Man and Van Dulwich Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man and Van Dulwich manages the safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers, visitors and members of the public during all moving and removal activities. Our aim is to provide a safe, healthy and secure working environment and to ensure that our services are delivered with risk minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.

Policy Statement

Man and Van Dulwich is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety in every aspect of our removal operations, including domestic moves, small office moves and transport of furniture and personal belongings. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and will continually seek to improve our practices and procedures.

Health and safety is a core part of how we operate. All employees, contractors and those working on our behalf are expected to cooperate with this policy and take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Responsibilities

The management of Man and Van Dulwich has overall responsibility for ensuring that appropriate health and safety arrangements are in place. This includes providing adequate resources, training, equipment and supervision to support safe working practices throughout our removal services.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, carrying out risk assessments, communicating safe systems of work and ensuring that staff follow agreed procedures.

Employees are required to:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work.

Follow all safety instructions, training and procedures provided by the company.

Use equipment and vehicles correctly and report any defects immediately.

Report accidents, incidents, near misses or unsafe conditions to management without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Man and Van Dulwich carries out risk assessments for typical removal activities, including loading and unloading vehicles, moving heavy or bulky items, working in stairwells and confined spaces, and operating in residential streets and commercial areas.

These risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are changes to our work processes, equipment or service areas. Findings from the assessments are used to develop and update safe systems of work and to provide specific guidance to staff.

Where necessary, site-specific assessments may be carried out before or on arrival at a property to consider access routes, parking, lifting challenges, trip hazards and any special requirements for the safe movement of goods.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a central part of removal work and is a key focus of our health and safety arrangements. All staff involved in lifting and moving items receive manual handling training covering safe lifting techniques, team lifting, use of handling equipment and recognition of personal limits.

Whenever possible, mechanical aids and equipment such as trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and ramps are used to reduce the physical strain of moving items. Loads are assessed before lifting, and staff are expected to refuse any lift that they believe cannot be carried out safely.

Particular care is taken with large furniture, appliances, fragile goods and items that may be awkward to grip or manoeuvre through tight spaces. Customers may be asked to remove obstacles or secure pets and children away from work areas to maintain a safe environment.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are checked regularly. Drivers are responsible for conducting basic pre-use checks and reporting any defects so that they can be dealt with promptly.

Drivers are required to obey speed limits and parking regulations, to drive with consideration for pedestrians and other road users and to select safe loading and unloading locations wherever possible. Loads are secured appropriately to prevent movement during transit, protecting both road users and customer property.

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited, as is the use of handheld mobile phones while driving. Rest breaks are taken as necessary to avoid driver fatigue.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

Man and Van Dulwich provides suitable tools and equipment for removal tasks, including blankets, straps, trolleys and other handling aids. All equipment is inspected and maintained to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose.

Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment may be provided, for example gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing. Staff are responsible for wearing any provided protective equipment correctly and reporting any damage or defects.

Workplace and Site Safety

When working at customer premises or other locations, our teams take steps to create a safe working area. This may include planning access routes, keeping walkways clear, using caution when carrying items on stairs and taking extra care in wet or icy conditions.

Team members communicate with each other during lifts and movements, especially when visibility is limited or when manoeuvring heavy items close to walls, doors, vehicles or other obstacles. Customers and members of the public are politely asked to stay clear of active work areas to avoid accidental injury.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive induction training which includes an introduction to this Health and Safety Policy, safe working methods and emergency procedures. Additional role-specific training is provided where required and refresher training is arranged periodically or after any significant incident.

Supervisors monitor working practices and provide guidance and correction where necessary. Feedback from staff is encouraged so that we can continually improve our methods and address any emerging risks.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly to management. Records are kept and reviewed to identify trends and to help prevent similar events in the future.

In the event of an emergency, the safety of people is always the first priority. Staff are instructed to stop work, make the area safe where possible and follow agreed procedures, which may include contacting emergency services. First aid arrangements are in place appropriate to the nature and scale of our work.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Man and Van Dulwich recognises that effective health and safety management depends on cooperation between management and staff. We encourage employees to raise health and safety concerns or suggestions so that they can be considered and acted upon.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and up to date with current legislation, guidance and best practice in the removal and transport sector. Changes to the policy or working methods are communicated to staff and implemented as part of our commitment to safe, reliable removals.