Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Woodford Green

Man with Van Woodford Green 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 transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting, and unloading household and commercial goods.

Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, implementing appropriate control measures, and promoting a positive safety culture throughout our operations.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Woodford Green has overall responsibility for ensuring that this Health and Safety Policy is implemented, maintained, and reviewed regularly. We will provide resources, information, training, and supervision to enable all personnel to work safely and in compliance with relevant health and safety legislation.

Management will ensure that risk assessments are carried out for key activities, that safe working practices are developed and communicated, and that suitable equipment and vehicles are provided and maintained in safe condition.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working with Man with Van Woodford Green have 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 procedures, use equipment correctly, and co-operate with management in implementing this policy.

Employees are required to report any accidents, incidents, near misses, hazards, or safety concerns to their supervisor as soon as practicable. They must not misuse or interfere with any safety equipment or protective devices provided for their health and safety.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We will identify hazards associated with our removal services, including manual handling, use of vehicles, working in and around customer premises, and handling fragile or heavy items. Risk assessments will be conducted and reviewed periodically, particularly when there are changes in work practices, equipment, or service areas.

Based on these assessments, we will establish safe systems of work for tasks such as lifting and carrying, securing loads within vehicles, using trolleys and other moving aids, and operating in confined spaces such as stairwells, corridors, and loading areas.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Because moving goods is central to our services, we place strong emphasis on safe manual handling. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, team lifting procedures, and the proper use of handling aids such as trolleys, straps, blankets, and ramps.

We will avoid manual lifting where reasonably practicable by planning jobs and using appropriate equipment. Where manual handling is unavoidable, tasks will be assessed, and loads will be broken down where possible to reduce the risk of strain, sprain, or other injury.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

All vehicles used by Man with Van Woodford Green are to be maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. Regular checks and servicing will be carried out, and defects must be reported immediately so that they can be rectified without delay.

Drivers are responsible for operating vehicles safely, following road traffic laws, and adhering to company procedures for loading, securing, and unloading. Loads must be properly distributed and adequately restrained to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any condition that may impair their ability to drive safely.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer homes, offices, or other locations, our staff will take care to protect both people and property. We will plan access routes, keep walkways clear where possible, and minimise obstruction or trip hazards such as loose packing materials, tools, or equipment.

Where necessary, staff will cordon off work areas or take other reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors, and members of the public from risks associated with moving and loading activities. Extra care will be taken around entrances, staircases, lifts, and shared corridors.

Protecting Property and Environment

We are committed to preventing damage to property during removals. Protective measures, such as using covers, blankets, and padding, will be applied as appropriate to safeguard furniture, fixtures, and surfaces. Heavy or awkward items will be moved using safe methods that reduce the risk of accidental impact or breakage.

We will also dispose of waste materials generated by our activities in a responsible manner and will aim to minimise unnecessary noise, disruption, and environmental impact in the areas where we operate.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff engaged in removal activities will receive appropriate induction and on-the-job training in health and safety matters relevant to their roles. This includes manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, and working safely at customer premises.

Supervision will be provided proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of the workers involved. Instructions, procedures, and safety information will be communicated clearly, and refresher training will be provided where necessary.

Accidents, Incidents, and First Aid

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported and recorded. We will investigate these events to identify root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned will be shared with staff as appropriate.

Suitable first aid arrangements will be in place, including access to basic first aid supplies and prompt contact with emergency services where required. Staff are encouraged to report any work-related health concerns at an early stage.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Woodford Green encourages feedback from employees and customers on health and safety matters. We recognise that involving those who carry out the work is essential for identifying practical improvements and maintaining high safety standards.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice, and our own operational experience. We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance across all our removal services.

Policy Communication

This policy is available to all employees, contractors, and customers. It forms part of our commitment to delivering reliable, safe, and professional man and van and removal services throughout the areas in which we operate.