Man with Van Welling Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Welling is committed to providing a professional removals service that prioritises the health, safety and welfare of our customers, our team members and the general public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to minimise risks during collection, loading, transportation and delivery of goods.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Welling rests with the company management. Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate arrangements, resources and supervision are in place so that all work is carried out safely and in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice.

All employees and contractors working on behalf of Man with Van Welling have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Team members must follow all training, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate with management in implementing this policy.

Risk Assessment and Safe Planning

Before each removal or delivery job, we assess potential risks associated with the premises, access routes, vehicles, equipment and items to be moved. Where necessary, we carry out a more detailed site-specific risk assessment, particularly for complex moves, restricted access, heavy or awkward items and multi-storey properties.

Risk assessments consider, as a minimum, manual handling risks, slips, trips and falls, traffic movement around the vehicle, environmental conditions, and potential risks to customers, neighbours and the public. Findings from assessments are used to plan safe methods of work, allocate suitable manpower and select appropriate equipment.

Manual Handling and Lifting Practices

Manual handling is a key part of our removals work. To reduce the likelihood of injury, all team members receive guidance on safe lifting and carrying techniques. Staff are instructed to assess the weight and shape of items before attempting to move them, to test the load where necessary, and to request assistance when an item is too heavy or unstable for one person.

Wherever reasonably practicable, we use handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps and blankets to minimise strain and improve control. Team members are trained to avoid twisting while lifting, to keep loads close to the body, to maintain stable footing and to take regular breaks when handling multiple items.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are inspected regularly. Drivers must hold a valid driving licence appropriate for the vehicle they operate and must comply with road traffic laws at all times. Speed limits, parking restrictions and loading regulations are to be followed to protect both our staff and other road users.

Drivers are responsible for ensuring vehicles are loaded safely and evenly, that loads are properly secured, and that access points remain clear for safe entry and exit. Drivers must not operate vehicles when fatigued, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or while unfit to drive for any reason.

Safe Loading, Unloading and Handling of Goods

Loading and unloading operations are planned to prevent injury and damage to property. Clear communication between team members is required when manoeuvring large or bulky items, particularly near staircases, narrow corridors, doorways and outside steps.

Goods are to be stacked securely within the vehicle to prevent shifting in transit. Fragile and high-value items are handled with additional care and secured separately where appropriate. Floors, driveways and other surfaces are checked for hazards that could lead to trips or slips during loading and unloading.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Man with Van Welling provides appropriate equipment for the tasks undertaken, including moving aids and protective materials. All equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and inspected for damage or defects before use. Any faulty equipment is to be removed from service and reported immediately.

Where identified by risk assessment, personal protective equipment such as safety footwear and gloves is provided. Staff are required to wear and maintain such equipment correctly and to report any loss or damage to ensure prompt replacement.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises, our team will take reasonable steps to protect occupants, visitors and neighbours. This includes maintaining clear walkways, managing doors and gates safely, and minimising disruption to nearby properties and public pathways.

We take care to protect floors, walls and fixtures from damage by using coverings, padding and careful handling techniques. Where work might temporarily obstruct a shared area or pavement, team members will position the vehicle and equipment to maintain safe passage so far as reasonably practicable.

Training, Information and Supervision

All team members receive induction on our health and safety procedures and job-specific guidance before carrying out removal duties. Ongoing training is provided to reinforce safe working practices, manual handling skills, correct equipment use and emergency procedures.

Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of the staff involved. Less experienced workers are closely supervised until they are competent to work more independently. Management monitors working practices and provides feedback to encourage continuous improvement.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible, regardless of severity. Records of such events are maintained, investigated where appropriate and used to identify trends and implement corrective actions.

In the event of an emergency, such as injury, fire or road traffic collision, team members are instructed to prioritise the safety of people, contact the appropriate emergency services and follow instructions from authorities. First aid assistance is sought promptly where required, and the scene is made safe so far as reasonably practicable.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Welling is committed to continual improvement of health and safety performance. We periodically review this policy and our associated procedures to ensure they remain effective, up to date and appropriate for the nature and scale of our removal services.

Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and may be used to inform changes to working methods, training programmes and safety measures. By working together, we aim to provide a reliable and efficient man and van service delivered safely and responsibly on every job.