Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Enfield Wash

Man with Van Enfield Wash is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our responsibilities, standards, and procedures for managing risks associated with moving, loading, transport, and delivery of goods.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate control measures. Health and safety is an integral part of our day-to-day operations, including single-item moves, full house removals, business relocations, and local collection and delivery work.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Enfield Wash is responsible for:

Ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice for removal and transport activities. Providing and maintaining safe vehicles, equipment, and tools in good working order. Implementing systems for risk assessment before undertaking removal and delivery jobs. Offering appropriate training, information, and supervision so workers can carry out tasks safely. Reviewing this policy on a regular basis and updating it where necessary to reflect operational or legal changes.

Employee Responsibilities

All workers, whether directly employed or working on a contract basis, have a duty to:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow the health and safety procedures, instructions, and training provided. Use vehicles, lifting aids, and other equipment correctly and report faults or damage immediately. Wear suitable clothing and appropriate personal protective equipment when required. Report accidents, near-misses, or unsafe conditions so that corrective action can be taken promptly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting a removal or delivery task, a risk assessment will be carried out to identify potential hazards such as manual handling risks, trip hazards, restricted access, poor lighting, or adverse weather conditions. Appropriate control measures will then be implemented, which may include:

Planning access routes and parking arrangements to minimise manual handling distances. Using lifting and moving equipment, such as trolleys and straps, where practicable. Adjusting staffing levels when heavy, awkward, or high-value items are involved. Allowing extra time for complex moves so tasks are not rushed. Refusing or postponing work where conditions are unsafe or present an unacceptable level of risk.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of removal work. To reduce the risk of strain and injury, Man with Van Enfield Wash will:

Ensure workers receive guidance in safe lifting techniques, including team lifting for heavy or bulky items. Encourage the use of mechanical aids when suitable and available. Plan the positioning of items in the vehicle to minimise unnecessary lifting and re-handling. Avoid lifting items that exceed safe limits for the individuals present. Prioritise clear communication between team members during lifting and carrying.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

Our vehicles are central to our services and must be operated safely at all times. We will:

Ensure vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained in a roadworthy condition. Secure loads effectively to prevent movement, damage, or instability during transit. Observe legal weight limits and distribute the load evenly within the van. Park and manoeuvre with care, especially in residential streets, driveways, and shared access areas. Follow safe procedures for loading and unloading, with particular attention to reversing and working near roads.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

While working at customers premises or in shared buildings, we will take reasonable steps to prevent harm to occupants, visitors, and the public. This includes:

Maintaining clear walkways and avoiding unnecessary obstruction of entrances, corridors, stairways, and pavements. Using caution on stairs, ramps, and external steps, especially during poor weather. Handling fragile items carefully to avoid breakage and potential injury. Communicating with customers about any temporary risks, such as trailing straps or partially dismantled furniture. Working considerately to minimise noise and disruption, particularly in residential blocks and busy streets.

Equipment and Personal Protective Measures

Where necessary and proportionate to the risk, we will provide or require the use of appropriate equipment and personal protective measures, which may include:

Lifting straps, trolleys, and other handling aids. Suitable footwear with good grip and toe protection. Gloves when handling items with rough, sharp, or dirty surfaces. Additional controls when dealing with special items, such as appliances or tools with power connections.

Training, Information and Supervision

Workers involved in removal and delivery services will receive appropriate information and guidance relevant to their duties. This may cover topics such as manual handling, safe loading, defensive driving, hazard awareness on customer sites, and emergency procedures. New workers will be introduced to our health and safety requirements before undertaking unsupervised work, and periodic refreshers will be provided as needed.

Accidents, Near-Misses and Incident Reporting

All accidents, injuries, and significant near-misses that occur during our operations must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. This allows us to investigate the circumstances, identify underlying causes, and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents will be reviewed periodically to monitor performance and drive continuous improvement.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our services, vehicles, working methods, or legal requirements. Any updates will be communicated to relevant personnel so that safe working practices remain integrated into all removal and man and van activities operated by Man with Van Enfield Wash.