Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Chessington Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Man with Van Chessington to provide a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. Our aim is to prevent injury, protect property and minimise risks during all moving, loading, unloading and transportation work.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Man with Van Chessington is committed to managing health and safety as an integral part of our operations. We recognise our duty to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and accepted industry best practice within the removals and transport sector.

Our key health and safety objectives are to:

Identify, assess and control risks associated with lifting, carrying, driving, loading, unloading and working in and around client properties.

Provide clear information, instruction, supervision and training to staff so that tasks are completed safely.

Ensure that vehicles, tools and moving equipment are maintained in a safe condition.

Promote a positive safety culture so that all staff take responsibility for their own safety and that of others.

Review and improve our health and safety performance on a regular basis.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Chessington lies with the company’s management. Management will ensure that appropriate resources are made available to implement this policy, and that health and safety considerations are included in planning, decision making and day-to-day management of the business.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing safe systems of work on site and in vehicles, monitoring staff compliance with procedures, and reporting hazards or incidents to management.

All employees and contractors must:

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

Follow all safety procedures, instructions and training provided.

Use equipment, tools and vehicles only for their intended purpose and in a safe manner.

Report hazards, near misses, injuries, damage or unsafe conditions to management without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Man with Van Chessington will carry out risk assessments for key tasks involved in removal and delivery work, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, use of trolleys and moving aids, vehicle loading and securing, and working in confined or elevated areas such as staircases or flats.

Risk assessments will identify potential hazards and the control measures required to reduce risk to an acceptable level. These may include use of protective equipment, team lifting, route planning within properties, and limits on the weight of items to be carried by individuals.

Safe systems of work will be communicated to staff through induction, briefing and ongoing training. Staff are required to follow these procedures at all times, and may stop work if they believe a situation presents a serious and immediate danger.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our service and presents a key risk area. To minimise the likelihood of injury, Man with Van Chessington will:

Provide manual handling training that covers correct lifting techniques, team carrying, use of trolleys and avoidance of awkward postures.

Encourage staff to assess each item before lifting, considering weight, size, shape, stability and the route to be taken.

Require team lifts for heavy or bulky items and refuse to move items that cannot be handled safely with the resources available.

Use moving aids where appropriate, such as trolleys, straps or sliders, and ensure they are maintained in good condition.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Safe operation of our vans is essential to protect staff, customers and other road users. We will:

Ensure vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained, including brakes, tyres, lights, securing points and tailgates.

Load vehicles safely and evenly, ensuring items are secured so that they cannot move or fall during transit.

Require drivers to observe all traffic laws, speed limits and parking restrictions, and to drive courteously and defensively.

Discourage the use of mobile phones while driving except with approved hands free equipment, and only when it is safe to do so.

Ensure that drivers are appropriately licensed, competent and fit to drive, and that driving hours are managed responsibly.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our work often takes place in homes, offices and public areas. Man with Van Chessington will take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors and the public by:

Planning access routes to avoid unnecessary risks, trip hazards and damage to property.

Using protective coverings and suitable handling methods to prevent damage to floors, walls and fixtures.

Keeping walkways as clear as reasonably practicable and warning customers of any short term hazards during the move.

Maintaining professional conduct at all times and immediately addressing any concerns raised by customers regarding safety.

Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment and Maintenance

Where necessary, staff will be provided with suitable equipment and personal protective equipment to perform tasks safely. This may include gloves, safety footwear, high visibility garments or other items appropriate to the work and environment.

All equipment will be maintained in good working order and checked regularly. Defective equipment must not be used and should be reported immediately for repair or replacement.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Chessington will provide employees with adequate training and instruction to perform their work safely. This includes induction training, job specific instruction, refresher training as required and toolbox talks when new risks are identified.

Information on hazards and safe procedures will be communicated clearly. Supervisors will monitor work to ensure that safety standards are maintained and will provide guidance and correction where necessary.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, injuries, near misses and cases of damage to vehicles or property must be reported promptly to management. We will investigate these incidents to establish causes and to identify any measures that may prevent recurrence.

Findings from investigations, feedback from staff and changes in legislation or best practice will be used to review and improve our procedures and training. This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as needed to ensure that it remains effective and relevant to the services provided by Man with Van Chessington.

Policy Review and Acceptance

This Health and Safety Policy applies to all employees and contractors working on behalf of Man with Van Chessington. Compliance with the policy is a condition of working for the company. The policy is reviewed regularly and may be amended to reflect operational changes, risk assessments or updates in legal requirements. By working with or for Man with Van Chessington, individuals acknowledge their responsibility to follow this policy and to contribute to a safe, professional removal service.