Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Shoreditch Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Shoreditch is committed to providing removal and transport services in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of our workers, customers, members of the public and anyone else who may be affected by our operations. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and working practices we follow when carrying out house moves, flat moves, office removals and related transport services.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise that moving and handling furniture, appliances, boxes and other items involves inherent risks. Our objective is to minimise those risks through planning, training, supervision and the correct use of equipment. We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health and damage to property by maintaining high standards of health and safety at all times.

We comply with relevant health and safety legislation applicable to our work and strive for continuous improvement in our safety performance. This policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our services, the law or best practice.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Shoreditch rests with the business owner or appointed manager. They are responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented, that suitable resources are made available, and that safe systems of work are developed and followed.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day monitoring of safety standards, communicating procedures to workers and checking that agreed controls are in place on every job.

All workers, including drivers, porters and temporary staff, are required to:

Follow health and safety procedures, safe lifting guidance and instructions from supervisors.

Use the equipment provided in a safe and appropriate manner.

Report hazards, incidents, near misses, injuries and unsafe conditions promptly.

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before each removal or transport job, we assess the main risks associated with the work. This includes considering access routes, stairways, parking arrangements, loading areas, weather conditions, the nature of the items to be moved and any known customer vulnerabilities.

Where necessary, a site visit or detailed discussion is carried out in advance to identify potential hazards such as restricted access, fragile structures, heavy or awkward items, and shared entrances. Control measures may include additional staff, specialist equipment, altered routes, or revised timings to reduce risk.

Safe Manual Handling

Manual handling is a core part of our removal operations and is treated as a key safety priority. We aim to eliminate or reduce heavy lifting wherever possible through planning and mechanical aids. Our procedures include:

Assessing the weight and shape of items before lifting.

Using trolleys, dollies, sliders, straps and similar aids where practicable.

Ensuring team lifting is used for heavy or bulky items.

Keeping walkways clear of trip hazards during loading and unloading.

Workers are instructed in safe lifting techniques, including posture, grip, load positioning and communication between team members when carrying items together.

Vehicles, Loading and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and checked regularly. Drivers must hold a valid licence for the type of vehicle they operate and follow all road safety and parking rules.

When loading and unloading vehicles, we ensure that:

Loads are distributed evenly and secured to prevent movement in transit.

Heavy items are stored low and close to the vehicle floor where possible.

Protective coverings are used to prevent damage and reduce slipping hazards.

Loading areas are kept as clear as reasonably practicable and are cordoned off where necessary to protect pedestrians and other road users.

Drivers must not operate vehicles if they are unfit to drive due to fatigue, illness, medication, alcohol or any other impairment.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide appropriate equipment to support safe removals, including lifting aids, securing straps, blankets and protective materials. Equipment is inspected regularly and removed from use if damaged or unsafe.

Personal protective equipment is provided where required by risk assessment. This may include gloves, suitable footwear with good grip and protective clothing. Workers are responsible for using such equipment correctly and reporting defects.

Customer and Public Safety

We take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of customers, neighbours and members of the public while we are working. This includes maintaining clear access routes where possible, managing traffic around our vehicles and communicating any temporary restrictions or hazards.

Where lifting or moving activities take place in communal areas or shared entrances, we take particular care to minimise obstruction, keep noise at reasonable levels and protect surrounding fixtures and fittings from damage.

Training, Information and Supervision

All workers receive information and guidance on our health and safety arrangements, including manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle loading and emergency procedures. Training needs are reviewed regularly and whenever there are changes to our operations.

New staff or contractors are supervised until they are familiar with our procedures and are considered competent for the tasks they are assigned.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses that occur during our work must be reported as soon as possible to the responsible person on site. Details are recorded, investigated where appropriate, and actions are taken to prevent recurrence.

We encourage open reporting of safety concerns and do not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who raise health and safety issues in good faith.

Review of Policy

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant to the nature and scale of our removal and man and van services. We also review it following any significant incident, change in operations or update in legal requirements. Updated versions are communicated to all workers so that health and safety remains an integral part of every job we undertake.