Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Chislehurst
Man with Van Chislehurst is committed to providing a professional and safe removal service for our customers, our staff, and the general public. This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to minimise risk, prevent injury, and promote a safe working environment during all collection, loading, transport, and delivery activities.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, to protect property, and to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation for transport and removal services. We aim to continually improve our standards through regular review and the active involvement of our team members.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for establishing, implementing, and monitoring this Health and Safety policy. This includes identifying significant risks associated with removal activities, providing appropriate resources, and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place.
We ensure that all removal work is planned in advance where possible, that staff receive clear instructions, and that any incidents are investigated and used as an opportunity for improvement. Management will periodically review this policy to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and up to date with industry best practice.
Employee Responsibilities
Every member of staff, including drivers and removal operatives, has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes colleagues, customers, visitors, and members of the public at or near the working area.
Employees are required to follow all safety procedures and training, use equipment correctly, wear any provided personal protective equipment, and report hazards or incidents without delay. We encourage open communication about safety concerns and expect our team to co-operate fully in achieving a safe working environment.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting a removal job, we consider the nature of the items being moved, access routes, parking arrangements, and any special risks such as heavy or awkward loads, staircases, confined spaces, or adverse weather conditions. Where appropriate, a dynamic risk assessment is carried out on site and working methods are adjusted to reduce risk.
Safe systems of work for removal tasks may include the use of additional team members for heavy lifts, use of suitable lifting aids, planning safe carrying routes, and avoiding unsafe short-cuts such as overreaching, rushing, or carrying loads that are too heavy or unstable.
Manual Handling and Lifting Practices
Manual handling is a significant part of any removal service, and poor practice can lead to injury. Our staff receive instruction on correct lifting techniques, including assessing the load, planning the lift, keeping the load close to the body, and avoiding twisting while carrying items.
Where possible, we use trolleys, dollies, straps, and other handling aids to reduce the risk of strain and to move large or heavy items more safely. No employee is expected to lift or carry an item that they believe to be unsafe, and team members are encouraged to ask for assistance whenever required.
Vehicle Safety and Loading Procedures
All vehicles used for removal work are maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic pre-use checks and reporting any defects immediately. Loads must be distributed and secured correctly to prevent movement during transit and to maintain vehicle stability.
We ensure that items are stacked and restrained in a way that avoids crushing, falling objects, or damage to goods. Access to the rear of the vehicle is controlled during loading and unloading, and staff are trained to be aware of reversing and blind spots to protect pedestrians and other road users.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Where identified by risk assessment, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided, such as protective gloves, safety footwear, or high-visibility clothing. Employees are expected to use this equipment as instructed and to keep it in good condition.
Personal protective equipment is regarded as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, safe working practices, correct manual handling, and well-maintained equipment.
Client Premises and Public Safety
When working at client premises, we take care to protect both occupants and property. This includes maintaining clear walkways, controlling trip hazards such as straps or loose packaging, and taking care around doorways, staircases, and shared access areas.
We aim to minimise disturbance to neighbours and the general public by managing vehicle parking responsibly, keeping noise to a reasonable level, and maintaining courteous behaviour at all times. Any accidental damage or incident affecting members of the public will be reported and dealt with promptly and transparently.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All team members receive appropriate information and instruction on safe working methods relevant to removal operations. This includes manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, and procedures to follow in the event of an accident or near miss.
New or less experienced staff are supervised until they are competent to work safely on their own. We provide ongoing guidance and refreshers as required, and encourage staff to ask questions and seek clarification whenever they are unsure about any aspect of their work.
Accidents, Incidents, and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur during removal work must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. Details are recorded and reviewed to identify causes and to implement measures to prevent recurrence.
We regard near misses as valuable opportunities for learning and improvement. No employee will be criticised for raising genuine concerns or reporting a hazard, and we foster a culture where everyone feels responsible for safety.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly, and also following any significant change in our operations, working methods, or legislation. Adjustments will be made where necessary to further reduce risks and to reflect practical experience gained from day-to-day removal activities.
By following this policy and working together, Man with Van Chislehurst aims to deliver a reliable, efficient, and safe moving service for all customers and communities we serve.
