Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Colindale Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Colindale 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 establishes our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, transportation of goods and associated services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health through proactive planning, training and supervision. Our objectives are to identify and control risks related to lifting and carrying, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, use of equipment and working in and around customers premises. We seek continuous improvement in our safety performance and to embed safe working practices in all removal services we provide.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Colindale accepts overall responsibility for health and safety. Management will ensure that appropriate resources are provided to implement this policy, including training, equipment, time for risk assessment and supervision of work. We are responsible for setting safe systems of work, communicating procedures clearly and monitoring compliance. Management will review this policy periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or guidance affecting removal services.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and regular operatives have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear any personal protective equipment provided and report hazards, near misses, incidents or unsafe conditions immediately. No employee is expected to continue work in a situation where they believe there is a serious and imminent risk to health and safety.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Man with Van Colindale carries out risk assessments for our key activities, including house moves, office removals, loading and unloading vehicles, handling heavy or awkward items, and operating in shared access areas. These assessments identify hazards and put in place suitable control measures, such as safe lifting techniques, use of appropriate equipment, and planning of routes to minimise manual handling risks.

For each removal job, the team assesses site-specific risks including access constraints, stairs, parking arrangements, weather conditions and any special items requiring extra care. Work is planned to reduce the need for excessive lifting, twisting or carrying over long distances, and to avoid blocking exits or emergency routes in customers premises.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of our service and a primary focus of our safety management. All team members receive training in correct lifting and carrying techniques. Wherever possible, we use handling aids such as sack trucks, dollies, trolleys, moving straps and furniture blankets to minimise strain and prevent damage.

Loads are assessed for weight, size, shape and stability before movement. If an item is too heavy or bulky for safe manual handling, we will increase the team size, use specialised equipment or, where necessary, decline to move the item until a safe method can be established. Customers are asked not to assist with heavy lifting unless this has been discussed and a safe approach agreed in advance.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and operate vehicles in a courteous and responsible manner. Driving schedules are organised to avoid excessive hours and to allow for safe loading, unloading and rest periods.

Loads are secured properly before any journey. Furniture, boxes and equipment are arranged to prevent movement during transit, taking care to protect both the items and the vehicle crew. Parking and unloading areas are selected and managed with regard to the safety of staff, customers and the public, including consideration for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

Working at Customers Premises

When working in customers homes, offices or other premises, we respect the property and the safety of everyone present. Walkways are kept as clear as reasonably practicable to prevent trips and falls. Protective coverings such as floor runners or corner protectors may be used where necessary to prevent damage and reduce slip risks.

Where access involves stairs, narrow corridors, shared entrances or shared parking, our staff will plan the work to minimise disruption and hazards. We will communicate with customers about any limitations or concerns identified during the job, and if necessary adjust the plan to maintain a safe environment.

Personal Protective Equipment

Man with Van Colindale provides suitable personal protective equipment where risk assessments identify that it is required. This may include items such as protective gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing or back support aids. Employees must use this equipment as instructed, store it properly and report any defects or losses so that replacements can be arranged promptly.

Training, Information and Supervision

We ensure that our team members are competent to carry out their duties safely. Induction training covers core health and safety rules, manual handling principles, vehicle safety, emergency procedures and customer service standards. Additional training is provided as needed for specific tasks or equipment.

Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of staff. New or less experienced workers are monitored closely and receive guidance from more experienced colleagues or management. Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, job instructions and periodic reviews.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage incidents must be reported as soon as practicable. Man with Van Colindale records and investigates these events to identify underlying causes and to prevent recurrence. Where lessons can be learned, we update our procedures, training or equipment accordingly and communicate changes to our teams.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage employees to raise any concerns about safety or suggestions for improving our practices. Feedback from customers is also welcomed, particularly where it relates to safety during removals, deliveries or moves. This collaborative approach helps us to refine our methods and maintain high standards of protection for everyone involved in our services.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate for the scale and nature of our removal operations and any changes in legal or industry requirements. Updated versions will be communicated to staff and will apply to all subsequent work carried out by Man with Van Colindale.