Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Mortlake
Man with Van Mortlake is fully committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out how we manage safety within our removal and man and van services, including residential and commercial moves across our service area.
1. Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health arising from our activities. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures for all removal and transport tasks.
Health and safety are integral to the way we plan and deliver our services, from booking and preparation through to loading, transport, and unloading of goods.
2. Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes:
Ensuring that all work is planned and carried out in compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and industry good practice.
Providing suitable training, information, and supervision so staff can work safely and competently.
Supplying appropriate equipment, vehicles, and protective gear in good working condition.
Conducting risk assessments for removal activities, including manual handling, vehicle operations, and work at height.
Investigating accidents, near misses, or incidents and acting on findings to prevent recurrence.
3. Employee Responsibilities
All employees and contractors working for Man with Van Mortlake have a duty to protect their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They are expected to:
Follow all safety procedures, instructions, and training provided.
Use equipment, vehicles, and protective gear correctly and only for their intended purpose.
Report hazards, defects, or unsafe conditions immediately to management.
Refrain from horseplay or unsafe behaviour while on duty or on customer premises.
Cooperate with any investigations, audits, or reviews related to health and safety.
4. Safe Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work. To reduce the risk of injury, we:
Train staff in safe lifting techniques, including team lifts and the use of lifting aids.
Assess the weight, size, and shape of items before moving them.
Plan routes for carrying items to avoid obstructions, stairs risks, and uneven surfaces.
Use appropriate moving equipment such as trolleys, dollies, and straps whenever possible.
Encourage staff to refuse unsafe lifts and request additional support or equipment when needed.
5. Vehicle and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are essential to our removal services, and their safe operation is a priority. We are committed to:
Maintaining vehicles in a roadworthy condition with regular checks, servicing, and inspections.
Ensuring drivers hold the correct licence and are competent to operate the vehicles.
Planning routes to allow for safe loading, unloading, and parking in the local area.
Securing loads properly to prevent movement during transit.
Promoting safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits, rest breaks, and avoidance of distractions.
6. Working on Customer Premises
When working in homes, offices, or other properties, we recognise our responsibility to protect customers and visitors. Our teams will:
Carry out a dynamic risk assessment on arrival, identifying access issues, trip hazards, and any fragile features.
Use protective coverings where appropriate to minimise slips and property damage.
Keep walkways clear of packaging materials and equipment as far as reasonably practicable.
Coordinate with customers about the safest routes for moving items and any specific building rules.
Maintain professional conduct, minimising disruption and noise where possible.
7. Equipment and Protective Gear
We provide appropriate equipment and protective gear for our teams, which may include gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, and other items as required. Staff are responsible for using this equipment correctly and informing management of any damage or loss.
8. Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
We conduct formal and informal risk assessments for typical removal activities. Key hazards we consider include:
Heavy or awkward loads.
Use of stairs, narrow corridors, and external steps.
Weather conditions that may affect access or vehicle safety.
Traffic and parking challenges near properties.
Potential contact with hazardous materials or unsafe building features.
Control measures are then implemented to reduce these risks to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable.
9. Training, Information, and Supervision
All new staff receive induction training covering health and safety responsibilities, manual handling, and safe working practices. Additional task-specific training is provided where required. Supervisors monitor performance and provide ongoing guidance to ensure that safe systems of work are followed consistently.
10. Accident and Incident Reporting
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Details will be recorded and reviewed so that underlying causes can be identified and corrective actions taken. Where necessary, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal requirements.
11. Welfare, Health, and Fitness for Work
We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of staff being fit for duty. Workers are expected to present themselves in a fit condition and not under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair safe performance. Regular breaks are encouraged, particularly during demanding or hot conditions, to manage fatigue and reduce the risk of accidents.
12. Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation, or industry guidance. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and used to improve our safety practices and service quality.
By implementing this policy, Man with Van Mortlake aims to ensure that every removal, whether local or further afield, is carried out with the highest regard for the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
