Man with Van Wimbledon Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Wimbledon 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 domestic and commercial removals, transportation of goods and associated services.

Our goal is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and disruption to the environment in which we operate. We will continually review and improve our health and safety practices in line with relevant legislation, industry guidance and the evolving needs of our service area.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that appropriate arrangements, resources and monitoring systems are in place.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for:

Ensuring staff are aware of and follow this policy during all removal, loading, unloading and driving activities. Providing appropriate training, instruction and supervision. Identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing suitable control measures at jobs and in vehicles. Ensuring that all equipment and vehicles used in our services are maintained in a safe condition.

All employees and contractors engaged by Man with Van Wimbledon are responsible for:

Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Following all safety procedures, training and instructions given. Using equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment properly. Reporting hazards, near misses, accidents, injuries and unsafe conditions without delay.

Risk Assessment and Planning

We will carry out risk assessments for our key activities, including household and office removals, loading and unloading vehicles, transporting goods and operating in busy streets or shared premises. These assessments will consider manual handling risks, trip and slip hazards, traffic and parking issues, working in confined spaces such as stairwells, and interaction with customers and the public.

Where a removal job presents specific risks, such as restricted access, heavy or awkward items, or unusual property layouts, additional on-site assessments will be made. Staff are required to follow any special control measures identified, such as team lifting, use of handling aids or temporary exclusion of others from work areas.

Safe Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our work and is a key focus of our safety arrangements. All team members receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, including assessing load weight and shape, planning the route, maintaining good posture and avoiding twisting movements. Employees must never attempt to lift or carry items that are too heavy or unwieldy for them.

Where possible, handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps or sliders will be used to reduce strain and risk of injury. For particularly heavy or valuable items, we will allocate additional staff or arrange specialist equipment as required. Customers are requested not to assist with heavy lifting unless specifically agreed and supervised by our staff.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Regular checks will be carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, mirrors, securing points and loading areas to ensure they remain safe and fit for purpose.

Drivers must be competent, legally entitled to drive the class of vehicle they operate and familiar with loading limits and securing methods. Loads must be evenly distributed and adequately secured to prevent movement during transit. Doors and ramps must be checked before departure and when arriving at each location.

When parking for loading or unloading, drivers will choose locations that minimise risk to staff, customers and the public, while complying with local traffic and parking regulations where reasonably practicable.

Workplace and Site Safety

During removals and deliveries, our teams will work to maintain clear, safe access routes in and around properties. Trip hazards such as trailing straps, packaging materials and loose items are to be kept to a minimum and removed promptly when no longer required.

Particular care will be taken on stairs, in narrow hallways, near glass panels and around uneven surfaces. Where necessary, staff will request that occupants and visitors stay clear of active lifting and carrying routes until tasks are completed.

Our teams will take reasonable steps to protect flooring, walls, doors and fixtures from damage, both to preserve property and reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by broken or dislodged fittings.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment will be provided where identified as necessary by risk assessment. This may include gloves for handling certain items, high-visibility clothing when working near traffic, and supportive footwear for all manual handling duties.

Employees are required to wear and use any protective equipment supplied to them and to report any loss, damage or defects to their supervisor as soon as possible.

Customer and Public Safety

Man with Van Wimbledon recognises its duty of care to customers, visitors and the general public. Our staff will work in a courteous and considerate manner, giving clear instructions when necessary to keep others away from loading areas and moving items.

We ask customers to inform us in advance of any known hazards at their premises, such as loose steps, low ceilings, obstructed access or ongoing building works, so we can plan work safely. We may refuse to carry out tasks that present unacceptable risks to health and safety.

Accidents, Incidents and First Aid

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences involving our staff, customers or the public in connection with our activities must be reported promptly to management. Details will be recorded, investigated where appropriate and used to identify improvements in our procedures and training.

Reasonable first aid arrangements will be maintained in vehicles and by designated personnel. Staff are required to seek medical attention promptly for any injury or symptoms that may affect their ability to work safely.

Training, Communication and Review

We will provide appropriate health and safety training and information to all staff, including induction training for new starters and refresher training as needed. Changes to procedures or the introduction of new equipment will be supported by suitable instruction and supervision.

This Health and Safety Policy will be communicated to employees and made available to customers on request. It will be reviewed regularly and updated in response to changes in legislation, our operations or identified areas for improvement. All staff are encouraged to contribute suggestions to enhance safe working practices within Man with Van Wimbledon.

By working together and following this policy, we aim to deliver a professional, reliable and safe removal service for everyone involved.