Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Ruislip

Man with Van Ruislip is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team, our customers, and the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, loading and unloading, transportation of goods, and all related activities we undertake in our service area.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. We comply with applicable health and safety legislation and continually seek to improve our standards and working practices.

This policy applies to all employees, subcontractors, and any person working on behalf of Man with Van Ruislip, as well as to customers and visitors who may be affected by our activities at homes, offices, and other premises.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining safe systems of work, providing appropriate resources, and ensuring that this policy is communicated and understood. We review our procedures regularly and update them when changes to our operations, equipment, or legislation occur.

Employees and subcontractors share responsibility for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They are required to follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperate fully with any health and safety measures implemented by the company.

Customers are requested to cooperate by providing safe access to properties, advising of any known hazards, and following guidance given by our team during the removal process.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We undertake risk assessments for key activities such as manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, driving and parking, and working in and around client premises. These assessments identify possible hazards and determine suitable control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Findings from risk assessments are built into our working practices, including safe lifting methods, team handling procedures for heavy or bulky items, and use of appropriate equipment such as trolleys, straps, and blankets. Our staff receive instructions and guidance on these safe systems of work, and adherence to them is monitored.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal services, and we place strong emphasis on correct technique to minimise the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries. Before moving any item, our team will assess its weight, size, and shape, consider the route, and determine whether mechanical aids or additional personnel are required.

Where items are too heavy or awkward to lift safely, we will not proceed until a safer method is agreed, which may include dismantling furniture, using additional lifting aids, or adjusting the route. Staff are trained not to exceed their personal capabilities and to seek assistance whenever necessary.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

We maintain our vehicles in a safe and roadworthy condition, carrying out routine checks and arranging servicing in line with manufacturer and legal requirements. Loading practices are designed to ensure that goods are evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent movement during transit.

Drivers are responsible for operating vehicles safely, observing speed limits, parking considerately and safely near collection and delivery points, and complying with road traffic laws. Where access is restricted, drivers will assess the situation and may adjust parking location or unloading methods to maintain safety for the team, customers, and the public.

Customer Premises and Site Safety

At all premises, our team will take reasonable steps to maintain a safe working environment. This includes keeping access routes clear where possible, using caution when carrying items on stairs, ramps, or uneven surfaces, and highlighting potential trip hazards.

We ask customers to keep pets and children away from working areas, ensure adequate lighting, and inform us of any specific site hazards such as loose flooring, low ceilings, or restricted access. Where hazards cannot be adequately controlled, we may adapt our working method or, in extreme cases, suspend work until conditions are made safe.

Use of Equipment and Protective Measures

We provide suitable tools and equipment for removal activities, including lifting aids, protective covers, and securing devices. All equipment is selected and used with safety in mind, inspected regularly, and removed from service if found to be defective.

Where appropriate, staff may use personal protective equipment such as gloves or safety footwear to reduce risk of injury. Team members are trained in the correct use of all equipment and are expected to report defects or faults immediately.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We provide ongoing training and information so that our staff understand the risks associated with their work and the measures in place to control those risks. This includes induction for new starters, task-specific instruction for manual handling and vehicle loading, and periodic refresher guidance.

Supervision is provided to ensure that safety procedures are followed consistently and that any unsafe practices are corrected. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed to help us improve our approach to health and safety.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, and incidents involving injury, property damage, or significant risk must be reported as soon as possible. Reports are recorded, investigated, and reviewed so that we can learn from incidents and prevent recurrence.

In the event of an emergency such as fire, serious injury, or road traffic collision, our priority is to protect life and obtain assistance from the appropriate emergency services. Staff follow established procedures, which include raising the alarm, making the area safe where possible, and cooperating fully with emergency responders.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

We are committed to the ongoing improvement of our health and safety performance. This policy and our associated procedures are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation, or best practice guidance.

By working together with our employees, subcontractors, and customers, Man with Van Ruislip aims to deliver removal and transport services that are efficient, professional, and carried out with the highest regard for health and safety.