Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Worcester Park Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Worcester Park is fully 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 transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow to manage risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, furniture transport and related services in our operating areas.

Policy Statement and Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Worcester Park accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and for ensuring that this policy is implemented, reviewed and maintained. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day‑to‑day application of safe systems of work, monitoring standards on site and promoting a positive safety culture.

All employees, operatives and subcontractors are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their work. They must cooperate with the company in meeting legal duties, follow training and instructions, use equipment correctly and report hazards, incidents or near misses without delay.

Legal Compliance and Continuous Improvement

Our company will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and associated guidance applicable to the removals and transport sector. We commit to monitoring regulatory changes and accepted industry best practice to ensure that our working methods remain appropriate, safe and up to date.

We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by setting realistic objectives, reviewing incident data, learning from experience on moves of all sizes, and consulting with our workforce on ways to reduce risk during loading, unloading and transit.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We undertake suitable and sufficient risk assessments for our removal activities, including survey visits, packing, lifting, carrying, loading, transportation and delivery. Where significant risks are identified, we will implement appropriate control measures and communicate them clearly to staff.

Site‑specific considerations may include access routes, parking and loading areas, stairways and lifts, confined spaces, weather conditions, fragile items and any special customer requirements. Method statements or job instructions are used where necessary to ensure consistent and safe working practices.

Manual Handling and Load Management

Manual handling is a core element of our work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed correctly. Man with Van Worcester Park provides manual handling training covering safe lifting techniques, team lifting, use of handling equipment, and awareness of personal limits.

Where reasonably practicable, we use trolleys, dollies, straps and other aids to reduce the need for heavy lifting. Items are assessed for weight, size, stability and fragility before movement. Operatives are instructed not to attempt lifts they consider unsafe and to seek assistance when necessary. We plan the loading sequence to minimise overreaching, twisting and carrying loads over long distances.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe, roadworthy condition in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Pre‑use checks are carried out by drivers, and any defects are reported and rectified before the vehicle is used on removal work.

Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence, follow safe driving techniques and comply with speed limits and traffic regulations at all times. We emphasise safe loading to maintain vehicle stability, secure loads properly and prevent movement of goods during transit. Routes are planned to minimise risk and delay while prioritising the safety of staff and other road users.

Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment and Housekeeping

We provide suitable tools and equipment for lifting, securing and protecting items, and we ensure they are inspected and used in accordance with instructions. Where risk assessment shows it to be necessary, we supply personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves or high‑visibility garments.

Good housekeeping is maintained in vehicles, storage areas and on customer premises. Walkways and access routes are kept clear of trip hazards, packaging materials and equipment are stored safely, and spillages or debris are dealt with promptly to reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive appropriate induction and job‑specific training before undertaking unsupervised work. This includes instruction on manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, emergency procedures, and customer care when working in homes and workplaces.

We provide ongoing refresher training where needed and ensure that new or young workers receive extra supervision until they are fully competent. Safety information, instructions and updates are communicated through briefings, toolbox talks and written guidance.

Welfare, Health and Wellbeing

We recognise the importance of the wellbeing of our staff in delivering safe and reliable removal services. Reasonable welfare provisions are made for workers, including access to rest breaks, drinking water and sanitary facilities during the working day.

We encourage staff to raise any concerns about fatigue, physical strain or stress. Tasks and schedules are planned, as far as reasonably practicable, to avoid excessive working hours and to allow for safe travel and rest periods.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work‑related ill health must be reported promptly to management. We investigate these events to determine root causes, identify corrective actions and prevent recurrence.

Our operatives receive guidance on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of injury, fire, traffic collisions or property damage on a removal job. Basic first aid provisions are carried in vehicles where appropriate, and staff are informed how to summon emergency services when required.

Consultation, Communication and Review

We consult with our workforce on health and safety matters, inviting suggestions for improving methods of work and discussing any issues that arise on removal projects. Feedback from customers is also considered where it highlights safety concerns or opportunities for improvement.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes occur in our activities, equipment or legal requirements. Updated versions are communicated to employees so that everyone involved in providing our man and van services understands their responsibilities in maintaining a safe working environment.