Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Dulwich Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Dulwich is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and procedures that guide our work across our service area.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying and managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading household and commercial items. We aim to continuously improve our health and safety performance and to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and relevant best practice for the removals industry.

Health and safety are integral to how we plan and deliver every move, from small local man and van jobs to larger house or office moves. All staff are required to follow this policy and associated procedures at all times.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for providing clear leadership on health and safety. This includes allocating suitable resources, ensuring that staff are competent for their roles, and verifying that vehicles, equipment and working methods are safe and properly maintained.

Managers will review risk assessments regularly, investigate any incidents or near misses, and implement corrective actions where needed. They will ensure that safe systems of work are in place for lifting and carrying items, using moving equipment, driving, parking and working at properties with restricted access.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee of Man with Van Dulwich has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all training and instructions, use equipment correctly, and report any hazards, defects or incidents to management without delay.

Employees must not misuse equipment, work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or engage in unsafe behaviour such as rushing jobs, ignoring manual handling guidance or overloading vehicles. Cooperation with health and safety procedures is a condition of employment.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our main activities, including domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading at kerbside, working in confined or elevated spaces, and driving in busy or restricted areas. Site-specific risks are considered for each job, taking into account access routes, parking, property layout, staircases, lifts and any fragile or heavy items.

Safe working practices are implemented based on these assessments. This includes planning the order of loading, using appropriate lifting techniques, deploying the correct number of staff for heavy or bulky items, and using moving equipment such as trolleys and straps where appropriate. When necessary, we may decline to move items that cannot be handled safely or may require specialist equipment.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removal work, and it carries a risk of strains and injuries if not managed properly. All staff receive instruction in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting for heavy or awkward items, keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting while carrying, and taking regular breaks where needed.

Only trained staff may use moving equipment such as sack trucks, dollies and ramps. Equipment is inspected regularly and is taken out of service if faulty. Staff must not improvise with unsuitable tools or attempt to move items that exceed safe weight limits or stability.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard and are inspected regularly to ensure they are roadworthy and suitable for transporting customer goods safely. Loads are secured in accordance with safe loading practices to minimise movement during transit and to reduce the risk of injury when doors are opened.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow all road traffic laws, and drive in a safe, courteous manner. They must allow sufficient time for journeys, avoid distractions while driving, and report any vehicle defects immediately. Parking for loading and unloading is planned to minimise risks to staff, customers and the public.

Customer and Public Safety

We take steps to protect customers and members of the public during our work. This includes keeping access routes as clear as reasonably possible, communicating with customers about where it is safe to walk, and avoiding leaving trip hazards such as loose packaging or equipment in walkways.

When working in shared or busy areas, our teams will take care to minimise obstruction, use safe lifting routes and remain vigilant to the presence of pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate health and safety training relevant to their duties, including induction training when they join and refresher training where needed. Topics may include manual handling, equipment use, vehicle safety, personal protective equipment and emergency procedures.

Supervisors monitor working practices on site and provide guidance to less experienced staff. Additional instruction and supervision are provided for more complex or higher risk moves, such as properties with very limited access or unusually heavy items.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be eliminated through other means, suitable personal protective equipment is provided, such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing. Staff must use this equipment correctly and look after it, reporting any damage or loss so that it can be replaced.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible so that they can be recorded, investigated and used to improve our procedures. First aid arrangements are in place, and staff are informed how to access assistance if someone is injured.

Emergency procedures for fire, road accidents or sudden illness are communicated to staff. Drivers know how to respond safely at the roadside, and teams at properties will prioritise evacuation and contacting emergency services where required.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

We monitor our health and safety performance through incident reports, feedback from staff and customers, and regular internal reviews. This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or relevant legislation, to ensure it remains current and effective.

By following this policy, Man with Van Dulwich aims to provide a reliable removals service while protecting the wellbeing of our staff, customers and the wider community.