Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Stockwell

Man with Van Stockwell is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our customers, our team members, and anyone who may be affected by our removal and moving services. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, including loading, unloading, packing, transportation, and on-site handling of goods.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property during all stages of a move. We aim to comply with all relevant health and safety laws and recognised best practice guidance for the removals industry. We continually review our processes to minimise risks associated with manual handling, vehicle use, working in and around properties, and interacting with the public.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Stockwell is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes ensuring that appropriate safety procedures are in place, that staff are trained and supervised, and that equipment and vehicles are suitable for the work undertaken. Management will review this policy regularly to ensure it remains effective and reflects current working practices and legal requirements.

We are responsible for providing our team with safe vehicles, suitable work equipment, and the necessary information and instructions to carry out their tasks safely. Any reported hazards, incidents, or near misses will be investigated and addressed promptly.

Employee Responsibilities

Every member of our team 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 must follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and cooperate with management to ensure a safe working environment.

Employees are required to:

Report any accidents, incidents, injuries, near misses, or unsafe conditions immediately to management. Use protective equipment and handling aids provided. Follow safe lifting techniques and manual handling guidance at all times. Drive and operate vehicles responsibly, following road safety standards and company procedures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before carrying out removal work, we assess the potential risks at the collection and delivery locations. This may include reviewing access routes, stairs, lifts, parking arrangements, loading and unloading points, and any particular hazards such as low ceilings, uneven surfaces, or restricted spaces.

Where possible, we plan the move to reduce manual handling risks, avoid unnecessary lifting, and use appropriate equipment such as trolleys, straps, and blankets to move and protect items safely. If conditions at a property present an unacceptable risk to staff or others, work may be paused or adjusted until adequate safety measures can be put in place.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key element of our work, and we take particular care to reduce the risk of strain or injury. Staff receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, team lifting for heavy or awkward items, and the correct use of handling equipment.

We encourage our team to:

Assess the weight and shape of items before lifting. Ask for assistance or use equipment for heavy or bulky objects. Keep loads close to the body and avoid twisting while carrying. Take regular breaks when moving large volumes of items.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard, with regular checks on brakes, lights, tyres, and securing mechanisms to ensure safe transportation of goods. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and follow all road traffic regulations.

Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and items are arranged to minimise the risk of damage or injury when doors are opened. Drivers are required to plan routes safely, park considerately near properties, and take extra care in residential areas and busy streets.

Customer and Public Safety

We take care to protect customers, neighbours, and members of the public while carrying out our services. This includes careful positioning of vehicles to avoid obstruction, keeping pathways and access routes as clear as possible, and using safe lifting and carrying methods in shared or public areas.

Customers are requested to keep children and pets away from loading and unloading areas and to inform us of any known risks at their property, such as loose steps, damaged flooring, or other hazards that could impact safe working.

Equipment and Property Protection

To protect both our team and customers property, we use suitable equipment such as blankets, straps, and trolleys. We take care when moving items through doorways, stairways, and communal areas to prevent damage and reduce the risk of trips and falls.

Any defects in equipment are reported immediately and the equipment taken out of use until repaired or replaced. We do not use makeshift tools or unsafe methods to move goods.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate induction and ongoing instruction in safe working practices relevant to their role. This includes manual handling techniques, vehicle safety, use of equipment, and site-specific risk awareness. New staff work under supervision until they are competent to perform tasks safely.

We provide clear information on each job, including any known access issues or special handling requirements, so that team members can prepare and work safely from arrival to completion.

Accidents, Incidents and First Aid

All accidents, incidents, injuries, and near misses that occur during our removal work must be reported and recorded. This helps us to identify trends, take corrective action, and improve our procedures. Where appropriate, we will review risk assessments and update training or working methods in response.

Basic first aid provisions are made available in our vehicles or on site, and staff are encouraged to seek medical attention where needed.

Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Stockwell is committed to continuously improving health and safety performance. We monitor our activities, listen to feedback from staff and customers, and adjust our processes and procedures as required. This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice, or company operations.

By following this Health and Safety policy, we aim to deliver reliable, professional removal services while protecting everyone involved in or affected by our work.