Man with Van Chadwell Heath Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Chadwell Heath is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, visitors, 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 home and office removals, loading and unloading, driving, and on-site operations.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We recognise our duty of care under relevant health and safety legislation and good industry practice. Our commitments include:

Identifying, assessing, and controlling risks associated with lifting, carrying, driving, and operating equipment during moves. Providing appropriate information, instruction, and training to employees so that work is carried out safely and competently. Maintaining vehicles, tools, and equipment in a safe condition. Encouraging a culture where safety concerns are reported promptly and dealt with effectively. Continuously reviewing and improving our health and safety performance.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Chadwell Heath rests with management, who will ensure that appropriate resources and procedures are in place. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring day-to-day compliance with this policy at jobs and during journeys.

Every employee and contractor has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff must follow instructions, work in accordance with training received, and report any hazards, accidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Risk assessments are undertaken for our core activities, including packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and moving items within properties. These assessments consider risks such as manual handling, trips and falls, property damage, and vehicle operations.

Safe systems of work are established on the basis of these assessments and include guidelines for team lifting, use of handling aids such as trolleys, safe stacking of goods, and route planning to minimise hazards. Staff are expected to follow these procedures at all times and to adapt them sensibly where site conditions require additional caution.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a key part of our removal services and is managed carefully to prevent injury. We train staff in correct lifting techniques, use of team lifts for heavy or bulky items, and the importance of assessing the weight and stability of items before moving them.

Where possible, mechanical aids and equipment such as dollies, straps, and ramps are used to reduce strain on workers. No employee is required to lift or move any item that they believe to be unsafe or beyond their capability. Items that are unusually heavy or awkward will be planned and managed with additional staff, equipment, or alternative methods.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition through regular checks and servicing. Drivers must complete basic safety inspections before use, including tyres, lights, mirrors, and securing equipment in the load area.

All driving must comply with road traffic laws and internal guidelines regarding speed, parking, and loading. Loads must be secured properly to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must not drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that impairs their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Customer and Public Safety

We take care to protect customers, neighbours, and members of the public while carrying out removals. Access routes will be kept as clear as reasonably practicable, and where necessary, warning will be given when large or heavy items are being moved through shared or public spaces.

Our teams will avoid blocking exits, emergency routes, or shared corridors for longer than is necessary. Care is taken to protect flooring, fixtures, and property to minimise trip hazards and environmental risks.

Use of Equipment and Protective Gear

Where appropriate, staff are provided with suitable equipment and protective gear, such as gloves, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear. All equipment is to be used only for its intended purpose and in accordance with training and instructions.

Any defective or damaged equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported so that repair or replacement can be arranged. Staff must not modify or misuse any equipment or remove safety features.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We ensure that employees receive adequate health and safety training relevant to their roles. This includes induction training, manual handling instruction, safe driving guidance, and refreshers when requirements or best practices change.

New or inexperienced employees are supervised closely until they demonstrate the competence to work independently. Safety instructions are provided clearly and reinforced through ongoing communication and toolbox talks where necessary.

Incidents, Accidents, and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, property damage, and near misses that occur during our operations must be reported as soon as possible. Details are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and to prevent recurrence.

Employees are encouraged to report hazards or concerns without fear of blame, and we treat all reports seriously. Corrective actions may include additional training, changes to procedures, or improvements in equipment.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the importance of the general health and welfare of our staff. Work schedules are planned so as far as is reasonably practicable to avoid excessive fatigue, particularly for drivers and those undertaking physically demanding tasks.

Employees must inform management if they are unfit for work due to illness, injury, or any condition that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. We will consider reasonable adjustments where possible to support a safe return to work.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains suitable and effective for our moving and transport operations. Reviews take into account changes in legislation, industry guidance, operational practices, and feedback from staff and customers.

Man with Van Chadwell Heath is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and to promoting a positive safety culture throughout the company.