Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Waterloo

Man with Van Waterloo 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 removals and transport activities. This health and safety policy explains how we manage risks associated with household and commercial removals, packing, loading, transport, unloading, and related services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

We aim to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our operations. To achieve this, we will identify hazards, assess risks, and implement proportionate control measures for all removal and delivery tasks. We seek continual improvement in our health and safety performance through regular review, staff involvement, and learning from experience.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Waterloo is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring adequate resources are available for health and safety. This includes providing safe systems of work, suitable equipment, competent staff, and clear instructions. Management will lead by example, promote a positive safety culture, and ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning and decision making for all jobs.

Employee Responsibilities

Every member of staff has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperate with training and supervision. No employee is required to carry out a task that they believe to be unsafe; any concerns should be raised with a manager without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before carrying out removal work, we assess the risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, access routes, stairways, parking, and traffic. Where appropriate, we will conduct site-specific risk assessments to identify hazards such as restricted access, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or other conditions that may affect safety. Control measures may include allocating additional staff, using mechanical aids, adjusting the route, or postponing work during severe weather conditions.

Safe working practices are communicated to all staff, covering how to plan routes, secure loads, handle objects, and work safely in and around vehicles and customer premises. These practices are reviewed and updated when work methods change or when incidents highlight areas for improvement.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a significant part of removal work and is managed carefully to prevent strains, sprains, and other injuries. Our staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, including assessing the weight and shape of items, keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting, and working in pairs or teams for heavy or bulky objects. Where practical, equipment such as trolleys, skates, and straps is used to reduce physical effort and risk.

Items that are too heavy, awkward, or unstable to move safely by hand will not be carried without appropriate controls in place. Staff are instructed not to exceed their individual capabilities and to seek assistance whenever needed.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular checks and servicing. Drivers must carry out routine pre-use inspections, report defects immediately, and not operate vehicles that are unsafe. Loads are distributed and secured correctly to prevent movement in transit, reducing the risk of accidents and damage to goods.

Drivers are required to follow road traffic laws at all times, drive defensively, and allow sufficient time for each journey to avoid rushing. Fatigue management is taken seriously, and rest breaks are encouraged according to the nature and length of each job. Parking and unloading are planned to minimise risk to staff, customers, and the public.

Protection of Customers and the Public

We take reasonable steps to protect customers and members of the public while our team is working at or near their premises. This includes planning access routes, keeping walkways clear of trip hazards, and using safe lifting and carrying methods. Where necessary, we may restrict access to working areas, especially when large or heavy items are being moved.

Our staff are expected to act courteously and professionally, explaining any necessary safety precautions to customers during the removal process. We will take care to prevent damage to property by using appropriate protective coverings and handling techniques.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive induction training covering the key risks associated with removal work and the control measures in place. Ongoing training is provided for manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, and emergency procedures. Supervisors ensure that instructions are understood and followed, and that only competent persons carry out high-risk tasks.

Information about health and safety is communicated through briefings, toolbox talks, and job-specific instructions. Where new equipment or methods are introduced, additional training will be given before use.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide suitable tools and equipment for the work undertaken, including lifting aids, securing devices, and protective materials. All equipment is inspected regularly and maintained in good condition. Staff are required to report any damaged or defective items immediately so they can be repaired or replaced.

Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, and high visibility clothing is supplied. Staff must use this equipment as instructed and look after it appropriately.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible, regardless of severity. We investigate incidents to determine root causes and identify corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Records are kept and are used to monitor trends and improve safety practices over time.

Emergency Preparedness

Our staff are briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency such as fire, serious injury, or road traffic collision. This includes raising the alarm, contacting emergency services, assisting with evacuation where required, and reporting to management. Emergency procedures are reviewed periodically and updated when necessary.

Policy Review

This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective for the nature and scale of our removal operations. Reviews will also take place following significant changes to our services, work methods, or legal requirements, or after serious incidents. Updated versions will be communicated to all staff and made available to customers on request.

Man with Van Waterloo is committed to maintaining high safety standards and expects everyone involved in our operations to support and uphold the principles set out in this policy.