Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Ruislip Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Ruislip is committed to providing removal and transport services in a way that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our customers, our team members, and the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with moving, loading, transporting, and unloading goods.
Policy Aims and Scope
This policy applies to all activities carried out by Man with Van Ruislip, including but not limited to domestic removals, small office moves, furniture collection and delivery, and related loading and unloading tasks. Our aims are to prevent injury, protect property, minimise disruption, and conduct all work in a responsible and professional manner.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man with Van Ruislip is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and regularly reviewing this Health and Safety Policy. We will:
Ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into all planning and operational decisions for removal work.
Provide suitable information, instructions, and guidance to all staff and contractors so they can carry out their work safely.
Assess risks associated with our services and put appropriate control measures in place.
Review incidents, near misses, and feedback in order to continually improve our standards.
Allocate appropriate time and resources to support safe working practices, including the safe operation of our vehicles.
Employee and Contractor Responsibilities
All staff and contractors working with Man with Van Ruislip must:
Take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others affected by their actions.
Follow all safety instructions, training, and site-specific rules provided by the company or by the customer.
Use equipment, vehicles, and lifting aids correctly and report any defects or faults immediately.
Report all incidents, accidents, near misses, and hazards so that appropriate action can be taken.
Refrain from working while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that could impair their ability to work safely.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before starting any removal job, Man with Van Ruislip will, as far as reasonably practicable, assess the risks associated with the task. This may involve identifying potential hazards at collection and delivery points, such as narrow staircases, uneven surfaces, restricted access, or adverse weather conditions.
Where significant risks are identified, our team will plan the job with appropriate control measures, which may include the use of additional staff, specialist equipment, or alternative loading and unloading techniques. The safety of our team and customers takes priority over speed or convenience.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Many of our services involve lifting and carrying items such as furniture, boxes, and appliances. To reduce the risk of back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders, we will:
Encourage safe lifting methods, including team lifts for heavy or awkward items and the use of trolleys or other aids where appropriate.
Avoid manual handling of loads that are excessively heavy or unsafe for the team to move without mechanical assistance.
Plan routes for carrying items that avoid unnecessary twisting, reaching, or carrying over long distances where possible.
Advise customers where certain items may be unsafe to move without prior preparation, such as disconnecting appliances or dismantling large furniture.
Vehicle Safety and Loading
Our vehicles are operated and loaded with safety as a priority. Man with Van Ruislip will:
Ensure that vehicles are roadworthy, appropriately maintained, and suitable for the type of load being transported.
Secure items in the vehicle to prevent movement during transport, reducing the risk of damage or injury when unloading.
Load vehicles within their safe working limits and comply with relevant road safety requirements.
Drive in a manner that is considerate, lawful, and consistent with safe operation in residential and commercial areas.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working at customer premises or in public areas, our team will act to safeguard the public and minimise disruption. This may include:
Positioning vehicles safely and legally to avoid blocking access routes, emergency exits, or busy walkways.
Using safe routes for carrying items, avoiding placing equipment or goods where they may create trip hazards.
Working considerately in shared areas such as corridors, stairwells, and communal entrances, with particular care for children, older people, and pets nearby.
Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Where appropriate, Man with Van Ruislip will provide and use suitable equipment and personal protective equipment to carry out work safely. This may include lifting straps, trolleys, protective gloves, and safety footwear. All equipment will be used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and withdrawn from use if faulty.
Housekeeping and Protection of Property
To reduce the risk of slips, trips, falls, and damage to property, our team will aim to maintain good housekeeping during each job. This includes:
Keeping walkways as clear as reasonably possible of discarded packaging, tools, and loose items.
Taking reasonable steps to protect walls, floors, doorways, and bannisters where there is a risk of accidental impact.
Advising customers where items present particular risks due to size, weight, or fragility, and discussing suitable handling arrangements.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Man with Van Ruislip is committed to ensuring that those who carry out removal work on our behalf are competent and informed. We will provide appropriate guidance on safe lifting, vehicle loading, and hazard awareness relevant to our services. Less experienced staff will be supervised or supported by more experienced colleagues where required.
Incident Reporting and Policy Review
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and concerns related to health and safety must be reported to management as soon as possible. These reports will be reviewed so that we can learn from them and implement improvements where needed.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and may be updated to reflect changes in our services, working practices, or legal requirements. The updated policy will be made available to staff, contractors, and customers on request.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Man with Van Ruislip recognises that maintaining high standards of health and safety is an ongoing process. By regularly assessing risks, listening to feedback, and adapting our methods, we aim to deliver removal services that are not only efficient and reliable, but also safe for everyone involved.
