Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Fitzrovia Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Fitzrovia is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery operations. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transportation, and on-site activities within our service area.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage, and avoidable disruption by managing health and safety in a systematic and proactive way. We aim to:

Identify, assess, and control risks associated with removal and transportation work.

Provide safe systems of work, safe equipment, and appropriate protective measures.

Ensure all staff receive suitable information, instruction, and training.

Promote a positive safety culture where everyone accepts responsibility for their own safety and that of others.

Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and standards applicable to our activities.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man With a Van Fitzrovia is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring it is communicated, understood, and followed. Management will:

Conduct regular risk assessments covering lifting and carrying, loading and unloading, driving, and on-site work at customer premises.

Review and update safe working procedures based on experience, incidents, and regulatory changes.

Provide suitable equipment, including lifting aids, restraints, and protective gear appropriate to the task.

Monitor health and safety performance, investigate incidents, and take corrective action where necessary.

Consult with staff on health and safety matters and encourage feedback on potential improvements.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee and contractor working with Man With a Van Fitzrovia has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. All personnel are required to:

Follow the companys safe working procedures and instructions at all times.

Use equipment correctly and only for its intended purpose.

Wear any personal protective equipment provided when required.

Report hazards, near misses, accidents, or unsafe conditions immediately to management.

Refrain from reckless behaviour, horseplay, or any action that may put themselves or others at risk.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for removal jobs, including domestic moves, office relocations, and item transport. These assessments consider factors such as access, stairways, lifts, parking, load weight and size, time pressures, and customer-specific requirements.

Safe systems of work are implemented to manage these risks. These include:

Planning the sequence of work to minimise manual handling and reduce the need for carrying over long distances or up multiple flights of stairs.

Using lifting aids such as trolleys, straps, and ramps when appropriate.

Ensuring vehicles are parked safely, with consideration for other road users and pedestrians.

Organising loading and unloading areas to avoid obstructions and reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls.

Ensuring loads are stacked securely and do not exceed safe weight limits.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant element of removal work. To minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries:

Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting for heavier or awkward items.

Heavy, fragile, or valuable items are assessed individually, and specific handling plans are prepared where necessary.

Staff are instructed not to attempt lifts they consider unsafe and to request assistance when needed.

Only trained and authorised personnel may operate any specialist handling equipment.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our service and must be operated safely at all times. Man With a Van Fitzrovia will:

Ensure vehicles are regularly inspected, maintained, and kept roadworthy.

Check that drivers hold the appropriate licences and are medically fit to drive.

Require drivers to comply with road traffic laws, speed limits, and parking regulations.

Secure all loads properly to prevent movement during transit.

Discourage the use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving, except through safe hands-free systems where legally permitted.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams work at a variety of locations, including private homes, offices, and shared buildings. To protect customers, visitors, and the public:

Access routes are checked for hazards before work begins, and any issues are raised with the customer.

Where possible, work areas are kept clear and organised, with trip hazards such as trailing straps or packaging minimised.

Care is taken when moving items through communal spaces and entrances to avoid injury or damage.

Noise, obstruction, and disruption are kept to a minimum, especially in busy or residential areas.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Health and safety training is provided to all staff, proportionate to their role and level of responsibility. This may include:

Induction training covering company rules, emergency procedures, and general safety awareness.

Instruction in manual handling, safe loading, and securing of goods.

Guidance on working safely at customer premises and dealing with unexpected situations.

Refresher training as required to maintain skills and awareness.

Supervision is provided, particularly for new or less experienced staff, to ensure safe working practices are followed consistently.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported promptly so that they can be recorded, investigated, and used to improve safety. Man With a Van Fitzrovia will:

Maintain records of incidents and any action taken.

Ensure that first aid supplies are available in vehicles or at operational bases where applicable.

Provide staff with information on what to do in the event of an emergency, such as fire, serious injury, or road traffic collision.

Health and Safety Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains suitable, effective, and aligned with our operational practices and legal requirements. Changes may also be made following incidents, new guidance, or feedback from staff and customers.

By working together and following this policy, Man With a Van Fitzrovia aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone involved.