Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Battersea

Man with Van Battersea is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public affected by our activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removal and delivery services, including packing, loading, transportation and unloading at residential and commercial premises.

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property by planning and carrying out all work in a safe, responsible and professional manner.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Battersea accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance within the business. We ensure that suitable arrangements, resources and supervision are in place to control risks arising from our operations.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, communicating safe systems of work and monitoring compliance among removal teams and drivers.

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. They must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly and report any hazards, incidents or near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We assess foreseeable risks associated with our removal services, including lifting and carrying, working in confined spaces such as stairwells, handling fragile or heavy items, operating vehicles and working in varying weather conditions.

For each job, our teams consider factors such as access routes, parking arrangements, stairways, lifts, floor conditions and the nature of the items being moved. Where necessary, we adapt our methods, allocate extra staff or adjust scheduling to maintain safe conditions.

We develop and follow safe systems of work for common tasks, including packing, loading, securing loads, transporting goods and unloading at the destination. These systems are periodically reviewed and updated based on experience, feedback and changes in regulations or industry guidance.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling represents a significant risk in the removals industry. Man with Van Battersea provides guidance and training on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling aids to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Where practicable, we use handling equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps and blankets to protect both our staff and customers possessions. Heavy or awkward items are only moved after assessing the safest method, which may include additional personnel or alternative techniques.

Employees must not attempt to lift or move items that exceed their individual capabilities and are expected to seek assistance whenever necessary. Any damaged or defective equipment is removed from service until it has been repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Load Security

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are inspected regularly to ensure they remain safe for use. Drivers are responsible for carrying out pre-use checks and promptly reporting any defects or concerns.

Loads are secured using appropriate restraints and packing materials to prevent movement during transit, minimising the risk of injury to staff and damage to property. Our teams take care to distribute weight evenly and keep walkways and exits clear during loading and unloading.

Drivers must comply with road traffic legislation, drive with consideration for other road users and adjust their driving style to reflect load, weather, traffic and local conditions.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to protect customers, visitors, neighbours and members of the public while we carry out removal work. Our teams plan access routes and loading areas to minimise obstruction, and use caution when moving items through shared spaces such as corridors, entrances and pavements.

Where reasonably practicable, we keep work areas tidy and free from trip hazards such as loose packing materials or trailing straps. Customers may be asked to keep family members, visitors and pets away from work zones while loading or unloading is in progress to reduce the risk of accidents.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Battersea provides appropriate information, instruction and training so that employees can carry out their duties safely and competently. This includes induction training for new staff, ongoing guidance on manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment and emergency procedures.

Supervisors monitor working practices, offer guidance and correct unsafe behaviour promptly. Additional training is provided whenever there are changes in work methods, equipment or relevant legislation.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record and investigate these events to identify root causes and implement corrective actions aimed at preventing recurrence.

Our staff are briefed on emergency arrangements, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, vehicle breakdown or collision, spillage or damage to property. Where incidents involve customers or members of the public, we respond promptly, offer appropriate assistance and document the circumstances thoroughly.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the importance of our employees physical and mental wellbeing. Staff are expected to present for work in a fit state, free from the effects of alcohol, illegal drugs or misused medication. Anyone who is not fit for work must report this to management and must not operate vehicles or perform lifting tasks.

Reasonable steps are taken to manage fatigue, including sensible scheduling of work and rest breaks where appropriate. Where health concerns are identified, we will consider adjustments to duties in line with operational requirements and relevant medical advice.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Battersea is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We review this Health and Safety Policy regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation or best practice guidance.

Feedback from employees and customers is encouraged and is used to refine our procedures, training and risk control measures. By working together, we aim to maintain a high standard of safety and provide a reliable, responsible removal service across our operating areas.