Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Homerton Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Homerton is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our moving and removal services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading, transportation, and on-site work at homes, offices, and storage locations.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The primary aims of this Health and Safety Policy are to prevent injuries and ill health, protect property, and promote safe working practices across all our removal and transport operations. We will identify and control foreseeable hazards, provide adequate information, instruction, and supervision, and ensure that health and safety remains an integral part of our day-to-day management and planning.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man With a Van Homerton is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy and for ensuring that all activities are carried out safely. This includes planning jobs with health and safety in mind, supplying appropriate equipment, arranging training where necessary, and monitoring performance. Management will regularly review working methods, investigate incidents or near misses, and take corrective action to prevent recurrence.

Employee Responsibilities

Every worker engaged by Man With a Van Homerton has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use equipment properly, report hazards or defects, and cooperate fully in the implementation of this policy. Employees are expected to wear suitable clothing and footwear, avoid horseplay or unsafe behaviour, and notify management if they are unfit for work for any reason that could compromise safety.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for our typical removal and transport tasks, considering hazards such as manual handling, trip risks, traffic movement, working in confined areas, and adverse weather. For each job, the team will consider the specific layout of the property, access routes, staircases, lifts, parking arrangements, and any special items such as pianos, large furniture, or fragile goods. Where a significant risk is identified, a safe system of work will be agreed and followed, including the use of extra staff, additional equipment, or alternative lifting and loading methods.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling of furniture, boxes, and appliances is a key part of our work and a major focus of our safety arrangements. Staff are instructed in safe lifting techniques, including keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting, and working in pairs or teams for heavier or awkward items. We use suitable handling aids wherever possible, such as sack trucks, dollies, sliders, straps, and blankets to reduce strain and protect items and property. No worker is required to lift or carry a load they consider unsafe, and management will support the use of additional resources to prevent injury.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

Our vehicles are selected, maintained, and operated with safety as a priority. Drivers must be appropriately licensed, fit to drive, and familiar with the vehicle and its load capacity. Loads are arranged and secured so that weight is evenly distributed, items cannot move in transit, and access is maintained to doorways and exits. We avoid overloading vehicles and comply with speed limits, parking rules, and road traffic requirements. Drivers must not use mobile devices while driving except with approved hands-free equipment and must plan routes to minimise risks such as low bridges or restricted access.

Working at Customer Premises

At customer homes, offices, and storage sites, our teams will work with care and consideration to maintain a safe environment. This includes keeping walkways clear, managing trailing straps or equipment, and communicating with customers about any temporary risks. Where necessary, we may restrict access to certain areas while items are being moved, and we will ask customers and bystanders to stay at a safe distance from loading operations and vehicle movements.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where the nature of the work indicates a need, Man With a Van Homerton provides personal protective equipment such as gloves, high-visibility clothing for roadside work, and any other suitable items determined by risk assessment. Workers are required to use and look after any equipment issued to them and to report loss, damage, or defects promptly so that items can be repaired or replaced.

Welfare, Fatigue, and Fitness for Work

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. Jobs are scheduled to allow reasonable breaks and to avoid excessive working hours wherever practicable. Staff must not work under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that could impair judgment or coordination. Any worker who feels unwell, fatigued, or unable to carry out tasks safely must inform management so that adjustments can be made to the work plan.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Arrangements

All accidents, near misses, property damage, or dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Incidents will be recorded, investigated, and used to improve our practices. Our teams are briefed on basic emergency procedures, including how to respond to injuries, fires, or road traffic incidents. Vehicles carry basic equipment appropriate to the work being undertaken, and drivers are expected to follow official guidance in the event of an emergency on the road.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man With a Van Homerton provides workers with the necessary information about the risks associated with their work and the measures in place to control those risks. New staff receive an introduction to our health and safety expectations, and ongoing guidance is given on safe handling, vehicle use, and customer site conduct. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring working practices on site and correcting unsafe behaviours or conditions as they arise.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, equipment, or legal requirements. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and used to refine our procedures. By maintaining a proactive approach to health and safety, Man With a Van Homerton aims to deliver reliable, efficient removal services while protecting everyone involved in or affected by our work.