Man with Van Shepherds Bush Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Shepherds Bush manages health, safety and welfare for employees, contractors, customers and the general public during all removal and transport services. Our aim is to carry out every move safely, efficiently and with minimum risk to people, property and the environment.

Health and Safety Objectives

We are committed to preventing injury, ill health and damage arising from our activities. Our key objectives are to identify hazards, assess risks, put appropriate controls in place and continually improve our safety performance. We expect everyone involved in our services to support these objectives and to follow safe working practices at all times.

Legal Responsibilities and Management

Man with Van Shepherds Bush complies with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations that apply to removal and transport operations. Management is responsible for providing a safe system of work, suitable equipment, adequate training and clear instructions for staff and contractors. All team members must co operate with these requirements and take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before each job, we assess the specific risks associated with the property, access routes, parking arrangements, handling requirements and any special items. Based on this assessment, we plan the safest approach to loading, securing and unloading goods. Where conditions change, the driver or team leader will review the situation and adjust the method of work to maintain safety.

Typical risks we consider include manual handling, slips and trips, falls from vehicles or steps, vehicle movements in busy streets, working near members of the public, and handling fragile, heavy or bulky items. We select appropriate methods, equipment and team sizes to control these risks as far as is reasonably practicable.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Removals involve frequent lifting and carrying. To reduce the risk of injury, we ensure staff are trained in correct lifting techniques and safe body posture. Wherever possible, we use handling aids such as trolleys, dollies and straps to minimise physical strain. Team members are encouraged to ask for assistance with heavy or awkward items and must never attempt lifts that exceed their capabilities.

Items are packed and moved in a way that keeps loads stable and manageable. Staff are required to clear routes, remove tripping hazards and plan movements before lifting. Breaks are taken as needed to avoid fatigue during longer or more physically demanding removals.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in roadworthy condition, with regular checks on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points and doors. Drivers must hold appropriate licences and follow all road traffic rules, including speed limits, parking regulations and restrictions in residential and commercial areas.

Loads are secured inside the vehicle to prevent movement during transit. Drivers are responsible for ensuring weight is distributed safely, doors are locked before departure and that loading does not obstruct visibility or safe operation of the vehicle. Extra care is taken when manoeuvring in narrow streets, shared access areas and busy service locations.

Working at Access Points and Near the Public

Removals often involve working at doorways, gates, corridors, staircases and shared entrances. We take steps to keep access routes clear, minimise obstruction and maintain safe passage for residents, visitors and other users of the premises. Where practical, warning signs or temporary barriers may be used to guide people safely around the work area.

Staff are instructed to remain courteous, to communicate clearly with customers and neighbours and to stop work temporarily if members of the public are at risk of entering a hazardous area. We aim to complete loading and unloading with minimal disruption while maintaining a safe environment.

Equipment Use and Maintenance

Man with Van Shepherds Bush provides suitable equipment for lifting, carrying and securing goods. All equipment must be used in accordance with training and the manufacturer instructions. Defective items must be reported immediately and removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Team members are not permitted to improvise unsafe methods, such as using unsuitable household items as ladders or platforms. Only appropriate tools and equipment are used for carrying out removal activities.

Housekeeping and Accident Prevention

Good housekeeping is essential to safe removals. Staff must keep working areas tidy, avoid leaving boxes or furniture in walkways and promptly clear packing materials from floors and steps. Where floors become wet or slippery, work is paused until the hazard is removed or controlled.

Near misses, unsafe conditions and accidents are reported to management so that causes can be investigated and corrective action taken. Learning from these incidents helps us improve our procedures and reduce the likelihood of similar events in future.

Health, Fitness and Welfare of Staff

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. Staff are expected to report any health issues that could affect their ability to work safely. No one should undertake tasks that are beyond their physical capability or that have not been properly explained and assessed.

We encourage regular breaks, access to drinking water and appropriate clothing and footwear suited to the weather and the nature of the job. Where additional protective equipment is required, such as gloves or high visibility vests, it will be provided and must be worn as instructed.

Customer Responsibilities and Cooperation

Our customers play an important part in maintaining a safe environment. We ask customers to inform us in advance of any known hazards, such as restricted access, damaged steps, low ceilings, limited parking or special items that require care. Customers should keep pathways clear, secure pets and children away from work areas and follow any reasonable safety guidance from our team.

By working together, we can ensure that removal and transport services are completed smoothly, safely and with reduced risk for everyone involved.

Training, Communication and Policy Review

Man with Van Shepherds Bush provides training and instruction to staff so they understand their responsibilities and the safe systems of work that apply to removals. Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, job planning discussions and ongoing supervision.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards and our own operational experience. Continued feedback from staff and customers helps us to improve our approach to safety and maintain high standards throughout our service area.