Where required, incidents are reported to relevant authorities in line with legal obligations.

We treat every incident as an opportunity to learn and improve our health and safety performance. Feedback from customers regarding safety concerns is also welcomed and will be taken seriously.

Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

We recognise that the physical nature of removals work requires staff to be fit for the tasks they perform. Workers are expected to inform management if they have any medical conditions or injuries that may affect their ability to work safely. Suitable adjustments or alternative duties will be considered where necessary.

The use of drugs or alcohol that could impair judgement or physical ability is strictly prohibited during working hours and when representing the company. Anyone suspected of being unfit for work for these reasons will be removed from duties immediately.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, working practices or our service area. We are committed to improving our safety performance through ongoing monitoring, staff consultation and learning from experience.

By choosing Man With a Van Welling, customers can be confident that health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver every removal, whether a small local move or a larger home or office relocation.