Man with Van Nine Elms Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Nine Elms is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all 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 moving, lifting, loading, driving, and operating within homes, offices, and public spaces.

Policy Aims and Scope

The purpose of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property during all removal and delivery operations. It applies to all workers representing Man with Van Nine Elms, regardless of employment status, as well as any temporary staff or subcontracted personnel working under our direction.

Health and Safety is a core part of our service planning, including domestic moves, office relocations, and transport of individual items. All work must be carried out in line with this policy and any associated procedures or instructions issued by the company.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Nine Elms is responsible for providing clear leadership on Health and Safety. This includes ensuring that:

Risk assessments are completed and reviewed as needed for key activities, such as lifting heavy items, operating in confined spaces, working on stairs, and loading vehicles.

Suitable equipment is supplied and maintained, including moving trolleys, blankets, straps, ramps, and personal protective equipment where required.

Drivers and removal staff receive appropriate information, instruction, and training for the tasks they perform, including manual handling and safe driving practices.

Working hours and schedules are organised to reduce the risk of fatigue and to support safe working conditions.

Incidents, accidents, and near misses are recorded, investigated where appropriate, and used to improve our Health and Safety arrangements.

Employee Responsibilities

All staff working for Man with Van Nine Elms share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Each worker must:

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

Follow all safety instructions, training, and procedures, including use of lifting techniques and vehicle loading guidelines.

Use equipment properly and report defects or damage without delay so that unsafe items can be removed from use or repaired.

Report hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly, so that risks can be assessed and controlled.

Cooperate with management on all Health and Safety matters, including investigations and further training.

Safe Working Practices for Removals

Man with Van Nine Elms will promote and enforce safe working methods in all removal activities. Key principles include:

Planning each job in advance, considering access routes, parking, loading points, and any restrictions that may affect safe operations.

Assessing the weight, size, and stability of items before lifting, and using team lifts, trolleys, or additional equipment where necessary.

Maintaining clear walkways within properties and around vehicles, minimising trip hazards from packing materials, tools, and personal items.

Securing loads carefully in vehicles to prevent movement during transit, using appropriate restraints and protective coverings to reduce the risk of damage or instability.

Working at a steady, controlled pace and taking breaks as needed to avoid overexertion and manual handling injuries.

Driving and Road Safety

Driving is a central part of the service provided by Man with Van Nine Elms. Our road safety measures include the following commitments:

All drivers must hold a valid driving licence appropriate for the vehicles they operate and must comply with road traffic laws at all times.

Vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks on tyres, brakes, lights, and other safety-critical components.

Loads will be distributed evenly and secured correctly to ensure vehicle stability and safe handling on the road.

Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair driving ability, including some medications.

Routes and schedules will be planned to allow sufficient time for safe driving, avoiding unnecessary pressure that could lead to speeding or unsafe manoeuvres.

Protecting Customers and the Public

Man with Van Nine Elms recognises its duty to protect customers, building occupants, and members of the public from risks arising from our activities. We will:

Work carefully in and around properties, taking steps to avoid damage to fixtures, fittings, and structures while moving items in and out.

Use warning signals, clear verbal communication, and when appropriate, temporary barriers or signs to alert others to moving loads or vehicle movements.

Park vehicles considerately, aiming to minimise obstruction to pedestrians, neighbours, and other road users while still working safely.

Maintain professional conduct at all times, including clear communication with customers about any safety concerns that may arise during a job.

Training, Information, and Supervision

To support safe working, Man with Van Nine Elms will provide appropriate training and guidance to staff. This may include manual handling training, safe loading practices, use of removal equipment, and basic awareness of hazards in homes and workplaces.

New staff and less experienced workers will be supervised and supported until they can demonstrate competent and safe working practices. Refresher training or additional instruction will be arranged as working methods change or if incident reviews highlight a need.

Hazard Reporting and Incident Management

Any accident, injury, near miss, vehicle collision, or significant property damage that occurs during work for Man with Van Nine Elms must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable.

We will keep records of reported events, assess underlying causes, and take appropriate steps to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. This may involve changes to procedures, provision of new equipment, or further training.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations, vehicles, equipment, and best practice guidance. Man with Van Nine Elms is committed to continuous improvement in Health and Safety performance and expects all staff to contribute positively to this goal.

By following this policy and associated procedures, we aim to deliver professional removal services while safeguarding the wellbeing of our workers, customers, and the wider community.