Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Chessington

Man With a Van Chessington is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy outlines the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks, prevent accidents, and ensure safe delivery of our services.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to conduct all removal, loading, unloading, and driving activities in a manner that minimises the risk of injury, ill health, or damage to property. We aim to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective control measures for all tasks undertaken as part of our moving and transport operations.

We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance and to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and best practice guidance applicable to the removal and transport industry.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety policy across all jobs and locations within our service area. This includes:

Ensuring safe systems of work are in place for lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, driving, and parking. Providing suitable equipment and vehicles that are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Ensuring that staff receive appropriate training and instruction to carry out their duties safely. Monitoring health and safety performance and investigating incidents and near misses. Reviewing this policy regularly and updating it in line with changes in legislation, guidance, and our operational activities.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, contractors, and casual workers engaged by Man With a Van Chessington have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes:

Following all safe working procedures and instructions provided by management. Using vehicles, tools, equipment, and protective gear correctly and reporting any defects immediately. Maintaining good manual handling technique when lifting and moving items. Cooperating with risk assessments, safety briefings, and training. Reporting all accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazards without delay.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect customers, their property, and members of the public while we carry out removals and transport services. To achieve this, we:

Plan work to minimise disruption in residential streets, shared access areas, and commercial premises. Take care when loading and unloading to avoid blocking pavements, entrances, or fire exits. Use warning cones or signs where appropriate to highlight loading zones and vehicle movements. Securely stack and protect items to prevent them from falling or causing trip hazards. Keep clear communication with customers about access routes, parking requirements, and any temporary restrictions needed while work is in progress.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures

Before undertaking any removal or transport job, we consider the potential hazards and assess the associated risks. Where necessary, specific risk assessments are prepared to address issues such as restricted access, heavy or awkward items, upper floor moves, long carries, and adverse weather conditions.

Control measures may include using additional staff for heavy lifting, employing suitable moving aids, adjusting routes, or rescheduling work in extreme conditions. Safe working procedures are communicated to staff and reviewed periodically to ensure they remain effective.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removal work and is a major focus of our Health and Safety arrangements. We provide guidance and training to staff in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifts for bulky or heavy items.

Where appropriate, we use equipment such as trolleys, dollies, skates, and lifting straps to reduce strain on the body and improve control of items in transit. Staff are instructed not to exceed their individual capabilities and to seek assistance whenever a load appears too heavy or awkward to handle safely.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained and inspected regularly to ensure they are safe and roadworthy. Drivers are expected to:

Hold the appropriate driving licence and be medically fit to drive. Perform basic vehicle checks before use, including tyres, lights, and securing points. Obey all road traffic laws, parking regulations, and speed limits. Drive considerately and adjust speed and driving style to suit the load and conditions. Ensure all items are loaded securely to prevent movement during transit and to avoid hazards to other road users.

Work Environment and Housekeeping

Good housekeeping and organisation are essential to safe removal operations. We make every effort to keep work areas tidy and free from unnecessary obstacles. Routes used for moving items are kept as clear as reasonably practicable, and packaging materials or waste are collected and disposed of promptly.

When working inside customer premises, floor coverings and protective materials may be used where appropriate to reduce risk of slips, trips, or damage.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff are provided with information and training related to the health and safety aspects of their work, including manual handling, safe lifting techniques, correct use of equipment, and safe driving practices. New starters receive an induction that covers key risks and procedures relevant to our removal operations.

Supervision is provided in line with the experience and competence of each team member, with additional support given where tasks are complex, higher risk, or unfamiliar.

Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Arrangements

All accidents, incidents, and near misses are recorded and investigated so that root causes can be identified and corrective actions implemented. Staff are instructed on what to do in the event of an accident, including seeking medical attention where required and making the area safe to prevent further harm.

Emergency arrangements take into account the nature of our work, including procedures for vehicle breakdowns, road traffic incidents, and emergencies within customer premises.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, relevant legislation, or industry best practice. Revisions are communicated to all staff so that the policy remains a living document actively guiding our daily work.

By following these principles, Man With a Van Chessington aims to deliver a professional, reliable, and safe removal service throughout our operating area.