Man with Van Battersea Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Battersea is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting, and unloading goods for residential and commercial clients.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property during every removal or delivery. We aim to achieve this by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate control measures. Health and Safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, decision making, and day to day operations.

Management will provide the necessary resources, information, and instruction to ensure that this policy is implemented effectively and reviewed regularly. All employees are expected to cooperate fully with this policy and to take reasonable care of their own safety and the safety of others.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Man with Van Battersea will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance relating to transport, manual handling, workplace safety, and road safety. Management holds overall responsibility for Health and Safety within the business, including setting standards, monitoring performance, and reviewing procedures.

Every employee is responsible for:

Following safe systems of work and company procedures.

Using equipment and vehicles in a safe and responsible manner.

Reporting hazards, accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions without delay.

Attending training sessions and applying the skills learned.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting any removal or delivery job, our team considers potential hazards related to the property layout, access routes, parking arrangements, volume and type of items, and any special requirements. Where necessary, a risk assessment is carried out to identify suitable control measures.

Control measures may include planning safe lifting routes, using suitable equipment, limiting load weights, adjusting staffing levels, and agreeing practical timeframes with customers to avoid rushing and unsafe behaviour. Our teams are instructed not to proceed with work if conditions present unacceptable risks, such as unsafe access, severe obstructions, or hazardous materials outside our competence.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a key element of our removal services. To minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, staff are trained in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including maintaining good posture, keeping loads close to the body, and avoiding sudden twisting movements. Team members are instructed to seek assistance when handling heavy or awkward items and to use handling aids whenever appropriate.

We encourage realistic assessment of what can be lifted safely. No employee is required to lift or carry a load if they believe it to be unsafe. Customers are also informed, where appropriate, of any limitations relating to the size, weight, or condition of items that can be moved safely.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition, subject to regular checks and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and follow all road traffic laws, including speed limits and parking regulations. Loads are secured properly to prevent movement or damage during transit, and doors and ramps are checked before departure.

Drivers are expected to plan routes that support safe and efficient travel within our service area, taking into account local restrictions, traffic conditions, and access limitations. The use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving is strictly prohibited unless used legally with hands free equipment and without compromising safety.

Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment

Where appropriate, our teams use removal equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, ramps, and blankets to protect both people and property. All equipment is inspected regularly for damage and taken out of service if defects are identified. Staff are instructed in the correct use, storage, and transportation of equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment may be provided where required by the task or environment, such as gloves or protective footwear. Employees must use any provided protective equipment as instructed and report any damage or need for replacement.

Work Environment and Customer Premises

We recognise that most of our work takes place in homes, offices, and other client premises. Our staff will take reasonable steps to keep access routes clear, reduce trip hazards, and maintain good housekeeping throughout the job. This includes careful positioning of boxes, tools, and equipment and promptly dealing with spillages or debris.

Customers are requested to inform us in advance of any known hazards or restrictions at the property, such as fragile surfaces, low ceilings, narrow staircases, or shared access. Cooperation between our staff and customers is essential for maintaining a safe environment for everyone present.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Employees receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their roles, including manual handling, safe use of equipment, basic hazard awareness, and incident reporting. Supervisors and experienced staff provide guidance to new team members and monitor work practices on site.

Where jobs involve unusual risks or specialist requirements, additional instructions and briefings are provided before work begins. Staff are encouraged to ask questions and raise any concerns if they are unsure about a task or safety procedure.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible, regardless of severity. Accurate reporting allows us to investigate incidents, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Where necessary, incidents may be recorded in formal accident records, and medical attention will be sought without delay. We promote a no blame culture that encourages open reporting and learning from experience rather than hiding mistakes.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are changes in legislation, industry standards, or the nature of our services. Feedback from staff and customers is taken into account to improve our procedures and working practices.

By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Battersea aims to provide safe, efficient, and reliable removal services for all clients within our operating area.