Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Teddington
Man with Van Teddington 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 removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with household moves, office relocations, furniture transport and associated loading and unloading work.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We recognise that professional moving and handling involves specific risks, including manual handling injuries, slips and trips, vehicle movements and damage to property. Our goal is to prevent accidents and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures.
We comply with applicable health and safety laws and regulations in the areas where we operate and follow recognised good practice for the removals and transport industry. Health and safety considerations are integral to our planning, supervision and delivery of each job.
Roles and Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Teddington rests with the business owner or appointed manager. They are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed regularly.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day management of health and safety on site, including briefing staff, allocating appropriate equipment, and checking that agreed procedures are followed.
Every employee has 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. All staff must cooperate with company policies, use equipment correctly, follow training and report hazards or incidents without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before each removal or transport job, we assess the main risks associated with the premises, access routes, parking, lifting requirements and any special items such as pianos, large wardrobes, fragile items or high-value goods. Where needed, we adapt our approach to suit the specific location and conditions.
We develop and follow safe systems of work that cover planning, loading, unloading and driving. These systems include clear instructions on how to lift and carry items, when to use additional staff, and when to refuse tasks that cannot be carried out safely.
Manual Handling and Lifting Practices
Manual handling is a core part of our business, and we take particular care to reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other musculoskeletal injuries. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, including assessing the load, keeping it close to the body, using the legs rather than the back and working as a team for heavy or awkward items.
Where possible, we use handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps and blankets to minimise physical effort and protect both people and property. We do not permit staff to exceed safe lifting limits and encourage them to request assistance whenever needed.
Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular checks and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow the Highway Code and adhere to speed limits and parking rules.
Before departure, drivers and crew check that loads are evenly distributed, secured and protected. Overloading is not permitted. During loading and unloading, vehicle movements are controlled to avoid reversing onto unsafe surfaces or into areas where pedestrians may be at risk. Where necessary, a second person will act as a banksman to guide the driver.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We take care to protect customers property and to ensure that members of the public are not exposed to unnecessary risk while we work. This includes keeping access routes as clear as practicable, managing trailing cables, stacking items safely and avoiding blocking fire exits or emergency routes.
We respect house rules and building regulations at flats, offices and shared premises, including restrictions on lift use, permitted access times and noise levels. Whenever possible, we plan work to avoid creating congestion in shared corridors, stairways or entrances.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff receive appropriate training for their role, including induction training on company health and safety rules, safe manual handling, correct use of equipment and incident reporting. Additional on-the-job instruction is provided for complex moves or unusual environments.
Supervisors monitor the way tasks are carried out and provide guidance or correction where needed. We encourage open communication so that staff feel able to raise any safety concerns without hesitation.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
We provide suitable equipment to support safe moving and transportation, such as trolleys, ramps, blankets and securing straps. This equipment is inspected regularly and removed from use if damaged or defective.
Where the risk assessment identifies a need, we provide personal protective equipment such as gloves, high-visibility clothing or safety footwear. Staff are expected to use such equipment correctly and report any losses or damage.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, injuries and incidents of damage are recorded and, where necessary, investigated. Our aim is not to apportion blame but to understand underlying causes and prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are used to improve our procedures, training and planning.
Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Work
We recognise the physical demands of removal work and expect staff to present for duty fit for work, not under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that might impair performance or judgment. Any employee who feels unfit to carry out a task safely must inform their supervisor immediately.
We encourage sensible workload planning, breaks and hydration, especially during hot or cold weather, to reduce the risk of fatigue, heat stress or other health issues.
Consultation, Review and Continuous Improvement
We consult with staff on health and safety matters and welcome suggestions for improving our working practices. Feedback from customers about safety issues on site is also taken seriously.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, our services or the areas in which we operate. A current copy is made available to all staff and to customers on request.
By following this policy, Man with Van Teddington aims to deliver a reliable, efficient and safe removal service for every customer and every move.
