Man With a Van Streatham Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Streatham is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety for our team members, customers, visitors and the general public. This policy sets out how we manage health and safety risks associated with our removal and transport services, including domestic moves, small office relocations and collection and delivery work.

Policy Statement

Our aim is to operate a safe and healthy working environment wherever our services are delivered, whether in customers homes, business premises, public areas or on the road. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment arising from our activities.

This policy applies to all employees, casual workers, contractors and anyone working under the direction of Man With a Van Streatham.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for providing clear leadership on health and safety matters and ensuring that appropriate arrangements, resources and training are in place. This includes:

Ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice for removal and transport services.

Carrying out and reviewing risk assessments for key tasks, such as lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, working in customer premises and handling bulky or awkward items.

Providing and maintaining suitable vehicles, equipment and tools in safe working condition, including regular checks and servicing.

Ensuring staff are competent to carry out their duties safely through induction, instruction, supervision and ongoing training.

Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Reviewing this policy periodically and updating it when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, operations or identified risks.

Employee Responsibilities

All staff and workers have a legal and moral duty to safeguard their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes:

Following all health and safety instructions, procedures and safe systems of work provided by Man With a Van Streatham.

Using vehicles, trolleys, straps, ramps and other equipment in the correct manner and only for their intended purpose.

Wearing any personal protective equipment provided, such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing, as required by the task or environment.

Reporting accidents, near misses, hazards, vehicle defects and unsafe conditions to management as soon as reasonably possible.

Not carrying out tasks for which they have not been trained or which they consider unsafe without first seeking guidance.

Refraining from working under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair safe performance.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our main activities, including home removals, flat moves, small office moves and single-item collections. These assessments are used to develop safe working practices that reduce the likelihood of injury and damage. Typical control measures include:

Planning each job in advance, considering access routes, parking, loading areas, time of day and any known hazards at the property or site.

Using team lifting techniques and mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and lifting straps to minimise manual handling risks.

Assessing each item before lifting to consider its weight, shape, stability and route to be taken, avoiding unnecessary twisting, reaching or carrying over long distances.

Ensuring goods are loaded securely in the van, with appropriate use of blankets, straps and restraints to prevent movement during transit.

Taking extra care when moving items in stairwells, narrow corridors, communal entrances and shared car parks.

Adjusting working methods in adverse weather or low light conditions to maintain safe access and visibility.

Vehicle and Driver Safety

Safe driving and vehicle operation are central to our work. Man With a Van Streatham will:

Ensure that only competent and appropriately licensed drivers operate our vehicles.

Maintain vehicles in a roadworthy condition, including regular checks on brakes, tyres, lights, mirrors and load securing points.

Plan routes that are suitable for the size and weight of our vehicles and allow adequate time for safe travel.

Advise drivers to comply with speed limits, parking regulations and relevant road traffic rules at all times.

Discourage the use of mobile phones while driving, except through safe, hands-free methods where legally permitted.

Encourage drivers to take regular breaks and avoid excessive working hours that could lead to fatigue.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise that our work often takes place in homes, blocks of flats, offices, shops and on public roads. To protect customers, neighbours, visitors and the public, we will:

Conduct a visual check on arrival to identify access issues, trip hazards, fragile surfaces and any restrictions on lifting or loading.

Keep access routes as clear as reasonably practicable and avoid blocking fire exits, communal corridors or emergency routes.

Use warning signs or verbal warnings where necessary when moving large items through shared or busy areas.

Handle customers belongings with care to avoid damage and ensure items are placed safely in their new location.

Respect household rules and building regulations, including noise considerations and permitted loading times where applicable.

Health, Welfare and Training

We recognise that physical and mental wellbeing are essential for safe working in the removals sector. Man With a Van Streatham will:

Provide information and guidance on safe lifting techniques, posture and the importance of warming up before strenuous activity.

Offer training on hazard awareness in domestic and commercial environments, including working in confined spaces and at different floor levels.

Encourage staff to speak up about workload pressures, fatigue or any health condition that could affect their ability to work safely.

Promote a culture where health and safety concerns are welcomed and addressed without blame.

Continuous Improvement

Man With a Van Streatham is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We will review our procedures, learn from experience on each move and involve staff in suggesting better and safer ways of working. By doing so, we aim to provide reliable, careful and safe removal and transport services throughout our operating area.