Health and Safety policy
Man and a Van Wimbledon Health and Safety Policy
Man and a Van Wimbledon is committed to providing a professional removals service that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk, preventing injury, and promoting a safe working environment during every removal and delivery we undertake.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our main objectives are to prevent accidents, reduce work-related ill health, and ensure that all removals and associated services are carried out safely and efficiently. We aim to:
Identify and control workplace hazards associated with removals and transportation activities.
Provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to staff.
Use suitable equipment and vehicles that are properly maintained.
Encourage a positive health and safety culture where everyone accepts their responsibilities.
Continually review and improve our health and safety performance.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety is integrated into all aspects of our removal operations. This includes:
Carrying out regular risk assessments for removal activities, loading, unloading and transportation.
Putting in place safe systems of work for manual handling, use of vehicles and handling of customer belongings.
Ensuring that staff are competent to carry out their duties safely.
Providing and maintaining appropriate safety equipment, such as protective gloves, safety footwear, and lifting aids where required.
Monitoring compliance with this policy and taking corrective action when standards are not met.
Employee Responsibilities
Every member of staff has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees are expected to:
Follow all safety procedures and instructions provided by Man and a Van Wimbledon.
Use vehicles, tools, lifting equipment and protective gear correctly and responsibly.
Report any hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions to management without delay.
Cooperate with any investigations or reviews following incidents.
Attend safety training and apply what they have learned in day-to-day work.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We assess the risks associated with moving furniture, household items, office equipment and other goods. Before each job, we consider access routes, parking arrangements, lifting requirements and any specific customer concerns. Where necessary, we will adjust our methods or resources to ensure the job can be carried out safely.
Safe working practices include planning the load, using safe lifting techniques, sharing the load between team members where appropriate, and avoiding hazardous shortcuts such as overreaching, twisting under load or carrying items that are too heavy for one person.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of removal work, and we recognise the potential for back injuries, strains and other musculoskeletal disorders. To minimise these risks we:
Train staff in correct lifting and carrying techniques, such as bending the knees, keeping the back straight and holding loads close to the body.
Encourage staff to assess the weight and shape of each item before lifting and to ask for assistance when needed.
Use equipment such as trolleys, dollies and straps where appropriate to reduce the physical strain.
Avoid unnecessary carrying by planning the route and vehicle loading pattern in advance.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are a critical part of our removals service, and their safe operation is essential to protecting staff, customers and other road users. We are committed to:
Maintaining vehicles in a safe and roadworthy condition through regular checks and servicing.
Ensuring that loads are secured correctly to prevent shifting during transit.
Requiring drivers to follow all road traffic rules and to drive with care and consideration.
Planning journeys to avoid unreasonable time pressures that could encourage unsafe driving.
Customer and Public Safety
Our teams work in and around customers homes, offices and shared spaces. We take steps to ensure that our activities do not put customers, visitors or members of the public at risk. This includes:
Keeping walkways as clear as reasonably practicable during loading and unloading.
Using safe lifting routes to avoid contact with people, fixtures and fittings.
Communicating with customers about any short-term restrictions on access while large items are being moved.
Handling fragile, sharp or heavy items in a way that prevents them from causing harm.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
We provide suitable tools and equipment to support safe removals work. Staff must use this equipment only for its intended purpose and report any defects immediately. Where risk assessments identify a need for protective equipment, such as gloves or safety footwear, staff are required to wear it as instructed.
Training, Supervision and Communication
All staff receive appropriate induction and ongoing training related to their roles in the removals process. This may include manual handling, use of lifting aids, vehicle safety, and awareness of site-specific risks. Supervisors and team leaders monitor working practices on site and provide guidance and feedback to help maintain safe standards.
We communicate this Health and Safety Policy to all employees and make it available to customers on request so that they understand our approach and what they can expect from us during a move.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
Any accidents, injuries, near misses or damage to property must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record incidents, investigate causes and take steps to prevent recurrence. Our teams are briefed on basic emergency procedures, including how to respond to injuries, fire risks and road incidents.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
We are committed to reviewing and improving our health and safety arrangements as our removals services develop. This policy is reviewed periodically, and sooner if there are significant changes in our operations, relevant legislation, or following serious incidents. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and considered as part of this review process.
By following this Health and Safety Policy, Man and a Van Wimbledon aims to deliver reliable removal services while safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone involved.
