Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Maida Hill Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Maida Hill is committed to providing a safe, healthy and professional removal service for our workers, customers, members of the public and anyone affected by our activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety during domestic and commercial moves, transport, loading and unloading of goods, and related services.

Policy Aims and Scope

The aim of this Health and Safety Policy is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment. It applies to all people working on behalf of Man With a Van Maida Hill, including drivers, porters, subcontractors and temporary workers, and to all services we deliver to customers, including collection, delivery, packing assistance and handling of furniture and personal effects.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for providing clear instructions, training and supervision to ensure that work is carried out safely. We will:

Identify and assess risks associated with removal work, transport and manual handling tasks. Implement control measures to remove or reduce risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Ensure vehicles and equipment are selected, maintained and used safely. Provide appropriate information, instruction and guidance on health and safety procedures. Review this policy regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation or best practice. Cooperate with regulatory bodies and follow relevant health and safety regulations and industry guidance.

Employee Responsibilities

Everyone working for Man With a Van Maida Hill has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others. Workers must:

Follow the training and instructions given for lifting, loading, driving and using equipment. Use any equipment or protective items provided in a safe and proper way. Report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions or damaged equipment at the earliest opportunity. Cooperate with management on health and safety matters and take part in any required training. Refrain from horseplay, misuse of equipment or unsafe shortcuts that could place people or property at risk.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before work is carried out, we consider the specific requirements of each move to identify potential hazards and plan safe systems of work. This may include assessing access routes, stairs, lifts, parking arrangements, loading areas, weather conditions and the size, weight and nature of items to be moved. Where risks are identified, we will put in place suitable control measures, such as additional staff, special equipment, adjusted timings or revised methods of work.

Safe Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of any removal service, so we place strong emphasis on safe lifting and carrying. Our approach includes:

Encouraging the use of mechanical aids such as trolleys and dollies where appropriate. Planning lifts to avoid twisting, overreaching or carrying loads that are too heavy or awkward. Team lifting for large or heavy items such as sofas, wardrobes and appliances. Keeping pathways clear to prevent slips, trips and falls during loading and unloading. Training workers to recognise their own physical limits and to request assistance when needed.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

We are committed to operating our vehicles safely and responsibly in all service areas. Drivers are required to comply with traffic laws and to follow our safe driving procedures, including:

Carrying out basic pre-use checks on the vehicle and reporting any defects. Ensuring loads are evenly distributed and properly secured to prevent movement during transit. Parking and positioning vehicles so that loading and unloading can be carried out safely and with minimal disruption. Never driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that might impair ability to drive safely. Adapting driving style to weather, traffic and road conditions.

Equipment and Housekeeping

All equipment used in connection with removal work must be suitable for the task and kept in good condition. We aim to maintain a tidy and organised working environment by:

Inspecting straps, blankets, trolleys and other items and taking defective equipment out of use. Keeping walkways, stairs and doorways as clear as possible while work is in progress. Stacking items in vehicles and in properties in a stable, secure manner to avoid collapse or damage. Handling fragile, sharp or hazardous items with particular care and using appropriate packaging where necessary.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise that physical and mental wellbeing are essential to safe working. Workers are expected to present themselves fit for duty and to inform management of any health condition that may affect their ability to undertake certain tasks safely. Adequate breaks, hydration and rest are encouraged, especially during demanding moves or in hot or cold weather conditions.

Customer and Public Safety

We take reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours and members of the public from risks arising from our activities. This may include:

Advising customers to keep children, pets and unnecessary visitors away from work areas. Using safe routes through properties and common areas to minimise disruption. Taking care to protect floors, walls and fixtures from damage where practicable. Being mindful of noise, access and any impact on shared spaces or public pathways.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported to management. We will investigate incidents to identify causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Workers must familiarise themselves with emergency arrangements for the locations they work in, including fire exits and assembly points. In the event of serious injury or danger, work must stop immediately and emergency services contacted if required.

Training, Review and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to ongoing improvement in health and safety performance. Training will be provided to ensure that workers understand this policy and can carry out their duties safely. This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains appropriate to the size and nature of our business and to the changing needs of our customers and service areas.

By working together and following this Health and Safety Policy, Man With a Van Maida Hill aims to deliver a reliable, efficient and safe removal service for every customer.