Man with Van Greenwich Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Greenwich is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transportation and related services carried out in homes, offices and on the road.

We recognise our duty to meet all applicable health and safety legislation and to apply good practice standards across our operations. Health and safety is integral to the quality and reliability of our moving services and is the responsibility of every person working on behalf of Man with Van Greenwich.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We are committed to preventing injury and ill health by identifying, assessing and controlling the risks that arise from our work. Our main objectives are to provide safe systems of work, to maintain vehicles and equipment in safe condition, and to ensure that all staff are competent to perform their duties safely.

To achieve this, the management of Man with Van Greenwich will regularly review our working practices, consult with staff on health and safety matters, and allocate appropriate resources for training, equipment, and supervision.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Man with Van Greenwich. Management will ensure that suitable risk assessments are carried out, that control measures are implemented, and that these measures remain effective through monitoring and review.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. They must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents promptly, and participate in relevant training provided by the company.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting any removal or delivery job, we assess the risks associated with the premises, access routes, parking arrangements, manual handling tasks, and any special or fragile items. Where necessary, we will adapt our working method to ensure safe handling and transport.

Our safe systems of work include planning lifting routes, using correct lifting techniques, sharing loads between team members where appropriate, and making use of trolleys, straps and other aids to minimise strain. Work will not proceed if the environment or task is considered unsafe until adequate controls are put in place.

Manual Handling and Load Security

Manual handling presents a significant risk in removal work. All staff involved in lifting and carrying are trained in safe manual handling techniques, including assessing the weight and shape of loads, team lifting, and using mechanical aids where possible. We aim to minimise repetitive or excessive lifting and to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

We are also committed to the safe loading and securing of goods in our vehicles. Items are positioned and restrained to prevent movement during transit, protecting both our staff and other road users. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular checks and servicing undertaken in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers must carry out basic pre-use checks and promptly report any defects or concerns so that they can be addressed.

All driving for work is carried out responsibly, with respect for speed limits, parking rules and road conditions. Journey planning aims to reduce driver fatigue and stress. Drivers are required to comply with mobile phone and distraction policies, and must never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that impairs their ability.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises, our teams take reasonable steps to protect people, property and belongings. This includes careful route planning inside the property, clear communication with the customer, and use of protective coverings where appropriate.

We take care to avoid creating trip hazards with equipment, tools or packing materials. Access points, stairways and doorways are kept as clear as reasonably practicable while work is in progress. Where work takes place near public areas, we take precautions to prevent unauthorised access to loading zones and to safeguard passers-by.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Greenwich provides appropriate health and safety training for all staff, including induction training for new starters and refresher training as needed. Topics include manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, incident reporting and emergency procedures.

Supervision is provided to ensure safe working methods are followed, especially for new or less experienced staff. Written guidance and verbal instructions are provided for specific tasks, and staff are encouraged to raise any concerns or suggestions for improving safety.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses, injuries and dangerous occurrences must be reported without delay to management. We keep records of such incidents and investigate them to identify underlying causes and any corrective actions required.

Lessons learned from incidents are used to update risk assessments, improve procedures and inform additional training where necessary. Our aim is continuous improvement in health and safety performance and prevention of recurrence.

Welfare, Health and Wellbeing

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of welfare facilities and rest. Staff are encouraged to take regular breaks, remain hydrated and report any health concerns that may affect their ability to work safely.

We do not tolerate harassment, bullying or abusive behaviour from colleagues or customers. Any such behaviour should be reported to management so that appropriate action can be taken to protect the wellbeing of our staff.

Policy Review and Communication

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legal requirements or industry guidance. Updated versions are communicated to staff and made available to customers on request.

Everyone working for or with Man with Van Greenwich is expected to cooperate fully with this policy and contribute to a culture where safety is an integral part of every removal and delivery service we provide.