Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Westminster Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Westminster is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, 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 managing risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, loading and unloading vehicles, handling furniture and goods, and operating in public and private spaces.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We recognise our duty to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and to follow industry best practice in the removals and transport sector. We aim to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property through careful planning, effective communication, and ongoing review of our working methods.

Our objectives are to:

Identify and manage risks associated with moving, lifting, driving, and working on customer premises.

Provide suitable information, instruction, training, and supervision to all team members.

Maintain equipment and vehicles in a safe and roadworthy condition.

Promote a culture in which health and safety considerations are integral to all decisions and daily operations.

Responsibilities and Accountability

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man With a Van Westminster rests with the company management. Management is responsible for establishing safe systems of work, ensuring that this policy is implemented, and allocating adequate resources for health and safety matters.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of safe working practices on site and during transport, including the coordination of staff, assessment of immediate risks, and the enforcement of company procedures.

All employees and contractors share responsibility for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Every team member must:

Cooperate with management in implementing this policy.

Use equipment and vehicles correctly and safely.

Follow training, instructions, and safety procedures at all times.

Report hazards, near misses, incidents, or unsafe conditions without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We conduct risk assessments for typical removal activities such as lifting and carrying, stair work, loading and unloading vans, driving, parking, and working in confined or shared spaces. These assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, equipment, or working environment.

For each job, staff are expected to assess conditions on arrival and identify any site-specific risks, including narrow access, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, traffic, or other hazards. Where necessary, work will be adapted or paused to ensure that it is undertaken safely.

Safe systems of work include:

Using correct manual handling techniques.

Using trolleys, straps, ramps, and protective materials appropriately.

Planning vehicle positioning to minimise reversing and reduce interaction with traffic and pedestrians.

Maintaining clear access routes and exit points at all times.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal services and is one of the main sources of potential injury. We are committed to reducing manual handling risks by:

Providing training on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling aids.

Encouraging staff to assess the weight, size, and shape of items before lifting and to request assistance whenever an item is too heavy or awkward to handle alone.

Prohibiting staff from attempting lifts that may cause harm, even if requested by a customer.

Using appropriate equipment such as dollies, sack barrows, and furniture sliders to minimise strain.

Vehicles, Equipment, and Maintenance

Our vehicles and equipment are essential to safe and efficient moves. To ensure their safe operation, we will:

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

Inspect ramps, straps, blankets, and other equipment frequently and remove from use anything that is damaged or defective.

Ensure that loads are secured within vehicles to prevent shifting during transit.

Require all drivers to hold appropriate licences and to follow legal and company rules on driving hours, speed limits, and parking.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We provide employees with suitable training relevant to their roles, including induction training for new starters and refresher training where needed. Training covers topics such as:

Manual handling techniques.

Safe use of equipment and vehicles.

Personal protective equipment requirements.

Emergency procedures and incident reporting.

Supervision is provided on site to ensure that safety procedures are followed and that new or less experienced staff are supported when carrying out more complex tasks.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, personal protective equipment may be required. This may include items such as protective footwear and gloves. Employees must use such equipment as instructed and report any defects or losses immediately so that replacements can be provided.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise that many removal jobs take place in occupied homes, offices, and shared buildings, often in busy urban areas. Our teams take steps to protect customers, neighbours, and members of the public by:

Keeping work areas as clear and tidy as possible.

Avoiding blocking exits, corridors, or shared stairways.

Handling goods carefully to prevent damage to property and fixtures.

Driving and parking considerately and safely near customer addresses.

Incident Reporting and Policy Review

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as practicable. We investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate to the scale and nature of our removal and transport activities. Updates are communicated to all staff and, where relevant, to contractors and partners involved in our services.

By working together to implement this policy, Man With a Van Westminster aims to deliver safe, reliable, and professional removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.