Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Romford

Man With a Van Romford is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and transportation activities. This health and safety policy sets out our approach and responsibilities in relation to the planning and delivery of our man and van and removal services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our main objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, accidents and damage arising from our work. We aim to achieve this by identifying and managing risks associated with lifting, loading, transportation, access to properties, road use and handling of customer belongings. We seek continuous improvement in our health and safety performance through regular review, training and monitoring of our operations.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Man With a Van Romford will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards for the removals and transport sector. Management has overall responsibility for ensuring that adequate resources, systems and supervision are in place to implement this policy effectively.

Every employee, driver, porter and contractor working on behalf of Man With a Van Romford has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All personnel are expected to follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate fully with health and safety procedures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our removal and delivery services. These assessments cover tasks such as manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, vehicle loading, working in confined spaces like stairwells, and access to properties including flats, houses and commercial premises.

Where risks are identified, we implement control measures such as planning the route and parking in advance, using appropriate lifting techniques, working in teams for heavy items, wearing suitable footwear and clothing, and using protective equipment where necessary. Safe systems of work are communicated clearly to staff before tasks begin.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a key part of our removal operations. To minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, we train our staff in correct lifting and carrying techniques. Heavy or bulky items are assessed before moving, and where possible mechanical aids such as sack trucks or dollies are used.

No employee should attempt to lift or carry loads that are beyond their individual capability. Team lifts are required for large furniture, appliances and other heavy items. Staff are instructed to avoid twisting movements, to keep loads close to the body, to maintain clear communication with colleagues and to take regular breaks during demanding moves.

Vehicle, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers must conduct pre-use checks, including tyres, lights, mirrors, doors and securing mechanisms for loads.

All drivers are required to hold the appropriate valid driving licence, obey speed limits and road traffic rules, and drive in a manner that prioritises safety over time pressures. Loads must be securely fastened to prevent movement or damage during transit. Drivers are instructed not to use handheld devices while driving and to plan routes that consider access restrictions and safe loading or unloading points.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect customers and members of the public during moves. Where possible, work areas are kept clear of trip hazards such as packing materials, tools and loose straps. Staff will communicate clearly with customers about where they can safely stand and move while items are being carried.

When operating on or near public pathways, staff are instructed to remain aware of pedestrians and other road users, and to minimise obstruction when loading or unloading vehicles. If necessary, temporary barriers or clear verbal warnings will be used to maintain a safe distance between moving items and bystanders.

Equipment and Personal Protective Clothing

Any equipment used in our work, including trolleys, ramps, straps and protective covers, is inspected regularly and maintained in safe working order. Defective equipment is removed from use immediately and reported to management.

Where the nature of the work demands it, staff will be provided with appropriate protective clothing and equipment such as gloves, hi-visibility vests for road-side work, and protective footwear. Employees are responsible for using this equipment correctly and looking after it in line with company guidance.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive induction training covering company health and safety rules, manual handling, safe driving practices relevant to our removal services, and emergency procedures. Additional training is provided where specific risks are identified, such as working in challenging access conditions or handling specialist items.

Supervisors and experienced staff are responsible for monitoring safe working practices on site and in transit, offering guidance and correcting unsafe behaviour. Health and safety information is communicated clearly and updated as our services, vehicles or equipment change.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, injuries, incidents of property damage and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. We maintain records of such events and investigate them to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Employees are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, road traffic incidents, personal injury, or sudden illness of a team member or customer. First aid arrangements are in place and vehicles carry basic first aid supplies where appropriate.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man With a Van Romford is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We regularly review our risk assessments, training needs, working methods and incident reports to refine our procedures and standards.

This health and safety policy is reviewed periodically, and when there are significant changes in our operations, fleet, staffing levels or applicable regulations. Updated versions are communicated to all employees and are made available to customers on request.

By working together and following this policy, we aim to provide a reliable, efficient and safe removal service for all those who use or are affected by Man With a Van Romford.