Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Beckton Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Beckton is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out how we manage safety across our work, with a focus on practical measures, staff training, safe systems of work, and continuous improvement.
Purpose and Scope
This policy applies to all activities carried out by Man with Van Beckton, including domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading, packing and unpacking, driving, parking, and handling goods in and around properties and vehicles. It covers all employees, regular contractors, and any temporary or agency workers engaged by the company.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety management rests with the company management, who will ensure that appropriate resources, information, and supervision are provided. Management is responsible for:
Ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance. Implementing and reviewing risk assessments and safe systems of work. Providing and maintaining safe vehicles, equipment, and tools. Ensuring that staff receive suitable information, instruction, training, and supervision. Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses, and implementing corrective actions.
Employees at Man with Van Beckton have 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 are expected to:
Follow safety instructions, training, and company procedures at all times. Use equipment and vehicles only as trained and authorised. Report hazards, defects, and near misses promptly to management. Wear any personal protective equipment provided when required. Cooperate with management on all matters related to health and safety.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for our main activities, including manual handling, vehicle movements, working at height where applicable, and work in and around customer premises. These assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change in work practices, equipment, or legal requirements.
Before each job, staff are encouraged to carry out a dynamic on-site assessment, considering access routes, stairs, lifts, parking arrangements, weather conditions, and the nature of items being moved. Where necessary, the job plan may be adjusted to ensure safety, for example by using additional staff, specialist equipment, or alternative access routes.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of our work, and we recognise the risks of strains, sprains, and other injuries. To reduce these risks:
Staff receive training in safe lifting techniques and team handling. The weight, size, and shape of items are considered before lifting. Where possible, items are dismantled into smaller, more manageable parts. Handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, and straps are used where appropriate. Staff are instructed not to lift or carry loads they consider unsafe or beyond their physical capability.
All equipment, including trolleys, blankets, straps, ramps, and tools, is inspected regularly and maintained in good condition. Faulty or damaged equipment is removed from use and reported to management.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to our removal services and are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks and servicing are carried out in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers are expected to complete basic pre-use checks, such as lights, tyres, mirrors, and load security, before starting work.
Drivers must follow all road traffic laws, drive considerately, and adjust their driving according to weather and traffic conditions. Loads are secured appropriately to prevent movement and damage during transit. Parking and unloading are planned to minimise risk to staff, customers, and the public, especially in busy residential or commercial areas.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We take care to protect customer premises and ensure the safety of anyone present while we are working. This includes:
Planning access routes to avoid trip hazards and damage. Using protective coverings where appropriate to protect floors and surfaces. Keeping doorways, stairs, and walkways as clear as possible. Communicating with customers and others on site about any temporary hazards. Taking extra care in communal areas, shared entrances, and public spaces.
Where work may create short-term hazards, such as obstructed access or moving heavy items through narrow spaces, our team will proceed slowly and with clear communication to reduce risks.
Training, Communication, and Consultation
Man with Van Beckton provides staff with training appropriate to their roles, including induction training, manual handling, vehicle safety, and the correct use of equipment. Refresher training is arranged as needed, and new procedures or equipment are supported with relevant instruction.
We encourage open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggestions, or observations with management at any time. Health and safety matters may be discussed in team meetings or briefings, particularly when changes to working practices are planned.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses, damage to property, and significant safety concerns must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. Incidents are recorded and reviewed to identify underlying causes and to prevent recurrence.
Staff are briefed on basic emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, or road traffic incidents. Where work takes place at customer sites, our team will cooperate with any on-site emergency arrangements and follow any reasonable safety instructions given.
Health, Wellbeing, and Fitness for Work
The physical nature of removal work requires staff to be fit for duty. Employees must not report for work under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that could impair judgement or performance. Any health condition that could affect safe working should be discussed confidentially with management so that reasonable adjustments can be considered.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, up to date, and aligned with relevant legislation and best practice for the removals and transport sector. Reviews take account of incident reports, staff feedback, changes in work activities, and any new risks identified.
Man with Van Beckton is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. By working together, we aim to provide efficient removal services while safeguarding the wellbeing of our team, our customers, and the wider community.
