Man With a Van Tolworth Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Tolworth is committed to conducting all removal and transport activities in a safe, responsible and legally compliant manner. This Health and Safety policy outlines how we manage risks to protect our workers, customers, members of the public and property while carrying out home and business removals, collections and deliveries.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and damage during every stage of a move, from initial loading through to final unloading. We recognise that manual handling, vehicle use and working in and around homes, offices and communal areas present specific hazards. Our policy is to control these hazards as far as reasonably practicable and to promote a strong safety culture within our team.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man With a Van Tolworth is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety policy. Management will ensure that:

All relevant health and safety laws and guidance for removal and transport activities are observed. Appropriate risk assessments are carried out for regular tasks and any non-routine work. Safe systems of work are developed, communicated and reviewed as needed. Staff receive suitable training, information and supervision to work safely. Vehicles and equipment used for removals are appropriately maintained and fit for purpose. Adequate resources are provided to support safe working practices and continuous improvement.

Employee Responsibilities

Every member of staff, including drivers, porters and any subcontracted personnel, has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff are expected to:

Follow safe working procedures and instructions given by management or supervisors. Use equipment, tools and vehicles correctly and only for their intended purposes. Wear any personal protective equipment provided where required. Report hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions as soon as possible. Cooperate with any investigations, training and health and safety improvements. Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair judgement or performance.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Methods

We assess the main risks associated with removal work, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, movement of goods in confined stairwells and corridors, vehicle loading and unloading, and working near traffic or in shared access areas. Site-specific risks, such as limited parking, uneven surfaces or restricted access, are considered during booking and, where necessary, at the start of the job.

Our team uses safe methods for lifting, carrying and loading items. Where the size, shape or weight of items presents additional risk, extra staff, handling aids or alternative methods may be used, or the item may be declined if it cannot be moved safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our work and is managed carefully. Staff receive guidance on:

Assessing the load before attempting to lift or carry. Using correct lifting techniques to reduce strain and the risk of injury. Working in pairs or teams for large, heavy or awkward items. Using equipment such as trolleys and straps where appropriate. Taking regular breaks from repetitive or heavy lifting tasks when needed.

Customers may be asked to confirm accurate information about the items to be moved, including approximate weights and any fragile or unusual features, so that we can plan sufficient manpower and equipment.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Safe use of vehicles is essential to our operations. We ensure that:

Vehicles used for removal services are regularly inspected and maintained. Drivers hold the appropriate licences and are familiar with safe driving practices. Loads are distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit. Parking and loading are carried out in a way that minimises risk to staff, customers and the public, and follows local parking restrictions where applicable.

Drivers must comply with road traffic regulations, avoid distractions while driving and report any vehicle defects, incidents or collisions without delay.

Customer Responsibilities and Cooperation

We ask customers to support our Health and Safety policy by cooperating with reasonable requests from our staff. This may include:

Providing accurate information about access conditions, including stairs, lifts, narrow hallways and any height or width restrictions. Ensuring that driveways, paths, corridors and stairwells are as clear as possible of obstacles, hazards and trip risks. Informing us of any known risks at the property, such as loose carpets, low ceilings or fragile fixtures. Keeping children, pets and other occupants away from active loading and unloading areas.

If our staff consider any situation unsafe, they may pause work until the risk can be addressed or, where necessary, refuse to carry out a task that cannot be performed safely.

Equipment and Personal Protective Measures

We use suitable tools and protective measures to reduce risk, which may include trolleys, blankets, straps, corner protectors and other handling aids. Staff are instructed to use any provided protective wear when needed for specific tasks, such as carrying sharp or rough items or working in poor weather conditions.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near misses are taken seriously. Staff must report such events at the earliest opportunity so that we can record the details, offer any necessary support and investigate the causes. Where appropriate, we will update procedures, training or equipment to prevent recurrence.

Training, Supervision and Communication

We provide initial and, where necessary, refresher guidance on safe lifting, loading, vehicle use and general on-site conduct. Less experienced staff may work under closer supervision until they demonstrate competence in all relevant tasks. Safety information and instructions are communicated in clear language, and staff are encouraged to raise questions or concerns about any aspect of their work.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes occur in our operations, legislation or industry guidance. We are committed to continuously improving our safety performance and welcome feedback from staff and customers to help us maintain safe, efficient and professional removal services.