Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Goodmayes

Man with Van Goodmayes is committed to conducting all removal and transport activities in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our customers, our workers, and the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading, driving, and on-site work at properties and premises within our service area.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe situations by identifying and controlling hazards associated with moving, handling and transporting goods. We aim to provide a consistently safe and professional man and van and removal service by integrating health and safety considerations into everyday operations and decision-making.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Goodmayes rests with management, who ensure that appropriate procedures, training and equipment are in place. They are responsible for reviewing this policy, setting safety standards, and making sure those standards are implemented during all moves and deliveries.

All workers, including drivers, porters and any subcontractors, are required to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. They must follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate fully with this policy and any associated procedures.

Customers also have a role in safety by providing clear access, informing us of any special risks at their property, ensuring children and pets are kept away from loading areas, and not asking staff to undertake unsafe tasks.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We assess the risks associated with our activities, including lifting and carrying, use of vehicles, working in confined or cluttered spaces, and operating in residential and commercial environments. These assessments inform our methods of work and the equipment we select for each job.

Before or on arrival at each site, our staff consider the specific conditions, such as parking arrangements, access routes, stairways, lifts, lighting, floor surfaces, and any restrictions. Where necessary, we adapt our approach, request alternative arrangements or refuse to carry out activities we believe cannot be undertaken safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal and man and van services. To minimise the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries, we:

Provide guidance and instruction on correct lifting techniques, including team lifting for heavy or awkward items.

Use equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys, straps and blankets where appropriate.

Plan the route before moving items, ensuring obstacles are removed where possible and that there is adequate space and lighting.

Refuse to move items that exceed safe handling limits or cannot be moved safely due to access constraints or structural concerns.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

We recognise that safe driving is essential to protecting our workers and other road users. Our approach includes:

Ensuring drivers are competent, hold the appropriate driving licence and are familiar with the vehicle they are using.

Carrying out regular checks on vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy, clean and suitable for the planned work.

Loading vehicles securely so that items cannot move unexpectedly during transit, while maintaining safe weight distribution and staying within legal limits.

Encouraging safe driving practices, allowing sufficient journey time, and avoiding unnecessary time pressure that could compromise safety.

Working at Customer Premises

Our teams often work inside homes, offices and other premises. To keep everyone safe on site, we:

Maintain clear walkways where practical and keep exits unobstructed.

Use caution on staircases, balconies and near fragile surfaces such as glass panels or weak flooring.

Take care to protect floors, walls and doorways using appropriate coverings, pads and blankets where required.

Avoid unsafe practices such as standing on furniture, overreaching, or lifting large items above shoulder height without adequate support.

Coordinate with customers on the movement of people through the property to avoid collisions or trips in busy areas.

Equipment, PPE and Maintenance

We provide and maintain suitable equipment to support safe working, including moving aids, tools and protective materials. Where appropriate, staff are supplied with personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety footwear, and are instructed in its correct use.

Equipment is checked regularly and removed from use if damaged or defective. Vehicles are maintained in line with recommended schedules, and any faults discovered during checks are reported promptly and rectified before the vehicle is used for work.

Training, Information and Supervision

We ensure that all workers receive appropriate information and instruction relevant to their role. This can include induction on company procedures, safe lifting and handling techniques, correct use of equipment, and site-specific safety requirements.

New staff are supervised and supported until they demonstrate the required level of competence. We encourage workers to speak up about any uncertainties or concerns so that further guidance or training can be provided.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences are to be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. We keep records of such events and, where needed, carry out investigations to identify root causes and introduce measures to prevent recurrence.

We treat accident reporting as a positive and necessary step in improving safety, not as a basis for unreasonable blame. Workers are encouraged to highlight issues and suggest improvements.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that effective health and safety management is an ongoing process. We consult with our workers about safety matters, listen to feedback from customers and staff, and adjust our methods where necessary.

This policy is reviewed regularly and updated when changes in operations, legislation, guidance or industry practice make it necessary. Each review considers our experience on recent jobs, any incidents that have occurred, and any new risks identified in our removal and man and van activities.

Policy Availability and Review

This Health and Safety Policy is available to all staff and customers. Workers are expected to familiarise themselves with its contents, and management will draw attention to any significant changes. By following this policy and working cooperatively, we aim to ensure that all moves and transport operations carried out by Man with Van Goodmayes are conducted as safely and responsibly as possible.