Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Tooting

Man with Van Tooting is committed to conducting all removal and transport activities in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our customers, members of the public, our drivers and our removal teams. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading and transporting goods and belongings.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We aim to provide removal services that are safe, efficient and professionally managed. We take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm during our work. Health and safety considerations are central to how we plan and deliver every move, whether for homes, flats, offices or other premises within our service area.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management of Man with Van Tooting. Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate procedures, resources and equipment are in place so that removal activities can be carried out safely and in line with relevant legislation and guidance.

Every team member has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff are required to follow our safety procedures, use provided equipment correctly, report hazards or near misses, and cooperate fully with any training or instruction given.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before starting a removal or delivery job, we assess the potential risks associated with the premises, the route, and the items being moved. Where appropriate, we carry out site-specific assessments to identify hazards such as restricted access, stairs, uneven surfaces, poor lighting or heavy and awkward items.

Our teams plan the move to minimise risks, which may include choosing appropriate lifting methods, deciding on the number of operatives required, determining the safest loading sequence, and agreeing safe vehicle parking positions. If conditions on arrival differ significantly from the information provided, the team will reassess and adapt the plan or seek further guidance before proceeding.

Manual Handling and Safe Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of our removal work. To reduce the risk of injury, staff receive training in safe lifting and carrying techniques. We emphasise the importance of evaluating the weight and shape of each item, assessing the path of travel, and asking for assistance or using handling equipment when necessary.

Where practical, we use aids such as trolleys, skates and straps to minimise manual effort and help protect both people and property. Team members are instructed not to attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their capability or that cannot be moved safely under the conditions present.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are selected and maintained to support safe removals and secure transport of goods. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and operate vehicles in a responsible and considerate manner at all times.

Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and items are arranged in the vehicle to reduce the risk of damage or shifting. Drivers and crews are required to observe safe loading limits, park in suitable locations, and use hazard warnings when necessary to protect themselves and other road users.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility not only to our staff but also to customers, building occupants and members of the public who may be near our work. Our teams take care to minimise obstruction in communal areas, walkways and entrances. Where appropriate, we will cordon off work areas or clearly indicate where people should not pass during loading or unloading.

Particular care is taken in shared buildings, busy streets and residential areas. Team members aim to keep noise, disturbance and potential trip hazards to a minimum, promptly clearing packing materials and equipment when each stage of the work is complete.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Gear

We provide tools and equipment that are suitable for removal work and take steps to ensure that they are in good working order. Staff are instructed to inspect equipment before use and to report any defects immediately so that the equipment can be repaired or taken out of service.

Where the work requires, we provide and use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, high-visibility clothing and safety footwear. The choice of protective gear depends on the task, location and any specific risks identified during planning or on-site assessment.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff involved in removal and driving activities receive training appropriate to their role. This may cover safe lifting, loading and securing, use of equipment, safe driving, customer care, and emergency procedures. Training is refreshed periodically and whenever work methods or legal requirements change.

New staff are supervised and supported by more experienced team members until they are competent to work independently. We encourage open communication about health and safety matters so that concerns can be raised and addressed quickly.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of damage or loss are recorded and, where necessary, investigated. The purpose of any investigation is to understand what happened, identify root causes, and implement improvements to prevent recurrence.

Where required, incidents will be reported to the appropriate authorities in line with legal requirements. Lessons learned from incidents are shared with staff and may lead to updated procedures, additional training or changes to equipment.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Tooting is committed to continually improving its health and safety performance. We review our procedures, training and risk assessments regularly and whenever there are changes in the nature of our work, vehicles, equipment or legislation.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains suitable, effective and relevant to our removal services and areas of operation. Revisions will be communicated to all staff so that they understand their responsibilities and the standards expected.

By working together and following this policy, we aim to provide a professional removal service that protects people, property and the communities in which we operate.