Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Merton Park
Man with Van Merton Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, clients, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks connected with house moves, office removals, collections, deliveries and related services.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our objectives are to prevent injury, protect health and minimise risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and driving. We aim to achieve this by planning work carefully, providing appropriate equipment, training our team and continually improving our procedures for each removal job.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety policy. This includes ensuring that risk assessments are carried out for removal work, that staff are informed of any hazards and that suitable control measures are in place. Management will provide guidance, supervision and resources so that health and safety standards are maintained throughout every move.
The company will ensure all vehicles used for man and van services are kept in a roadworthy condition, regularly inspected and serviced as required. Management will monitor incident reports and feedback to identify areas where safe working practices can be improved.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees and contractors working for Man with Van Merton Park share responsibility for their own safety and for the safety of others. They are required to follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate with management in achieving a safe working environment.
Staff must never undertake tasks for which they are not trained or that they consider unsafe. This includes refusing to lift items that are too heavy or awkward to handle safely, and stopping work if an immediate risk to health or safety is identified during a removal job.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before commencing work, we assess the foreseeable risks associated with each removal or delivery. This includes consideration of manual handling requirements, access routes, stairs, parking, loading areas, weather conditions and any special items such as pianos, safes or fragile goods.
Where necessary, we adapt our methods, allocate additional staff or use alternative equipment to reduce risks. Access routes are checked for trip hazards, poor lighting and obstructions, and we plan the sequence of work to minimise the need for carrying heavy items over long distances.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our man and van services, and we recognise the potential for back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders if work is not carried out correctly. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, including team lifting for heavy or bulky items, and are instructed to use equipment such as trolleys and dollies wherever appropriate.
We avoid lifting items that exceed safe weight limits for individuals and do not expect staff to carry loads up or down stairs without proper planning and support. Items are packed, wrapped and secured in a way that allows safe handling and reduces the risk of sudden movement or loss of balance.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All handling equipment, including sack trucks, platform trolleys, straps and ramps, is inspected periodically and used only for its intended purpose. Staff are trained in correct loading techniques so that vehicles are balanced and goods are secured before travel.
Drivers must hold a valid driving licence for the class of vehicle they operate and comply with road traffic laws. They must drive at safe speeds, adapt to traffic and weather conditions and take reasonable breaks to prevent fatigue. Parking for loading and unloading is chosen to minimise risks to staff and the public.
Protection of Clients and the Public
We take care to protect clients, neighbours and the public during removal operations. Access routes are kept clear wherever possible, and staff remain vigilant when carrying large or obstructive items through shared spaces such as corridors, stairwells and pavements.
Where work may create temporary risks, such as open vehicle doors, ramps or items placed in passageways, we control these risks by close supervision and by completing loading and unloading as efficiently as possible to reduce disruption.
Housekeeping and Property Protection
Good housekeeping is essential for safe removals. We endeavour to keep work areas tidy, avoid unnecessary clutter and remove packing materials as we go. Any spills or debris that could cause slips or trips are dealt with promptly.
We use appropriate protective materials, such as furniture covers and floor protection, to help prevent damage to property that could also create hazards. Boxes and items are stacked securely so they do not topple, and fragile goods are clearly identified and handled accordingly.
Hazardous Substances and Restricted Items
We do not transport certain hazardous substances or items that could present an undue risk to staff, clients or the public. Customers are informed in advance about items that cannot be carried or that require special arrangements, such as flammable liquids or gas cylinders.
Where permitted substances are carried, they are packed and secured safely in accordance with relevant guidance, and staff are briefed on any additional precautions required.
Training, Communication and Consultation
All new staff receive an induction that includes information on this Health and Safety policy, safe lifting, vehicle safety and safe conduct at client premises. Ongoing training and refresher sessions are provided to maintain awareness and competence.
We encourage staff to raise any health and safety concerns and to suggest improvements. Incidents, near misses or potential hazards are recorded and reviewed so that lessons can be learned and measures updated.
Accidents, Incidents and First Aid
All accidents and significant near misses are reported to management as soon as practicable. An internal record is maintained so that patterns can be monitored and corrective actions identified.
Basic first aid equipment is available within vehicles or at the main operating base. Where an injury occurs, the safety and welfare of the injured person and others is the priority, and emergency services are contacted where required.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are changes in legislation, industry guidance or the nature of our services. We are committed to continuous improvement and to maintaining high standards of safety for every removal and delivery carried out by Man with Van Merton Park.
