Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Upper Norwood

Man with Van Upper Norwood is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with transport, lifting, moving, packing and operating within homes, offices and other premises in our service area.

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and avoidable disruption to our customers. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and good industry practice, and we will continually seek to improve our standards.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all employees and self-employed contractors working under the control of Man with Van Upper Norwood, whether engaged in removals, deliveries, packing, loading, driving, administration, or supervision. It covers work carried out at customer locations, on the road, in any storage or parking areas we use, and at any other places where our work activities might create risks.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Upper Norwood is responsible for providing and maintaining safe systems of work and a working environment that minimises risks. This includes:

Ensuring that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning, pricing and scheduling of removals and related services. Providing appropriate training, information and instruction to workers so they can carry out tasks safely and competently. Supplying suitable equipment, vehicles and protective gear, and ensuring that they are regularly inspected, maintained and used correctly. Conducting and reviewing risk assessments for typical and non-standard moving tasks, and implementing control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level. Investigating incidents, near misses and complaints related to health and safety, and taking corrective action where issues are identified.

Employee and Contractor Responsibilities

Every person working for Man with Van Upper Norwood 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 safe working procedures, training and instructions at all times. Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment properly and not misuse or interfere with anything provided for safety purposes. Report hazards, incidents, near misses, unsafe conditions or defective equipment to management without delay. Cooperate fully with health and safety measures, including risk assessments, vehicle checks and site specific instructions. Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any condition that could impair safe working or safe driving.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before undertaking removal or delivery work, we assess the likely risks associated with the job. This may include access restrictions, parking arrangements, weight and size of items, stairs and lifts, weather conditions and any particular customer requirements.

Where necessary, we will plan additional resources, equipment or time to complete the work safely. If, on arrival at a location, conditions are significantly different from those described, our team may reassess whether the job can be done safely and may adjust the method of work or, in extreme cases, decline to proceed until risks can be controlled.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Lifting and carrying heavy or awkward items is a core part of removal work. To minimise the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries, Man with Van Upper Norwood:

Trains workers in safe manual handling techniques, including team lifting, use of trolleys and proper body positioning. Encourages staff to assess the load and route before lifting, and to refuse any lift that they believe cannot be carried out safely. Provides suitable handling aids where reasonably practicable, such as sack barrows, straps, blankets and sliders. Requires staff to avoid rushing, overreaching, twisting while lifting, or carrying items up or down stairs that are clearly beyond safe limits.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our service. To ensure safe transport of goods and the safety of the public, we will:

Keep vehicles in a roadworthy condition, subject to routine checks, servicing and inspections. Ensure drivers hold appropriate licences and are competent to operate the vehicles they are assigned. Require drivers to carry out pre-use checks, including tyres, lights, mirrors and securing points. Secure loads properly using suitable restraints, so that items do not move during transit or become a hazard on opening doors. Encourage safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits, legal driving hours and consideration for other road users.

Customer Premises and Site Safety

Our teams frequently work in domestic and commercial premises that are not under our control. To manage risks in these varied environments, we will:

Ask customers to keep access routes clear, ensure adequate lighting and advise us in advance of any known hazards such as damaged steps or loose flooring. Take reasonable steps to protect floors, walls and doorways from damage during moves, using covers or pads as appropriate. Avoid blocking fire exits, corridors or shared access for longer than necessary, and keep passageways as clear as possible while working. Use extra caution when working in communal areas, high traffic zones or locations with children, pets or vulnerable persons present.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

We will provide and use appropriate tools and protective equipment suited to the tasks being undertaken. This may include gloves, protective footwear, high-visibility clothing, and moving equipment. All such equipment will be maintained in good condition and replaced when no longer fit for use. Workers are expected to wear and use issued items as instructed.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

Moving work can be physically demanding. We expect all staff to maintain a level of fitness appropriate to their role and to notify management of any health conditions that could affect their safety or the safety of others. Reasonable adjustments will be considered where possible, but no one will be required to undertake work that is unsafe for their health.

Communication, Training and Review

We provide initial and ongoing training covering manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment and general health and safety awareness. Safety information is communicated through briefings, toolbox talks and updates as required.

This policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our activities, legislation or industry best practice. Revised versions will be made available to workers and customers on request.

Customer Cooperation

We ask our customers to support our health and safety efforts by providing accurate information about the items to be moved, access conditions and any special risks at their premises. Cooperation with our team and respect for their judgment on safe working methods helps ensure that moves are completed efficiently and without avoidable incidents.

By engaging Man with Van Upper Norwood, customers acknowledge the importance of these health and safety principles and agree that our staff may adapt working methods or pause work where they believe there is a significant risk to people or property.

This Health and Safety policy underpins the way we deliver removal and man and van services, and reflects our commitment to the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our work.