Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Bermondsey

Man With a Van Bermondsey is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, clients, visitors and members of the public affected by our removal and transport services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks during collection, loading, transit and delivery of goods.

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing sensible, proportionate control measures across our operations.

Our Health and Safety Responsibilities

The management of Man With a Van Bermondsey accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the business. We will ensure that appropriate resources, information, instruction, training and supervision are provided so that health and safety standards are maintained and continually improved.

All workers, whether full time, part time, temporary or contracted, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Everyone is expected to cooperate with the company in implementing this policy and in achieving our health and safety objectives.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will identify and assess the risks arising from our removal, delivery and transport activities. Risk assessments will be carried out for key tasks such as lifting and carrying items, loading and unloading vehicles, driving and operating equipment.

On the basis of these assessments, we will develop and implement safe systems of work that are practical, clearly communicated and regularly reviewed. Where conditions change, such as at new collection or delivery addresses, dynamic risk assessments will be carried out to ensure that any new hazards are managed effectively.

Manual Handling and Lifting Practices

Manual handling is a central part of our work and is a key focus of this policy. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries, we will:

Provide manual handling guidance and training appropriate to the work carried out.

Encourage the use of team lifts for heavy, awkward or bulky items.

Use mechanical aids such as trolleys and skates where safe and reasonably practicable.

Plan lifting tasks in advance, considering route, obstacles, access and lighting.

Workers are expected to follow safe lifting techniques, avoid unnecessary manual handling and report any difficulties or concerns relating to lifting and carrying.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our removal services and will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. We will ensure that:

Vehicles are inspected and serviced at appropriate intervals.

Pre-use checks are carried out and faults are reported promptly.

Loads are secured properly to prevent movement or shifting during transit.

Access to and from the vehicle is kept clear and safe during loading and unloading.

Drivers must hold a valid licence for the vehicle they operate, comply with road traffic laws, follow safe driving practices and report any incidents, near misses or defects without delay.

Safe Access, Egress and Site Conditions

Every effort will be made to ensure that work at collection and delivery locations is carried out safely. This includes:

Planning safe access routes for carrying items to and from the vehicle.

Minimising trip hazards such as loose cables, packaging or debris.

Working carefully on stairs, ramps and uneven surfaces.

Taking extra care in adverse weather conditions or poor lighting.

Where we identify conditions that present unacceptable risk, we will work with the client to find a safer method or, if necessary, postpone or adjust the work until it can be completed safely.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Where appropriate, we will provide suitable equipment and personal protective equipment to support safe working. This may include gloves, safety footwear, high visibility clothing and manual handling aids.

All equipment must be used in accordance with instructions and training provided. Defective tools or equipment must not be used and should be reported immediately so that they can be repaired or replaced.

Training, Information and Supervision

We will provide all workers with suitable and proportionate health and safety training relevant to their roles, including induction training for new starters and refresher training where required.

Information on safe working practices will be communicated clearly, and workers will be encouraged to raise questions or concerns. Supervision will be provided to ensure that agreed procedures are followed and that standards are maintained on each job.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near misses, however minor, must be reported as soon as practicable. This enables us to investigate, record what happened and identify any necessary corrective actions.

We will keep appropriate records of incidents and use them to monitor trends, improve our procedures and prevent reoccurrence. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with applicable regulations.

Protecting Clients, the Public and Property

We recognise our responsibility to protect clients, visitors, neighbours and members of the public who may be affected by our operations. This includes:

Planning routes to minimise disruption and obstruction.

Maintaining clear walkways and doorways during loading and unloading.

Positioning vehicles safely and considerately.

Handling clients possessions with care to prevent damage and avoid creating hazards.

Our teams will behave professionally at all times, follow reasonable site rules and take steps to ensure that our work is conducted safely and respectfully in residential and business areas.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We are committed to promoting the health and welfare of our workers. Individuals must be fit to work, not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and capable of performing the tasks required safely.

Any worker who feels unwell, overly fatigued or otherwise unable to work safely must inform their supervisor so that appropriate adjustments can be made. We will take reasonable steps to support workers with health issues and to prevent work-related ill health where possible.

Consultation, Review and Continuous Improvement

We value feedback from workers and clients on health and safety matters. Concerns, suggestions and observations will be taken seriously and considered as part of our continuous improvement process.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our work activities, legal requirements, industry standards or best practice. The latest version of the policy will be made available to workers and clients on request.

By cooperating with this policy, everyone involved with Man With a Van Bermondsey helps to maintain a safe and professional removals service for our service area.