Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Waddon

Man with Van Waddon is committed to providing a professional removal service carried out in a safe and responsible manner. This Health and Safety Policy sets out how we protect our workers, clients, members of the public and property while delivering man and van and removal services.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

We recognise that removal work involves manual handling, driving, loading, unloading and working in and around homes, offices and communal areas. We take all reasonably practicable steps to manage these risks, prevent injury, and minimise damage to property and belongings.

Health and safety is an integral part of our planning and day-to-day operations. All workers are expected to co-operate with this policy, follow safe systems of work, and report any concerns or incidents immediately.

Legal Duties and Responsibilities

Man with Van Waddon aims to comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised good practice for removal and transport operations. Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing guidance, and monitoring performance. Workers are responsible for:

Using equipment properly and safely, following instructions and training.

Taking reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Reporting hazards, near misses, accidents, damage and unsafe conditions as soon as possible.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We take a risk-based approach to our man and van services. Where appropriate, we assess the main risks associated with a job before work begins, including access, parking, carrying distances, stairs, lifts, and any unusual or heavy items.

We aim to:

Identify foreseeable hazards associated with removal activities.

Evaluate the level of risk and decide on suitable control measures.

Communicate any important safety information to workers before starting the job.

Review and adjust our approach if conditions change on site.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of removal work and can pose risks of strains, sprains and other injuries if not carried out correctly. To minimise these risks, Man with Van Waddon:

Encourages workers to assess the weight, size and shape of items before lifting or moving them.

Uses lifting aids and equipment where available and appropriate.

Promotes safe lifting techniques, including team lifts for heavier or awkward items.

Avoids unnecessary carrying by planning efficient routes to and from the vehicle.

Reserves the right to refuse to move items that are unsafe to handle with the available manpower or equipment.

Vehicles, Driving and Loading

Our vehicles are central to our man and van operations, and we take road safety and safe loading seriously. We aim to:

Keep vehicles in a roadworthy condition and ensure that routine checks are carried out.

Ensure loads are distributed safely, secured properly and do not exceed weight limits.

Plan routes, parking and loading areas with safety in mind, minimising reversing and manoeuvres in tight or busy locations where possible.

Encourage drivers to follow the Highway Code, observe speed limits and drive considerately.

Take into account adverse weather and traffic conditions that may affect journey times and safety.

Working at Customer Premises

Removal work often takes place in homes, offices and shared buildings. We are committed to working respectfully and safely in all premises. In particular, we:

Take care to avoid damage to property, fixtures and fittings while moving items.

Try to keep walkways clear to reduce the risk of trips and falls.

Use appropriate lifting and carrying methods on stairs and narrow corridors.

Take extra care around children, pets and other vulnerable people who may be present.

Respect any building rules relating to access, lifts, loading bays and noise, where these are communicated to us.

Equipment and Personal Protective Measures

We use suitable equipment to support safe removals where reasonably practicable. This may include trolleys, straps, blankets and protective covers. Workers are expected to:

Inspect equipment before use and not use anything they believe to be unsafe.

Use any personal protective equipment provided when necessary, such as gloves or high-visibility garments, particularly when working near traffic or in low light.

Store equipment safely in vehicles and on site to avoid creating hazards.

Housekeeping and Environmental Considerations

Good housekeeping helps prevent accidents and damage. During a move, we aim to:

Keep access routes as clear as reasonably possible.

Avoid leaving tools or equipment where they may cause a trip hazard.

Stack boxes and items safely to prevent them from falling.

Reduce disturbance to neighbours and building users by working tidily and disposing of any small waste generated during our activities in a responsible manner.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

Any accident, injury, near miss, property damage or vehicle incident that occurs during our work must be reported to management as soon as is practical. We will:

Record and review incidents to understand causes.

Take steps to prevent a recurrence, such as adjusting procedures, providing further guidance or improving equipment.

Cooperate with any reasonable requests for information in relation to an incident that affects a client or member of the public.

Training, Communication and Review

We recognise that health and safety performance depends on awareness and cooperation. We are committed to:

Communicating this Health and Safety Policy to all workers who carry out removal tasks.

Providing guidance and instruction on safe working methods relevant to man and van services.

Reviewing this policy periodically, and when there are significant changes to our operations, to ensure it remains suitable and effective.

Encouraging feedback from workers and customers on safety matters so that we can continually improve.

Customer Responsibilities

While Man with Van Waddon takes primary responsibility for the safety of our own work, we ask customers to help us operate safely by:

Providing accurate information about access, parking and any unusual items or conditions before the job.

Ensuring driveways and access routes are as clear as possible at the agreed time.

Keeping children and pets away from moving routes and loading areas while work is in progress.

Letting us know about any particular risks at the property, such as loose flooring, low ceilings or fragile surfaces.

Policy Review and Approval

This Health and Safety Policy reflects the current arrangements for the safe delivery of our removal and man and van services. It will be reviewed regularly and updated where required to reflect changes in our work activities, vehicles, equipment or relevant guidance.

By booking our services, clients can be assured that Man with Van Waddon is committed to handling their move with care, professionalism and a clear focus on safety for everyone involved.