Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Ilford
Man with Van Ilford is committed to maintaining the highest practical standards of health, safety and welfare for our employees, customers, members of the public and any other parties affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to preventing accidents, managing risks and ensuring safe working practices during all moves and related services.
Scope and Objectives
This Health and Safety Policy applies to all employees, contractors and helpers working under the direction of Man with Van Ilford, whether on customer premises, in our vehicles, or at any other locations associated with our removal operations. Our objectives are to prevent injury, protect property, minimise disruption, and comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for providing clear leadership on health and safety. This includes ensuring suitable resources are available, setting and reviewing safety standards, monitoring performance, and taking prompt action where improvements are needed. Managers will encourage a positive safety culture where all staff feel able to raise concerns and suggest improvements without fear of criticism.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees are expected 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 company procedures, use equipment correctly, attend training when required, report hazards, near misses and incidents, and cooperate fully with any investigation or improvement measures. No task is so urgent that it cannot be carried out safely.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Man with Van Ilford will identify, assess and control risks arising from our moving and transport activities. Where appropriate, site-specific risk assessments will be conducted before work begins, particularly for properties with restricted access, stairs, long carrying distances, fragile items or unusual loading conditions. Findings from risk assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work and to choose suitable equipment and manpower for each job.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core element of removal work, and poor practices can lead to serious injuries. We will:
Provide training on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling aids such as trolleys, dollies and lifting straps. Plan the move to minimise unnecessary lifting, twisting and carrying distances. Avoid asking staff to move items that are beyond their capability or that cannot be lifted safely with the equipment available. Encourage staff to stop and reassess any lift that feels unsafe, and to request assistance where required.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All vehicles and equipment used by Man with Van Ilford must be suitable for their intended purpose and maintained in a safe condition. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences, follow road traffic laws, and operate vehicles with care and consideration for other road users. Loads will be packed and secured to prevent movement during transit, using straps, blankets and other protective materials as necessary. Any defect or damage to equipment or vehicles must be reported immediately so that the item can be repaired, replaced or taken out of service.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We recognise our duty to safeguard customers, neighbours, visitors and members of the public during removal work. Access routes will be kept as clear as reasonably practicable, and appropriate caution will be taken when carrying items through communal areas, corridors, stairwells and entrances. Where there is a risk to passers-by, staff may use warning signs, verbal notifications or temporary barriers to create a safer working area. We will respect customer property, fixtures and fittings and take care to avoid unnecessary damage.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, Man with Van Ilford will provide suitable personal protective equipment. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and any other items identified by risk assessment. Employees are required to use such equipment correctly, keep it in good condition, and report any loss or damage so that it can be replaced.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff will receive induction training covering company health and safety procedures, accident reporting, manual handling, vehicle safety and customer care. Additional task-specific training will be provided where required. Supervisors will monitor working practices on site, provide guidance to less experienced staff and intervene if unsafe behaviour is observed. Health and safety information will be communicated through briefings, written instructions and ongoing discussion.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, work-related ill health, near misses and property damage must be reported as soon as possible to management. Man with Van Ilford will investigate incidents to identify causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Records will be kept in accordance with legal and company requirements. Where necessary, relevant authorities will be notified in line with applicable regulations.
Drugs, Alcohol and Fitness for Work
Employees must present themselves for work in a fit condition and must not undertake duties while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or misused prescription medication. Any employee who is unfit for work or taking medication that may affect their performance, alertness or coordination must inform management so that appropriate adjustments can be made.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Man with Van Ilford is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. This policy and associated procedures will be reviewed regularly, and at least annually, or earlier if there are significant changes in legislation, working practices or the nature of our services. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and will be considered as part of the review process.
Statement of Commitment
By implementing this Health and Safety Policy, Man with Van Ilford aims to provide a safe and responsible removal service across our operating area. Every employee and contractor is expected to support this commitment by working safely, following agreed procedures and helping to maintain a culture where health and safety is regarded as an essential part of quality service delivery.
