Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Wormwood Scrubs

Man with Van Wormwood Scrubs is committed to maintaining the highest practical standards of health, safety and welfare for our workers, customers and members of the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, transport and associated activities carried out in homes, offices and storage locations across our service area.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to carry out all removal and transport work in a way that prevents injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment. We aim to identify hazards, assess risks and apply sensible control measures that are appropriate to a professional man and van and removals service.

Health and safety considerations form an integral part of how we plan and deliver our services. We expect all workers, whether full-time, part-time, temporary or subcontracted, to co-operate fully with this policy and with any instructions, training or guidance given for their safety and the safety of others.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation relevant to transport, removals, lifting operations and workplace safety. We will keep our procedures under review to ensure they reflect current legal requirements and recognised best practice in the removals sector.

The management of Man with Van Wormwood Scrubs is responsible for:

Planning work to minimise risk and disruption.

Providing appropriate equipment, including vehicles and lifting aids, that are safe and maintained.

Ensuring workers receive suitable information and instruction.

Monitoring health and safety performance and taking corrective action where needed.

All workers are responsible for:

Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety.

Using equipment and vehicles correctly and safely.

Following agreed safe working procedures and instructions.

Reporting hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions as soon as practicable.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures

We carry out risk assessments for typical removal tasks and for specific jobs where risks may be higher due to access, load type, loading conditions or time constraints. Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe working procedures that cover areas such as manual handling, vehicle loading, traffic routes and working in customers homes and premises.

Before starting work at a new location, our workers will consider the immediate environment, including access points, stairs, lifts, parking arrangements, lighting, trip hazards and the presence of other contractors or residents. Where necessary, work will be adjusted or postponed to ensure it can be carried out safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removals work, and injuries can be serious if items are lifted or carried incorrectly. To reduce the risk of harm:

Loads will be assessed before moving to determine weight, size, stability and the best handling method.

Workers are trained to use proper lifting techniques and to avoid twisting or overreaching while carrying items.

Heavy or awkward items will be carried by two or more workers, or where appropriate moved using trolleys, dollies or other lifting aids.

We do not expect workers to lift items that they believe are beyond their capability or that could cause injury.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are central to the service provided by Man with Van Wormwood Scrubs and their safe operation is essential. We will:

Keep vehicles in good mechanical condition through regular checks and servicing.

Ensure drivers hold the appropriate licences and are competent to operate the vehicles used.

Load vehicles so that weight is evenly distributed and items are safely secured to prevent movement in transit.

Plan routes realistically, allowing sufficient time to travel safely and comply with traffic laws.

Drivers must not operate vehicles if they are unfit to drive due to tiredness, illness or the effects of alcohol or drugs. All road traffic incidents, however minor, must be reported promptly so that any necessary follow-up action can be taken.

Working at Customer Premises

Our work often takes place in customers homes, offices and shared buildings. We will take reasonable steps to protect customers, their property and other occupants during removal activities. This includes:

Using floor protection where appropriate to reduce the risk of slips and damage.

Taking care when moving items through tight spaces, near glass and around fixtures.

Keeping walkways as clear as possible and avoiding unnecessary blocking of exits or access routes.

Communicating clearly with customers about any risks or limitations affecting the move, such as restricted access, heavy items or fragile goods.

Equipment, Tools and Protective Measures

Where justified by risk assessment, we will provide suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves or safety footwear. Workers are required to use such protections correctly and to report any defects or loss. Equipment such as straps, blankets, trolleys and ramps will be used to improve safety and reduce strain when moving and loading items.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries and near-miss incidents connected with our work will be recorded and, where necessary, investigated. The aim of every investigation is to understand what happened and why, and to identify measures that can reduce the chance of recurrence. Information from accident reports will be used to review risk assessments, training needs and work procedures.

Training, Information and Supervision

We will provide workers with information and instruction so they can perform their duties safely. This may include induction training, updates on new procedures, guidance on manual handling and driving, and toolbox talks covering specific risks associated with removals in our service area.

Supervision appropriate to the level of risk and worker experience will be provided. Less experienced workers will be supported and monitored to ensure safe practices are followed, particularly when dealing with heavy or fragile items or complex access conditions.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Wormwood Scrubs is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We will review this Health and Safety policy regularly, and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legal requirements or industry standards. Feedback from workers and customers about safety matters is welcomed and will be considered as part of that review.

This Health and Safety policy applies to all removal and transport services provided by Man with Van Wormwood Scrubs and is made available to customers, workers and other interested parties upon request.