Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Somers Town Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Somers Town is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety for our workers, customers, visitors and members of the public affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, driving and working in residential and commercial environments.

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe working practices during every move. We regularly review this policy to ensure it remains effective and appropriate to the scale and nature of our services.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Somers Town rests with the business owner or designated manager. They are responsible for implementing this policy, providing adequate resources and ensuring that work is planned and carried out safely.

All workers, whether employed or contracted, share responsibility for their own safety and that of others. Everyone is expected to follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate with any health and safety instructions or training provided.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before or on arrival at each property, a basic site assessment is carried out to identify potential hazards such as restricted access, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, staircases, heavy items and traffic risks. Where significant risks are identified, appropriate control measures are implemented, which may include adjusting the method of work, using additional equipment or requesting extra personnel.

Work is planned to minimise manual handling risks, avoid overloading vehicles and prevent unsafe lifting or carrying. Staff are instructed not to undertake work which they consider unsafe and to escalate concerns immediately. When necessary, jobs may be postponed or reconfigured if safe systems of work cannot be maintained.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core activity in our removal services, and we recognise the potential for back injuries, strains and musculoskeletal disorders. To reduce these risks, the following principles are applied:

Employees receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, team lifting and the use of handling aids. Heavy or awkward items are moved using appropriate equipment or by multiple workers where needed. Loads are assessed for weight, shape, stability and route clearance before being lifted. Staff are instructed not to lift items that exceed their individual capability or that cannot be moved safely.

Whenever possible, items are dismantled into smaller components to reduce load weight. Routes are cleared of obstacles and tripping hazards before moving goods.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are essential to our removal and delivery services and must be operated safely at all times. Vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular checks for tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors and load security fittings.

Drivers must hold the appropriate valid driving licence and obey all road traffic laws. They are expected to drive defensively, adjust speed to road and weather conditions and avoid distractions. Mobile phones must not be used while driving, except via legally compliant hands free systems.

Loads are distributed evenly, secured with straps or other restraints and checked before departure and at suitable intervals. Vehicles must never be overloaded. Access routes and parking arrangements near properties are assessed to minimise reversing and reduce the risk of collision with pedestrians, structures or other vehicles.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

We use suitable equipment to facilitate safe moving and handling, such as trolleys, dollies, blankets, straps and ramps where appropriate. All equipment must be in good working order and used according to the manufacturer instructions and our safe working procedures.

Personal protective equipment may include gloves, safety footwear and high visibility garments when working near traffic or in loading areas. Workers are responsible for using and looking after issued equipment, reporting defects and replacing items when necessary.

Customer Premises and Protection of Property

When working in homes, offices or other premises, we take care to protect customers, neighbours and visitors from risk. Routes are kept clear, doors and access points are managed safely and caution is used on stairs and in confined spaces.

Protective coverings may be used to prevent damage to floors, walls and doorways where appropriate. Items are stacked and stored in a stable manner to avoid falling objects. We aim to maintain a tidy working area and to minimise disturbance during collection, loading, unloading and delivery.

First Aid, Accidents and Incident Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage to property must be reported to the responsible person as soon as possible. Details are recorded so that causes can be identified and corrective actions implemented.

Basic first aid supplies are carried in vehicles or made available at the work location. In the event of a serious incident, emergency services will be contacted immediately and the site made safe where possible without putting others at risk.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide appropriate information and guidance so that workers understand the health and safety risks associated with removal work and how to control them. This includes instruction on manual handling, vehicle loading, safe driving behaviours, use of equipment and procedures at customer sites.

New staff are given an introduction to our health and safety expectations and methods of work. Ongoing guidance is provided when tasks change or new equipment or procedures are introduced. Where necessary, work is supervised to ensure that safe practices are followed.

Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

Removal work can be physically demanding. Workers are expected to present themselves fit for duty, free from the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or any substance that may impair their ability to work safely. Any medical condition or medication that may affect safe performance should be disclosed so that appropriate adjustments can be considered.

We encourage open communication about fatigue, pain or discomfort arising from work. Where issues are identified, duties may be reviewed and additional control measures introduced to protect the individual and others.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

We are committed to continually improving our health and safety performance. Feedback from staff and customers, incident reports and changes in regulations or industry practice are reviewed and used to refine our procedures.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever significant changes occur in our operations. The latest version is made available to workers and customers on request so that everyone involved in our moves understands the standards we aim to uphold.