Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Bayswater

Man with Van Bayswater is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transport and on-site work at homes, offices and commercial premises.

Policy Objectives

Our main health and safety objectives are to prevent injury, ill health and property damage during all moving and transport operations, to comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance, and to promote a culture of safety awareness and responsibility throughout the company and on every job.

We will take all reasonably practicable steps to identify hazards, assess risks and implement effective control measures to protect our staff, customers and the general public.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Bayswater holds overall responsibility for the implementation and review of this Health and Safety Policy. Management will ensure that adequate resources, information and training are provided to enable employees and contractors to carry out their work safely and competently.

Managers and supervisors will plan removal and transport activities with safety in mind, check that vehicles and equipment are suitable and maintained, provide clear instructions and ensure that risk assessments and safe systems of work are followed.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working on behalf of Man with Van Bayswater have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow all safety procedures, training and instructions provided.

Staff are required to use equipment correctly, apply safe lifting techniques, wear any personal protective equipment issued, report hazards and near misses, and stop work if they believe conditions are unsafe. Substance misuse is strictly prohibited while on duty.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including loading and unloading vehicles, manual handling of furniture and boxes, use of lifting aids, driving and parking at customer locations, and working in confined or shared spaces such as hallways and stairwells.

Where necessary, site-specific assessments will be conducted, particularly for complex jobs or where access is restricted. The findings of risk assessments will be used to establish safe systems of work that are communicated to all relevant staff before work begins.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of our work and will be managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff receive instruction in safe lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of handling equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps and blankets.

Heavy, awkward or high-value items will be assessed individually and, where appropriate, moved using additional equipment or extra personnel. Employees are instructed not to exceed safe lifting limits and to request assistance if they are unsure about the safest method of moving an item.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard and are inspected regularly. Drivers must carry out basic pre-use checks, such as tyres, lights, mirrors and load security, before each journey. Any defects must be reported immediately and the vehicle taken out of service if necessary.

Drivers are expected to follow road traffic laws, drive defensively and plan routes to minimise risks associated with traffic, loading zones and residential streets. Mobile phones must only be used in line with legal requirements and company rules. Drivers must not drive while fatigued and should take appropriate breaks on longer journeys.

Loading, Unloading and Securing Loads

Safe loading and unloading practices are essential to prevent injuries and damage to property. Loads will be distributed evenly, stacked securely and restrained using appropriate ties and securing equipment. Particular care will be taken with fragile items, sharp edges and items that may shift during transport.

Access areas and pathways at customer premises will be kept clear of trip hazards as far as is reasonably practicable. Where possible, loading and unloading will be carried out away from moving traffic and with consideration for pedestrians and neighbours.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer locations, our teams will act with care and attention to protect both people and property. This includes using suitable protective coverings where appropriate, handling items and fixtures carefully, and maintaining clear communication with customers about potential risks during the move.

We will take reasonable measures to prevent access by children, pets and members of the public to loading and unloading areas, and we will ensure that doors, gates and access routes are managed safely while work is in progress.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Bayswater will provide appropriate induction and ongoing training to ensure that employees are competent to carry out their roles safely. This may include training in manual handling, safe driving, equipment use, hazard awareness and emergency procedures.

Employees are kept informed about health and safety requirements and any updates to procedures. Supervisors and team leaders will monitor working practices on site and correct unsafe behaviour or conditions without delay.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of damage to property must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Employees will be briefed on emergency arrangements, including what to do in the event of injury, fire, road traffic collisions or other unexpected incidents. Where necessary, we will cooperate with emergency services and provide accurate information about the situation.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes to our activities, legislation or best practice. Feedback from employees, contractors and customers will be considered as part of our ongoing effort to improve safety performance.

By working together and maintaining high standards, Man with Van Bayswater aims to deliver reliable, efficient and safe moving services for all customers in our service area.