Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Woolwich Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Woolwich is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our customers, staff, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with our removal and delivery services, including house moves, office moves and local transport of goods.

Policy Objectives

The objectives of this policy are to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property, and to promote safe working practices throughout all stages of our moving and transport services. We aim to identify and control hazards, provide suitable training, and ensure that all work is carried out in compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and best practice.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining effective health and safety arrangements. This includes:

Ensuring appropriate risk assessments are carried out for removal activities, loading and unloading, driving and handling of goods. Providing staff with suitable equipment, including vehicles, trolleys, lifting aids and protective clothing where required. Making sure vehicles used for removal work are roadworthy, regularly inspected and maintained. Providing ongoing training and supervision so that all staff understand their health and safety responsibilities. Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses, and taking corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and regular contractors of Man With a Van Woolwich share responsibility for working safely and protecting others. They are expected to:

Follow all company safety procedures and site rules. Use equipment, vehicles and protective gear correctly and report any defects or damage immediately. Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Report hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions promptly to management. Cooperate with any investigation, inspection or safety initiative introduced by the company.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments covering the common tasks and environments associated with removal work, including domestic properties, commercial premises, stairwells, outdoor access routes and loading areas. From these assessments we develop safe systems of work and communicate them clearly to our teams.

Where site-specific risks are identified on arrival, such as limited access, poor lighting, wet surfaces, loose flooring or obstructed routes, the team leader will review the planned work, adjust methods where necessary and, if needed, pause work until a safe solution is agreed.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a major element of our removal service, and we take steps to minimise the risk of injury. Our approach includes:

Training staff in correct lifting techniques, team lifting and use of handling equipment. Planning moves to reduce unnecessary carrying and to make best use of trolleys, skates, straps and similar aids. Assessing the weight, size and shape of items before moving them, and using additional personnel or alternative methods for heavy or awkward loads. Avoiding tasks that would require unsafe lifting, twisting or overreaching.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Drivers must hold appropriate licences and follow all road traffic laws. We promote safe, considerate driving at all times, particularly in residential streets and busy commercial areas where our services are often required.

Vehicles are inspected regularly and any defects are reported and rectified before use. Loads are secured properly to prevent shifting during transit, and doors are checked before departure. Drivers are encouraged to take appropriate breaks and to avoid driving while fatigued or unwell.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

During collections and deliveries, our teams work in a way that protects customers, neighbours and members of the public. This includes:

Keeping access routes as clear as reasonably practicable and managing trip hazards from tools, boxes and packing materials. Using safe methods when carrying items through shared hallways, staircases and entrances. Taking care to prevent damage to doors, walls, floors and fixtures when moving large or heavy items. Being alert to the presence of children, pets and vulnerable individuals and adjusting work activities as needed.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide appropriate equipment for removal tasks and ensure that it is maintained in good working order. Where risk assessments indicate that personal protective equipment is required, such as gloves, high-visibility clothing or safety footwear, staff are expected to use it correctly at all times during relevant tasks.

Training and Communication

Health and safety training is provided to all new staff and refreshed periodically. Training covers manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, hazard awareness and emergency procedures. Safety information is communicated clearly and in language that staff can understand, and further guidance is available from supervisors at any time.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, damage to property and near misses that occur during the course of our removal work must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record and review these events to identify causes and trends, and to introduce additional controls or training where required.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man With a Van Woolwich is committed to continually improving its health and safety performance. This policy is reviewed regularly, and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, equipment, legislation or industry guidance. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and used to help refine our procedures and standards.

By working together and following this Health and Safety Policy, we aim to ensure that all removal and transport activities are carried out safely, efficiently and with respect for people, property and the local community.