Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Willesden
Man with Van Willesden is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for our customers, our workers and the wider public while we carry out removals and transport services. This Health and Safety Policy explains the principles, responsibilities and procedures that guide the way we plan and deliver our work.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property during all removal and delivery activities. We aim to identify and control risks associated with manual handling, loading and unloading, driving, parking, and working in and around homes, offices and other premises.
We will continually review and improve our working practices so that our services remain safe, efficient and professional across our operating area.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes planning work in a safe manner, providing guidance and instructions, ensuring that suitable equipment is available, and monitoring compliance with agreed procedures.
We will ensure that all workers understand their responsibilities, receive appropriate information about safe working methods and are encouraged to report any hazards, near misses or incidents so they can be addressed promptly.
Worker Responsibilities
All workers carrying out services for Man with Van Willesden must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of anyone who may be affected by their actions. They are required to follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly and cooperate with all instructions relating to safety.
Workers must report hazards, defects, unsafe conditions or incidents immediately so that appropriate action can be taken. They must never undertake work that they believe to be unsafe or beyond their physical capability and must seek guidance where necessary.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before and during each job, we assess the potential risks related to the premises, access routes, stairways, lifts, parking positions and any particular items to be moved. Particular attention is given to heavy, bulky, fragile or awkwardly shaped items, as well as any time constraints that might increase risk.
Where hazards are identified, steps will be taken to remove, reduce or control the risks. This may include using additional staff, adjusting the route, disassembling items, using appropriate lifting aids or declining to move items where a safe method cannot be identified.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our removal services, and we take particular care to protect workers and customers from lifting-related injuries. Workers are instructed to use correct lifting techniques, keep loads close to the body, avoid twisting, and share loads between team members whenever necessary.
We avoid exceeding safe weight limits for individuals. For heavier items, we will use team lifts or mechanical aids where available. If an item is assessed as too heavy or dangerous to move safely, we reserve the right to refuse or modify the task to protect everyone involved.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
We use vans, trolleys, blankets, straps and other equipment to carry out removals safely and securely. All equipment must be used properly and inspected regularly for defects. Any damaged or unsafe equipment will be taken out of use until repaired or replaced.
Vehicles will be loaded safely and securely with loads properly balanced and restrained to prevent movement in transit. Drivers must comply with road traffic laws and drive in a responsible manner suited to the conditions, cargo and environment. Only authorised and competent drivers may operate our vehicles.
Customer and Public Safety
We plan our work to minimise disruption and risk to customers, neighbours and members of the public. During loading and unloading, we will keep access routes as clear as reasonably practicable and take care when carrying items through shared areas, entrances and pavements.
Where possible, we will identify and agree safe access points with customers in advance, including lift use, stair access and parking positions. We may ask customers and others to stay clear of certain areas while heavy or bulky items are being moved to reduce the chance of accidents.
Household, Office and Property Protection
We take reasonable steps to protect floors, walls, doors and fixtures while working in properties. Workers are instructed to move carefully, avoid dragging items, and use protective measures where appropriate. Any damage or near misses will be recorded and reviewed so that we can improve our procedures and reduce the chance of recurrence.
Hazardous Conditions and Weather
Work will be planned with regard to current conditions such as lighting, wet or slippery surfaces, narrow stairways and external steps. In adverse weather such as heavy rain, snow or ice, we may adjust our working methods, slow down operations, or rearrange the work where conditions make the job unsafe.
We will not knowingly allow workers to operate in conditions where there is a serious and uncontrolled risk to health and safety.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide workers with information about safe lifting techniques, vehicle loading, working on stairs, use of trolleys and dealing with fragile or high-value items. New team members are briefed on our expectations and procedures before they work unsupervised.
Supervision and on-the-job guidance are used to maintain standards and to support workers in making safe decisions during complex or challenging jobs.
Incident Reporting and Policy Review
All accidents, injuries, damage and significant near misses will be recorded and investigated to understand the causes and introduce improvements. This helps us to refine our risk assessments, training and everyday working methods.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, relevant guidance or legislation. Our goal is to ensure that health and safety remains central to how we deliver removal services and support our customers.
