Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Dagenham

Man with Van Dagenham is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and practices we follow to manage risks associated with house removals, office relocations, man and van services, and related transport and handling activities.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

We recognise that professional removal services involve manual handling, vehicle use, and work in varied locations. We are committed to preventing injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying and controlling risks associated with lifting, loading, driving, and operating in customers premises.

We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Health and safety considerations are integral to our planning, decision-making, and daily operations.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Dagenham rests with the company owner or appointed manager. This person is responsible for ensuring that suitable policies, procedures, and resources are in place to manage health and safety effectively.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, including briefing staff, monitoring safe working practices, and reporting hazards or incidents promptly.

All employees and contractors have 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. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, near-misses, and accidents as soon as possible.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct regular risk assessments for our removal and transport activities. These assessments identify hazards such as manual handling strains, trip hazards, vehicle movements, loading and unloading risks, use of equipment, and working in unfamiliar or confined spaces.

Based on our assessments, we develop and maintain safe working procedures for tasks including packing, lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, and securing items in vehicles. These procedures are reviewed periodically and updated when there are changes in our services, equipment, or working environments.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of our removal operations. To reduce the risk of injury, we:

Provide training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting for heavy or bulky items. Encourage the use of mechanical aids such as dollies, trolleys, and lifting straps where appropriate. Plan the route before moving items, to minimise carrying distances and avoid obstacles and trip hazards. Refuse to move items that cannot be handled safely with the manpower and equipment available.

All equipment is inspected regularly and maintained in safe working condition. Any defective equipment is taken out of use immediately until repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are inspected regularly in line with legal and manufacturer requirements. Drivers must hold the appropriate valid licence and are expected to drive safely, courteously, and in accordance with road traffic laws.

Loads are secured inside the vehicle to prevent movement during transit, using straps, blankets, and other protective equipment as needed. Overloading is strictly prohibited. Drivers must not operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any condition that may impair their ability to drive safely.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams take care to protect customers premises and the surrounding area during removal work. Where practicable, we:

Assess access routes, stairs, and doorways before moving items. Use protective coverings for floors and surfaces where necessary. Keep work areas as tidy as possible, minimising trailing cables and trip hazards. Position vehicles safely to reduce risks to pedestrians and other road users.

We aim to minimise disruption to neighbours and the public and to ensure that our actions do not create unnecessary noise, obstruction, or danger.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff involved in removals and driving receive appropriate induction and role-specific health and safety training. This includes manual handling techniques, safe loading and unloading, use of equipment, accident reporting, and emergency procedures.

Refresher training is provided periodically, and when changes occur in working methods, equipment, or regulations. Staff are encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns with their supervisor or manager without fear of reprisal.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near-misses, and incidents involving injury, damage, or loss are reported and recorded. We investigate incidents to determine their causes and to identify measures to prevent recurrence.

Our teams are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, vehicle collision, or other emergency situations that may arise during removal operations. Where appropriate, staff receive basic first aid awareness and guidance on when to seek professional medical assistance.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness to Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and seek to protect the health and welfare of our staff. Team members are encouraged to work at a sustainable pace, take reasonable breaks, and report any health issues that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely.

We do not tolerate alcohol or drug misuse in the workplace. Anyone suspected of being unfit for work due to substance use or other impairment will be removed from duty immediately.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

We are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance. We regularly review our procedures, training, and risk assessments, taking into account feedback from staff and customers, incident reports, and changes in relevant laws or guidance.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at least annually and updated when necessary to ensure it remains effective, practical, and appropriate for the scale and nature of our removal services.