Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Paddington

Man with Van Paddington 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 removals and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to identifying and managing risks associated with moving, handling, loading, transport and associated services.

Policy Statement

We aim to prevent injury, ill health and property damage arising from our work. Health and safety considerations are integral to the planning and delivery of all removal jobs, from small residential moves to larger commercial relocations. We comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice applicable to our operations.

This policy is reviewed regularly and updated whenever there are significant changes in our activities, work equipment, operating procedures or legal duties.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Paddington rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources, information and training are provided to implement this policy effectively.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for:

• Ensuring that staff follow safe systems of work and site rules
• Briefing crews on job-specific risks before work commences
• Checking vehicles, lifting equipment and accessories before use
• Reporting and investigating accidents, incidents and near misses

All employees, drivers and porters are responsible for:

• Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others
• Using vehicles, tools and lifting aids as instructed and in a safe manner
• Following the training and guidance provided by the company
• Reporting hazards, defects, unsafe practices and any injuries immediately

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We undertake risk assessments for our typical activities, including loading, unloading, packing, handling heavy or awkward items, driving and operating at customer premises. Where necessary, site-specific assessments are carried out to take into account access restrictions, stairs, shared areas, parking arrangements and any particular customer requirements.

Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe working practices that address:

• Manual handling and use of lifting equipment
• Vehicle loading, securing of loads and unloading
• Use of ramps, tail lifts and trolleys
• Working on or near roads and shared driveways
• Working in confined spaces, stairwells and narrow corridors
• Protection of customers, neighbours and the general public

These procedures are communicated to our staff and reviewed regularly to reflect experience and any incidents.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of removal work, and we take steps to minimise the risk of strain, sprain and other musculoskeletal injuries. Our approach includes:

• Assessing loads for weight, size, shape and stability before lifting
• Using team lifts for heavy or bulky items
• Employing trolleys, dollies, straps and other lifting aids where practical
• Avoiding unnecessary carrying distances through careful vehicle positioning
• Providing training in safe lifting and carrying techniques

Only trained and authorised staff operate lifting equipment such as tail lifts and use securing devices such as straps and blankets. All equipment is checked regularly and removed from service if defective.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are regularly inspected in line with manufacturer and legal requirements. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic pre-use checks and reporting any defects.

Driving duties are planned to minimise fatigue and encourage safe driving behaviour. Drivers are expected to obey all traffic laws, drive with consideration for other road users, and park in a manner that protects themselves, loaders and the public. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit and to avoid risk when doors are opened.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We take care to protect customer property, neighbours and the public during removals work. This includes:

• Planning access routes in and out of the property
• Keeping walkways, stairs and entrances clear of trip hazards
• Using protective coverings where appropriate
• Managing doors, gates and lifts safely
• Positioning vehicles to minimise obstruction and risk to pedestrians

Where work is carried out in shared residential or commercial buildings, we coordinate with occupants or building management as needed to ensure safe access and minimal disruption.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide our staff with appropriate training relevant to their role, including induction training, manual handling, use of equipment, safe loading and unloading and general health and safety awareness. Refresher training is given when procedures or equipment change, or where there is evidence of unsafe practices.

Managers and team leaders monitor day-to-day compliance with health and safety procedures and provide on-the-job guidance, especially to new or less experienced employees.

Accident, Incident and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as practicable to a supervisor or manager. We investigate reports to identify root causes and take corrective action to prevent recurrence. Where required, incidents are recorded in an accident log and reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal obligations.

We encourage open reporting and do not tolerate victimisation of anyone who raises genuine safety concerns.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical demands of removal work and the importance of staff being fit for duty. Employees are expected to present themselves for work in a condition that does not put themselves or others at risk. The use of alcohol or illegal substances while at work or prior to work is strictly prohibited.

Reasonable adjustments are considered for staff with health conditions, and tasks may be adapted in line with medical advice and operational requirements.

Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Paddington is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We review this policy on a regular basis, consider staff feedback, learn from incidents and update our procedures as necessary to maintain high standards of safety across all our removal services.