Man with Van Bexleyheath Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Bexleyheath is committed to providing a professional, safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with our removal and transport services, including moving, loading, unloading and transporting goods.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing sensible precautions. Health and safety is a core part of how we plan and carry out all removals and related services.

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that appropriate resources, information and guidance are provided. All workers, including drivers, removal operatives and subcontractors, are required to 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 hazards, near misses and incidents promptly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before each job, we assess the specific risks associated with the property, access routes, items to be moved and any special customer requirements. Where necessary, we will adapt our working methods, use additional equipment or allocate extra manpower to ensure safe completion of the task.

We maintain safe systems of work for all key activities, including manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, use of lifting aids, working in stairwells, and moving large or awkward items. These systems are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect experience, changes in law and good practice in the removals industry.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries. Our workers are instructed in safe lifting techniques, including assessment of weight and shape, use of correct posture, team lifting for heavy items and the use of trolleys, dollies and other aids where appropriate.

We do not require any worker to lift or carry items that they believe are unsafe for a single person to handle. Where items are excessively heavy, fragile or high value, we may refuse to move them without proper equipment or sufficient personnel.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and checked regularly, including tyres, brakes, lights and load securing points. Drivers must hold the appropriate driving licence and comply with road traffic legislation at all times.

Loads are distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must not exceed safe driving hours, must not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs driving, and must adjust their driving to road and weather conditions. Use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving is not permitted, except through approved hands-free systems where legally allowed.

Customer Premises and Site Safety

When working at customer premises, our workers will take all reasonable steps to prevent damage and ensure safety. This includes clear communication with the customer, careful route planning through the property, and protecting floors, walls and doorways where appropriate.

Trip and slip hazards such as trailing straps, boxes, packing materials or uneven flooring are managed by keeping walkways clear and well organised. Particular care is taken on stairs, in narrow corridors, at door thresholds and when operating in shared spaces such as communal hallways or pavements.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Equipment used in connection with removals and transport, including trolleys, ramps, straps and blankets, is kept in good condition and used only for its intended purpose. Any item found to be defective is removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Where the risk assessment identifies a need for personal protective equipment, such as gloves or safety footwear, workers are expected to use it as instructed. PPE is not a substitute for safe systems of work but is used to provide additional protection where necessary.

Working at Height and Access Risks

Occasionally, it may be necessary to move items from higher levels or via external access routes. Work at height is planned and carried out to minimise risks, and unsuitable methods such as standing on furniture or unstable surfaces are not permitted.

If safe access cannot be achieved with the equipment available, the job will be postponed or alternative arrangements will be discussed with the customer.

Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items

Our service is not designed for the transport of hazardous or illegal items. Customers are informed that we cannot carry dangerous goods such as flammable liquids, gas cylinders, explosives, corrosive substances or items that are prohibited by law or by transport regulations.

Where we identify items that may pose a risk to health and safety, we reserve the right to refuse to handle or transport them, or to require additional controls before proceeding.

Training, Supervision and Communication

Workers receive appropriate instruction and guidance for their roles, including safe lifting, customer care, vehicle loading and emergency procedures. New workers may be supervised until they demonstrate competence in our safe working methods.

Health and safety information is communicated clearly, and workers are encouraged to raise concerns and suggestions for improvement. We record and review incidents and near misses to learn from them and prevent recurrence.

Emergency Procedures and First Aid

We take reasonable steps to ensure that first aid supplies are available in our vehicles or at work locations. In the event of an accident or medical emergency, workers must act promptly, seek appropriate assistance and notify management as soon as practicable.

Where incidents occur at customer premises or on the road, we cooperate with emergency services and any relevant authorities and support any necessary investigations.

Monitoring, Review and Policy Updates

This Health and Safety Policy is monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and reflects current legislation, guidance and industry standards. Changes in work practices, equipment, service areas or legal requirements may lead to updates to this policy.

All workers are expected to familiarise themselves with this policy and to follow it at all times. By working together and maintaining a strong safety culture, Man with Van Bexleyheath aims to deliver removal services that protect the wellbeing of our team, our customers and the wider community.