Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Twickenham Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Twickenham is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers 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 identifying, managing and reducing risks associated with moving, handling, loading, transporting and unloading household and commercial items.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The primary aim of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property during removal operations. We will achieve this by planning work safely, using appropriate equipment, training our staff, and continuously reviewing our procedures. Health and safety considerations are integral to the way we organise our services, from initial booking and planning to completion of each move.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Man with Van Twickenham. Management will ensure that adequate resources, information and supervision are provided so that this policy can be implemented effectively. All employees and regular contractors 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 all safety guidance, use equipment correctly and report hazards, near misses and incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before undertaking removal work, we assess the risks associated with the premises, access routes, parking arrangements, load types and any special customer requirements. Where necessary, we will adjust the plan for the move, including the number of staff, type of vehicle and equipment required. Our team follows safe systems of work for lifting, carrying, loading and securing items. We avoid unnecessary manual handling by using trolleys, dollies and other aids whenever possible.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key element of our removal activities and is carefully controlled. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, including how to assess load weight, share loads between team members and use team lifts for bulky or heavy objects. We do not permit staff to attempt single-person lifts of items that are too heavy or awkward to move safely. Where access issues make safe handling difficult, we will reassess and may decline to move an item if it cannot be handled without unreasonable risk.

Use of Equipment and Vehicles

All vehicles used by Man with Van Twickenham are maintained to a high standard and inspected regularly. Loads are distributed evenly, and items are secured to prevent movement during transit. Staff receive guidance on safe loading heights, use of straps and restraints, and safe operation of tail lifts or ramps where fitted. Moving equipment such as sack trucks, furniture sliders and straps are checked and replaced when worn or damaged.

Working at Height and Access Safety

Where our activities involve stairs, access ramps or raised areas, we take extra care to maintain clear routes and stable footing. We avoid working at height wherever possible. When accessing lofts or high storage areas, we only use safe and secure access methods. Staff are instructed never to overreach, stand on unstable surfaces, or use customer furniture as a step or platform.

Housekeeping and Site Safety

Good housekeeping is essential for safe removals. We keep walkways, doorways and staircases as clear as possible while loading or unloading. Protective coverings may be used to reduce the risk of slipping and to protect floor surfaces, provided they do not create tripping hazards. Boxes and furniture are stacked securely, and we take care not to block emergency exits or access routes for others in the building.

Customer, Public and Property Protection

Man with Van Twickenham recognises its duty to safeguard not only employees but also customers, visitors and the general public. We take precautions to prevent injury to anyone near our vehicles or working areas. This includes careful parking, warning others when moving large items, and using safe lifting routes. We handle customers possessions with care to minimise the risk of damage and take reasonable steps to protect walls, doors and fixtures while moving items.

Hazardous Items and Prohibited Goods

For the safety of our staff and customers, we do not transport certain hazardous, illegal or unsafe items. This may include flammable liquids, gas cylinders, explosives, corrosive chemicals and other items that present an unreasonable risk during handling or transport. Customers are informed of these restrictions and are responsible for arranging safe alternative transport or disposal of such items.

Training, Information and Supervision

All team members receive training appropriate to their role, including induction training on health and safety standards, manual handling techniques, safe use of equipment and incident reporting. We provide ongoing guidance and supervision, especially for new or less experienced staff. Where specific risks are identified, we will provide additional instruction or specialist training as required.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

Any accidents, injuries, vehicle collisions, near misses or significant damage to property must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. We record incidents, investigate the causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Staff are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, sudden illness or road traffic incidents occurring during a removal job.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Twickenham is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We review our working practices, incident records and staff feedback to identify areas for improvement. This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, best practice guidance and any relevant legal requirements. All staff are made aware of any significant changes and are expected to follow the current version of this policy at all times.

By following this Health and Safety policy, Man with Van Twickenham aims to deliver reliable, efficient and safe removal services for every customer and to safeguard the wellbeing of everyone involved in our work.