Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Sanderstead

Man with Van Sanderstead is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers 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 domestic and commercial moves, loading and unloading, driving, and work at customers premises.

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and incidents on every job we undertake. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice, and we will review this policy regularly to ensure it remains effective and up to date.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety policy and for ensuring that suitable arrangements, procedures and resources are in place. This includes providing appropriate training, supervision and equipment so that work can be carried out safely and efficiently.

We will identify significant hazards associated with our removal operations, assess the risks, and introduce control measures to eliminate or minimise these risks as far as is reasonably practicable. Management will also investigate any accidents, incidents or near misses with the aim of preventing recurrence.

Employee Responsibilities

Every worker engaged by Man with Van Sanderstead, whether permanent, temporary or self-employed, has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and cooperate fully with management in implementing this policy.

Employees are required to report hazards, defects, accidents and near misses as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. No one should undertake any task for which they have not been trained or which they believe to be unsafe. Workers have the right to stop work if they reasonably believe there is a serious and imminent danger.

Safe Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents significant risks of strains, sprains and other musculoskeletal injuries. We will train our staff in safe lifting techniques, including assessing the load, planning the route, using team lifts for heavy or awkward items and avoiding twisting movements while carrying.

Where reasonably practicable, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies or lifting straps will be used to reduce manual effort. Heavy or bulky items such as appliances, furniture and equipment will be moved by sufficient numbers of workers to ensure safe handling. Staff are not permitted to move items that exceed agreed safe weight limits or that present uncontrolled risks to themselves or others.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

The safe operation of our vans is essential to protect drivers, passengers, customers and other road users. Vehicles will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular checks of tyres, brakes, lights and securing points. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws, and operate vehicles in a considerate and defensive manner.

Loads will be distributed evenly and secured to prevent movement during transit. Overloading is strictly prohibited. Drivers must not drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substances that impair their ability to drive safely. Rest breaks will be planned into work schedules to help reduce the risk of fatigue.

Working Safely at Customer Premises

Our teams often work in and around customers homes, offices and shared spaces. On arrival, staff will assess the work area for hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, cramped stairways, low ceilings, blocked access routes and other potential risks.

We will take reasonable steps to manage these risks, which may include using floor protection, communicating with customers about safe access routes, and reorganising the work area to maintain clear walkways. Staff will take care to avoid damage to property and will use appropriate methods when handling fragile or high-value items.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Any tools or equipment used during removals will be suitable for the task, in good condition and maintained regularly. Staff will receive instruction on the safe use of any specialised equipment. Defective tools or equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Where necessary, appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing will be provided and must be worn as instructed. PPE does not replace safe systems of work but is used to further reduce the risk of injury.

Housekeeping and Safe Access

Good housekeeping is essential to maintaining safe working conditions. Work areas, including loading zones and access routes, must be kept as clear and tidy as reasonably practicable. Packaging materials, tools and waste will be removed promptly to reduce trip hazards.

Cables, ramps and any temporary equipment will be positioned to minimise risk and clearly visible to staff and others nearby. Where necessary, warning signs or verbal instructions will be used to alert people to potential dangers.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

Moving and handling work can be physically demanding. We expect staff to present for work in a fit state, free from the effects of alcohol or drugs, and able to carry out their duties safely. Any pre-existing health conditions that may affect safe working should be reported in confidence so that suitable adjustments can be considered.

We support an open culture where employees can raise concerns about work-related stress, fatigue or any other health issues that might compromise safety. Adequate rest breaks and access to drinking water will be provided during longer jobs or periods of hot weather.

Training, Information and Supervision

We recognise that competent and informed workers are essential for safe operations. Man with Van Sanderstead will provide appropriate induction and ongoing training covering manual handling, vehicle safety, incident reporting, use of equipment and general safe working practices.

Supervision will be provided in proportion to the level of risk and the experience of staff. New workers or those new to a particular type of task will receive closer guidance until they demonstrate the required competence. Safety instructions will be communicated clearly to all team members before and during each job.

Accident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, injuries, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported as soon as possible to management. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify patterns or areas where additional controls or training may be required.

We are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance. Lessons learned from incidents, feedback from staff and customers, and changes in legislation or best practice will be taken into account when reviewing our procedures and this policy.

Policy Review and Communication

This Health and Safety policy is communicated to all employees and is available to customers and interested parties on request. It will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or to relevant legislation, to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our removal and transport services.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Man with Van Sanderstead aims to deliver a professional, reliable and safe removal service throughout our service area.