Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Belsize Park Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Belsize Park is committed to providing safe, reliable and professional removal services for all customers. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to protecting our staff, customers, members of the public and any third parties who may be affected by our work. Safety is an essential part of every service we provide, from single-item moves to full household and office removals.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property by planning and carrying out all work in a safe and responsible manner. Our objectives include:

Identifying and controlling hazards associated with lifting, loading, driving and working in and around properties. Providing staff with appropriate information, instruction and training. Maintaining vehicles and equipment in a safe and roadworthy condition. Encouraging clear communication with customers to ensure safe access and preparation. Complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Belsize Park is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety is integrated into day-to-day operations. This includes:

Carrying out and reviewing risk assessments for typical removal and delivery tasks. Supplying suitable equipment such as trolleys, straps and protective covers. Ensuring vehicles are maintained, inspected and cleaned regularly. Providing staff with guidance on safe systems of work and manual handling. Monitoring performance and investigating any incidents, near misses or complaints related to safety.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working with Man with Van Belsize Park share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. They are required to:

Follow all safety instructions, training and company procedures. Use lifting and moving techniques that reduce the risk of strain or injury. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for removal work. Check vehicles and equipment before use and report any defects immediately. Keep work areas, entrances and pathways as clear as reasonably possible. Report accidents, injuries or dangerous situations to management without delay.

Customer Responsibilities

We ask customers to support safe working practices when using our removal services. To help us work safely and efficiently, customers should:

Ensure suitable access to the property, including clear routes for carrying items. Inform us in advance about heavy, awkward or fragile items that may require special handling. Keep children and pets away from areas where lifting, loading or unloading is taking place. Ensure that parking arrangements for the vehicle are legal, safe and as close to the property as possible. Notify us of any hazards at the collection or delivery address, such as loose flooring, limited lighting, narrow staircases or structural issues.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before and during each job, our team considers the risks associated with the specific property, items and access. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the work method, team size or equipment. Key considerations include:

Weight, size and shape of items to be moved. Condition and stability of furniture or appliances. Number of floors, type of stairs and presence of lifts. Weather conditions that may affect loading and access. Appropriate use of lifting aids such as trolleys and sliders.

Where a task is assessed as unsafe or beyond the capability of the available staff or equipment, activities may be stopped or altered until a safer solution is found.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is central to removal work and carries a risk of injury if not managed properly. Our staff are required to:

Plan each lift before starting, considering route, balance and grip. Lift with controlled movement, keeping loads close to the body where possible. Avoid sudden twisting or overreaching while carrying items. Ask for assistance when an item is too heavy or awkward for one person. Use team lifting techniques where the load requires more than one handler.

Vehicle Safety and Driving

All driving and vehicle operations are carried out with consideration for road safety and the security of goods being transported. Our drivers must:

Hold a valid licence appropriate for the vehicle being driven. Check tyres, lights, mirrors and securing points before departure. Load vehicles so that weight is distributed safely and goods are secured against movement. Obey speed limits and drive with care, allowing extra time and distance when carrying heavy or delicate loads. Park legally and in a way that minimises risks to pedestrians and other road users.

Equipment and Protective Measures

Man with Van Belsize Park uses suitable equipment to reduce risk and protect property. This may include removal blankets, straps, dollies, sack trucks and corner protectors. Staff are instructed to:

Use the right tool or equipment for the task. Inspect equipment before use and remove defective items from service. Store equipment safely in vehicles to avoid damage and trip hazards. Take reasonable care to protect walls, floors, doors and fixtures while moving goods.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, property damage and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record these events, investigate causes and take corrective action to prevent recurrence. Where appropriate, customers may be asked for information to help clarify events and improve our procedures.

Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

Removal work can be physically demanding. Staff are expected to attend work fit for duty, not under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that could impair judgment or performance. Any health conditions that may affect safe working should be reported confidentially so that reasonable adjustments can be considered.

Training and Continuous Improvement

We provide ongoing guidance to our team on safe working methods, manual handling and customer care. This policy is reviewed periodically and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice or operational needs. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

Policy Scope and Review

This Health and Safety Policy applies to all activities carried out by Man with Van Belsize Park, including local and longer-distance removals, deliveries and collections. It forms part of our overall commitment to quality, reliability and professionalism. The policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to the services we provide.