Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Bloomsbury
Man with Van Bloomsbury is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public affected by our activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, transportation, loading and unloading, and related services in Bloomsbury and surrounding areas.
Our Health and Safety Commitments
We recognise our duty to manage health and safety responsibly and to continually improve our standards. To achieve this, Man with Van Bloomsbury will:
Identify, assess and control risks associated with moving, lifting, carrying and transporting customer goods. Comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Provide information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure our staff work safely. Maintain vehicles, equipment and tools in a safe and roadworthy condition. Encourage a positive health and safety culture where all staff share responsibility for safety. Monitor performance, review this policy regularly and make improvements where necessary.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Bloomsbury rests with the company management, who will ensure that suitable resources, planning and oversight are in place.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in day to day operations, including enforcing safe systems of work, conducting risk assessments relevant to removal and transport tasks, and responding promptly to any safety concerns or incidents.
Employees, drivers and porters are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow training and instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards, near misses and incidents, and refrain from horseplay or unsafe behaviour.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before removal work begins, we assess the specific risks associated with each job. This may include the access to the property, stairs and lifts, parking arrangements, the size and weight of items to be moved, and any unusual or fragile items.
Based on the assessment, we apply safe systems of work such as using appropriate lifting techniques, planning the lifting route, using equipment like trolleys and straps where appropriate, and allocating sufficient staff to handle heavy or awkward items. Where the environment presents particular challenges, such as tight staircases or shared entrances, we take additional care to protect both people and property.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is at the core of removal work, and injuries can occur if it is not carried out properly. Man with Van Bloomsbury provides training for staff in safe lifting techniques, including how to assess the load, when to seek assistance, and how to avoid twisting or overstretching.
We aim to reduce manual handling risks by using handling aids where practicable, team lifting for heavy or bulky items, breaking down loads into smaller components where possible, and planning loading sequences to minimise unnecessary movements.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are inspected regularly and maintained to ensure they remain safe and roadworthy. Drivers are responsible for conducting basic vehicle checks at the start of each day, including tyres, lights and securing mechanisms within the load area.
Drivers must obey road traffic laws and drive considerately, taking into account weather, traffic conditions and the secure transport of customer goods. Loads are positioned and restrained to prevent movement in transit and to avoid overloading vehicles. Parking for loading and unloading is planned to minimise risks to staff, customers and other road users.
Protection of Customers, Public and Property
We recognise our responsibility to protect customers, their property and the general public while we are carrying out removal services. Our teams work carefully within homes, offices and shared areas to reduce the risk of damage and accidents.
Where necessary, we use protective coverings for floors and high traffic routes, manage cables, ramps and equipment to prevent trips or falls, maintain clear walkways and communicate clearly with customers and neighbours during the move, particularly when carrying large items through shared spaces or near public pavements.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment and tools used by Man with Van Bloomsbury are selected for suitability, inspected regularly and taken out of service if found to be defective. Staff are trained in their correct and safe use.
Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, high visibility garments or safety footwear, is provided where risk assessments indicate it is needed. Employees are required to use this equipment properly and report any damage or loss so that items can be repaired or replaced.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide induction and ongoing training to ensure that all staff understand their responsibilities and the safe methods required for removal work. This may cover manual handling, vehicle safety, customer care, emergency procedures and the specific risks of working in different types of properties.
Supervision is adjusted according to the experience of staff and the complexity of the task. Less experienced workers are supported by more experienced colleagues to maintain consistent safety standards.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur during our work must be reported promptly to management. We record and investigate these events to identify root causes and take steps to prevent recurrence.
Where necessary, we will review and update risk assessments, operating procedures and staff training in light of any findings. We encourage open reporting and do not tolerate any form of victimisation for raising safety concerns.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
Removal work can be physically demanding. We expect staff to present themselves fit for work and to notify management of any medical conditions that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely.
The use of alcohol or illegal drugs during working hours, or attendance at work under the influence of such substances, is strictly prohibited. Any concerns about fatigue, illness or injury must be reported so that duties can be adjusted as necessary.
Review of this Policy
This Health and Safety policy for Man with Van Bloomsbury is reviewed regularly and updated when there are changes in legislation, our services or the nature of the risks we manage. A current copy of the policy is made available to all staff and can be provided to customers on request.
By working together and following these principles, we aim to provide a safe, reliable and professional removal service across Bloomsbury and the surrounding areas.
