Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Hammersmith
Man with Van Hammersmith is committed to providing a professional, safe and healthy environment for our customers, employees, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our standards and procedures for planning and delivering moves in a way that minimises risk and promotes wellbeing during every stage of a relocation.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We recognise that removal work, including loading, unloading, packing and transporting goods, involves potential hazards such as manual handling, vehicle use and working in unfamiliar properties. We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and damage by identifying risks in advance and putting in place clear, practical controls. All work undertaken by Man with Van Hammersmith is carried out with health, safety and welfare as a primary consideration, alongside efficiency and customer service.
Responsibilities and Management
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Hammersmith rests with company management, who ensure that appropriate procedures, training and equipment are in place. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, briefing staff before each job and checking that safe working methods are followed.
Every member of staff has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees are expected to cooperate fully with this policy, follow instructions, use equipment correctly and report any incidents, near misses or hazards without delay.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before each move, our team assesses the work environment and tasks to identify potential risks, including access issues, stairs, narrow corridors, heavy or awkward items, parking arrangements and traffic conditions. Where necessary, we adapt the method of work, the number of operatives, the timing of the job or the equipment used to ensure activities can be carried out safely.
Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are changes to working practices, vehicles or equipment. Lessons learned from incidents or customer feedback are used to improve our procedures and strengthen controls.
Safe Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of removal work, and we are committed to minimising the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting for heavy or bulky items and the use of appropriate handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps and blankets.
We avoid unnecessary lifting wherever possible by planning safe access routes and using mechanical aids. Items are secured in the vehicle to prevent movement during transit, and our operatives are instructed never to take unsafe shortcuts or attempt to lift loads that exceed their capability. All equipment is inspected regularly and removed from use if damaged or defective.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in good working order and inspected regularly to ensure they meet safety and roadworthiness requirements. Drivers are responsible for conducting basic checks before each journey, including tyres, lights, mirrors, load security and any visible damage.
We promote safe and considerate driving at all times. Loads are distributed evenly and secured properly to prevent shifting, and drivers are instructed to allow sufficient time for journeys, taking into account traffic, loading and unloading. The use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving is not permitted. Parking is planned to minimise risk to staff, customers and other road users.
Working at Customer Premises
Our teams often work in different types of properties, including residential homes, flats, offices and storage facilities. On arrival, the team assesses the layout, identifies hazards such as loose carpets, clutter, low ceilings, poor lighting or wet floors, and takes reasonable steps to reduce risk. Where necessary, we may request that customers remove obstacles, secure pets or adjust access to make the environment safer.
We take care to protect property by using appropriate covers, floor protection and securing items properly during handling. If the environment is judged to be unsafe, work may be postponed or alternative arrangements made until risks have been adequately controlled.
Staff Training, Information and Supervision
All operatives receive training appropriate to their role, which may include manual handling techniques, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, working in customers homes and emergency procedures. New staff receive an induction covering this policy and our expected standards of behaviour, and ongoing refresher training is provided when needed.
Supervisors monitor working practices on site, provide guidance to team members and intervene if unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed. Staff are encouraged to speak up about safety concerns and to suggest improvements.
Personal Protective Equipment and Hygiene
Where identified by risk assessment, personal protective equipment such as gloves, high visibility clothing or safety footwear is provided and must be used as instructed. We maintain high standards of personal hygiene, particularly when working in occupied properties, handling customer belongings and using shared vehicles.
Teams are reminded to keep vehicles and equipment clean and tidy, to wash or sanitise hands regularly and to follow any additional hygiene measures that may be required from time to time to protect both staff and customers.
Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, injuries, near misses or damage to property are reported as soon as possible to management. Incidents are recorded and investigated to determine causes and identify measures that can prevent recurrence. Where appropriate, procedures and risk assessments are updated and additional training or equipment is provided.
We are committed to continuously reviewing and improving our health and safety performance. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and used to enhance the safety, reliability and quality of our removal services.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes to our operations, legal requirements or best practice guidance relevant to the removals industry. The most current version of this policy is made available to staff and customers on request.
By instructing Man with Van Hammersmith, customers can be confident that health and safety is treated as an integral part of our professional removal service, from initial planning through to safe completion of the move.
