Man with Van Croydon Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Croydon manages and maintains a safe working environment for employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. Our services involve lifting, loading, transporting and unloading goods for domestic and commercial moves, and we recognise the specific risks associated with removal work. We are committed to preventing injury, ill health and property damage by planning and carrying out all activities in a safe and responsible manner.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

Man with Van Croydon will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. We will provide safe working systems, appropriate equipment, competent staff and clear procedures to reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable. Health and safety is an integral part of our service delivery and decision-making, not an add-on. Every worker is expected to contribute to safe practice during removal and transportation tasks.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, ensuring adequate resources are available and reviewing performance regularly. Supervisors and team leaders must ensure that staff follow safe working procedures, use equipment correctly and report hazards or incidents immediately. Every worker has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions or omissions. This includes following instructions, using personal protective equipment correctly and refusing to undertake work they consider unsafe until it has been reviewed.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our activities, including house moves, office moves, furniture collection, loading and unloading, and handling of heavy or awkward items. Where appropriate, site-specific assessments are completed at collection and delivery addresses to identify hazards such as restricted access, uneven surfaces, stairs, poor lighting or traffic risks. Based on these assessments, we implement control measures, which may include using additional staff, specialist equipment, revised access routes or alternative loading methods.

Safe working procedures are communicated to staff and are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in working practices, vehicles or equipment. Work is planned to minimise manual handling, reduce time spent on repetitive tasks and avoid unnecessary risks. Where a task cannot be completed safely with the existing resources, the job will be re-planned or rescheduled.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work, and we place strong emphasis on safe lifting techniques and load management. Staff receive training on assessing loads, team lifting, using trolleys and other handling aids, and recognising their own limitations. Heavy, bulky or fragile items are assessed before moving, and where necessary additional personnel or specialist equipment are deployed. Staff are instructed never to attempt to lift or carry any item they feel could cause injury or is beyond their capacity.

Items are loaded and stacked in vehicles to avoid overreaching, crushing hazards and instability during transit. Walkways and doorways are kept as clear as reasonably possible to prevent trips and falls while carrying items.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

All vehicles used by Man with Van Croydon are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular checks and servicing. Pre-use inspections are carried out by drivers before each job, covering tyres, lights, securing points, ramps and other key safety features. Any defects are reported and addressed promptly, and vehicles are taken out of service if they are not safe to use.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and are expected to comply with road traffic laws and safe driving practices at all times. Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transport. Routes are planned to minimise unnecessary mileage, avoid inappropriate roads where possible and reduce stress on drivers and vehicles.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises or in public spaces, we aim to minimise disruption and prevent accidents. Access routes are reviewed to identify hazards, and where needed we use warning signs or verbal communication to alert occupants and visitors to ongoing work. Where practicable, we avoid blocking entrances, fire exits or communal pathways while loading and unloading.

We take care to protect property by using appropriate handling techniques and, where required, protective coverings for floors, walls and doorways. Staff are instructed to act courteously at all times and to report any damage or near misses so that lessons can be learned and controls improved.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive induction training that includes an overview of this Health and Safety Policy, safe lifting, vehicle safety, accident reporting and emergency procedures. Ongoing training is provided where necessary, including refreshers on manual handling, use of equipment and updates to legislation or best practice. Supervisors monitor working methods, provide guidance and intervene where unsafe practice is observed.

Health and safety information is communicated clearly and in a way that workers can understand. Where workers have specific needs or limitations, reasonable adjustments are considered to enable them to work safely.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous situations must be reported as soon as possible to management. We keep records of incidents, investigate causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Where required, incidents are reported to relevant authorities in line with legal requirements.

Staff are briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency such as fire, serious injury, collision or sudden illness. This includes contacting emergency services, making the area safe, assisting injured persons where it is safe to do so and notifying management promptly.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage employees to raise health and safety concerns and contribute suggestions for improvement. Feedback from staff and customers is used to refine our procedures and risk controls. Management reviews this policy periodically to ensure it remains suitable, effective and aligned with current legal requirements and best practice in the removals and transport sector.

By following this Health and Safety Policy, Man with Van Croydon aims to provide a professional, reliable and safe removal service that protects our team, our customers and the wider community.