Health and Safety policy
Man and a Van Twickenham Health and Safety Policy
Man and a Van Twickenham 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 sets out how we manage risks associated with man and van and removal services, including lifting, loading, driving, and working at customer premises.
We aim to conduct all aspects of our work in a way that prevents injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm. Health and safety is an integral part of our day-to-day operations and decision-making processes.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The aims of this policy are to:
Identify, assess and control risks arising from our removal and transport activities.
Provide safe systems of work for manual handling, vehicle use, loading and unloading, and working in and around buildings.
Ensure all staff receive suitable information, instruction, training and supervision.
Comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.
Promote a positive safety culture where everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.
Continuously review and improve our health and safety performance.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man and a Van Twickenham holds overall responsibility for implementing this policy and providing the resources needed to maintain safe working conditions. Management will:
Regularly review risk assessments for removal and man and van activities, especially in relation to manual handling, lifting, driving and use of equipment.
Ensure vehicles and equipment are maintained in a safe, roadworthy and serviceable condition.
Provide appropriate protective equipment where necessary, such as gloves, safety footwear and high-visibility clothing.
Ensure that work is planned and organised to minimise risks, including sufficient staffing for heavy or bulky items and suitable access checks at collection and delivery addresses.
Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses to identify causes and prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, drivers and porters have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must:
Follow all safety instructions, training and safe systems of work issued by the company.
Use vehicles, tools and equipment only for their intended purpose and in line with training.
Report any accidents, near misses, hazards or defects in vehicles or equipment to management without delay.
Not misuse any safety equipment or undertake tasks for which they have not been trained or authorised.
Cooperate with management in implementing this policy and in any health and safety investigations or audits.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Man and a Van Twickenham will identify hazards and assess risks associated with typical removal and transport tasks, including:
Manual handling of furniture, appliances, boxes and other items.
Use of lifting aids, trolleys and ramps.
Loading and unloading vehicles on roads, driveways and at customer premises.
Driving and parking in residential and commercial areas.
Working in confined or cluttered spaces, stairwells and hallways.
Where significant risks are identified, we will develop and implement safe working procedures. These may include pre-move surveys, use of appropriate equipment, team lifting techniques, and specific controls for high-risk items.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of our work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. We will:
Provide training in correct lifting and carrying techniques.
Encourage the use of mechanical aids and handling equipment whenever practical.
Plan routes for carrying items to avoid obstacles and reduce the need to twist or overreach.
Ensure that loads are kept within safe weight limits for individuals and teams.
Require employees to stop any lifting activity that they believe is unsafe and to seek assistance or alternative methods.
Vehicle and Road Safety
Safe driving and vehicle use are essential parts of our operations. We will:
Ensure all drivers hold the appropriate valid driving licence and are competent to operate the vehicles assigned to them.
Maintain vehicles through regular inspections and servicing in line with manufacturers recommendations and legal requirements.
Secure loads properly to prevent movement during transit and to protect both staff and other road users.
Plan journeys to allow sufficient time and avoid unnecessary pressure on drivers.
Require drivers to comply with road traffic laws and to drive responsibly and considerately at all times.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working at customer addresses or in shared spaces, we will take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors and the general public. This includes:
Assessing access routes and identifying any hazards such as uneven surfaces, low ceilings or narrow staircases.
Using warning signs or verbal warnings where necessary when moving large items through shared or public areas.
Minimising obstruction of pavements, corridors and entrances and keeping work areas as tidy as possible.
Taking care to prevent damage to property, fixtures and fittings during moves.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man and a Van Twickenham provides appropriate training and information to all employees. This may include:
Induction training covering general health and safety responsibilities.
Task-specific training on manual handling, loading techniques and equipment use.
Guidance on safe driving, parking and working at the roadside.
Ongoing refresher training where required and supervision of less experienced staff.
Accidents, Incidents and First Aid
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will:
Record and review all reported incidents.
Take appropriate action to address immediate risks and prevent recurrence.
Provide access to basic first aid provisions in vehicles or at the operating base.
Encourage staff to seek medical advice where there is any concern about an injury or health issue arising from work.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our activities, legislation or best practice. All employees will be informed of any significant changes, and updated versions of the policy will be made available.
By working together to follow this policy, Man and a Van Twickenham aims to maintain a safe, professional and reliable removal and transport service for all customers.
