Man and Van Westminster Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Westminster is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, 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, handling, loading, transportation, and delivery of goods.

We recognise that professional removals and man and van services involve manual handling, vehicle operations, and working in a variety of domestic and commercial environments. We take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property while delivering an efficient and reliable service.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our core health and safety objectives are to:

Prevent injury and ill-health arising from our removal and transport operations.

Identify, assess, and control health and safety risks associated with our work activities.

Provide safe equipment, vehicles, and systems of work for all tasks.

Ensure all employees receive appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision.

Promote a positive safety culture in which health and safety responsibilities are clearly understood and respected.

Continually review and improve our health and safety performance.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man and Van Westminster is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety considerations are integrated into day-to-day decision making. This includes:

Carrying out and reviewing risk assessments for typical removal and transport activities.

Providing and maintaining vehicles, tools, lifting aids, and other equipment in safe working condition.

Ensuring that safe systems of work are developed, communicated, and followed by staff.

Allocating sufficient resources for health and safety measures, training, and equipment.

Investigating incidents, near misses, and reported hazards and taking corrective action.

Reviewing this policy periodically and whenever there are significant changes in operations.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees are expected to:

Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and guidance provided by the company.

Use equipment, lifting aids, and vehicles only as trained and for their intended purpose.

Report accidents, near misses, hazards, and safety concerns to management without delay.

Wear any personal protective equipment provided, where relevant to the task.

Cooperate fully with health and safety investigations, risk assessments, and training initiatives.

Refrain from operating company vehicles or carrying out physical work while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that could impair performance or judgment.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct risk assessments for our core man and van and removal activities, such as loading and unloading vehicles, carrying furniture and boxes, operating in stairwells and confined spaces, and travelling between locations. Control measures are identified and implemented to reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable.

Safe working practices may include, but are not limited to:

Planning each removal job in advance, considering access routes, parking, and potential hazards.

Using team lifting techniques and mechanical aids where appropriate to reduce manual handling risks.

Ensuring loads are packed, lifted, carried, and placed in a way that protects both the worker and the item.

Maintaining clear walkways and keeping work areas tidy to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

Securing items safely in the vehicle to prevent movement during transport.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling forms a significant part of our activities. To protect staff and customers, Man and Van Westminster:

Provides instruction and training in safe lifting, carrying, and handling techniques.

Assesses the weight, shape, and stability of each item before it is moved.

Encourages staff to refuse unsafe lifts and request assistance or lifting aids where necessary.

Promotes the use of trolleys, straps, and other handling equipment wherever possible.

Requires staff to take regular breaks during heavy work to reduce fatigue and strain.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our removal services and must be operated safely at all times. We are committed to:

Maintaining all vehicles in a roadworthy condition and carrying out regular checks and servicing.

Ensuring that only authorised and competent drivers operate company vehicles.

Loading vehicles within their safe working limits and distributing loads evenly.

Securing furniture and goods to prevent shifting or falling during transit.

Promoting courteous, defensive driving and compliance with road traffic laws and speed limits.

Encouraging drivers to plan routes that allow sufficient time, minimise stress, and avoid unnecessary risks.

Client Premises and Public Safety

Our work often takes place in and around client homes, offices, and public areas. To protect our customers and the public, we:

Take care to minimise disruption, noise, and obstruction while carrying out work.

Position vehicles and equipment so that entrances, pavements, and access routes remain as safe as possible.

Use caution when moving large items through doorways, corridors, and staircases.

Protect floors, walls, and fixtures where feasible to avoid damage and reduce trip hazards.

Remain alert to the presence of children, pets, and vulnerable individuals on site.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We ensure that staff engaged in removal and transport work receive suitable training and supervision. This includes:

Induction training on core health and safety rules and company procedures.

Job-specific training on manual handling, packing, loading, and vehicle operation.

Ongoing briefings on new risks, equipment, or changes to work methods.

Regular monitoring of working practices to ensure procedures are being followed.

Accident, Incident, and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as reasonably possible. This enables us to:

Provide appropriate support and, where necessary, medical attention.

Record details in our internal records.

Investigate causes and identify any lessons learned.

Implement corrective or preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Continuous Improvement

Man and Van Westminster is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety. We regularly review our procedures, equipment, and training in light of operational experience, feedback from staff and clients, and any changes in legislation or best practice.

This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to all employees and is available to customers and other interested parties on request. By working together and taking health and safety seriously, we aim to deliver a professional, reliable, and safe man and van and removals service across our operating area.