Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Romford Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Romford is committed to providing a professional, safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, unloading and transporting goods for residential and commercial clients.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise that removal work can involve manual handling, the use of vehicles, access to properties, and interaction with customers and the public. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment. Health and safety is an integral part of our planning, decision making and day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities and Accountability

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, training and equipment are provided. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on each job, monitoring standards on site and addressing unsafe practices without delay.

All employees and contractors are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly and cooperate fully in any investigation or review.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting work, a suitable and proportionate assessment of risks is carried out, taking into account access to the property, parking arrangements, stairways, lifts, floor conditions, weather and any unusual items or circumstances. Where necessary, the task will be modified or additional control measures introduced to ensure it can be carried out safely.

Safe systems of work are developed for common removal activities, including lifting and carrying of items, packing, loading and unloading of vehicles, and operating in shared or public spaces. These procedures are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect experience, feedback from staff and changes in best practice.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling represents a key risk in removal work. We aim to eliminate or reduce manual lifting wherever possible through the use of appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, lifting straps, blankets and ramps. Items are assessed for weight, shape and stability before being moved, and team members are instructed not to lift loads that are beyond their capability.

All staff receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, team lifting and the importance of planning each move. Equipment is selected, maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Any defective or damaged equipment is taken out of use immediately and reported to management for repair or replacement.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular checks and servicing. Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and operate vehicles responsibly at all times. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit and to ensure the safety of the driver, passengers and other road users.

Drivers must conduct basic pre-use checks, including tyres, lights and securing mechanisms, and report any defects. Fatigue management is taken seriously and journeys are planned to allow realistic timescales, breaks and safe driving speeds.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer properties or in shared access areas, our teams take care to minimise disruption and ensure that walkways and entrances remain as clear and safe as possible. Where temporary obstructions are unavoidable, staff will communicate with customers and other users of the space and will manage the area to reduce risk of slips, trips and falls.

Protective coverings may be used on floors and surfaces where appropriate, both to prevent damage and to reduce hazards. Staff aim to conduct work in a considerate and respectful manner, recognising that customers may be present while operations are ongoing.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive induction training covering our health and safety standards, safe lifting, vehicle safety, use of equipment and emergency procedures. Ongoing training and refresher sessions are provided to ensure that skills and knowledge are kept up to date, particularly when new equipment or methods are introduced.

Supervision is provided in proportion to the experience of the team and the complexity of the task. Less experienced staff are supported by more experienced colleagues, and are encouraged to ask questions and raise concerns if they are unsure how to proceed safely.

Accident Reporting and Incident Investigation

All accidents, near misses, property damage and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. These incidents are recorded, investigated where necessary, and used to identify underlying causes and opportunities for improvement.

We do not place blame for genuine mistakes reported in good faith and encourage open reporting so that lessons can be learned. Findings from investigations may lead to additional training, revised procedures or changes to equipment.

Welfare, Fitness for Work and Personal Protective Equipment

We recognise the importance of wellbeing and fitness for work in a physically demanding role. Staff are expected to present for work in a fit condition and free from the influence of alcohol or drugs. Any health issues that may affect safe working should be discussed confidentially with management so that appropriate adjustments can be considered.

Suitable clothing and footwear must be worn, including sturdy, closed footwear with good grip. Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves or high-visibility garments will be supplied and must be used as instructed. PPE is not a substitute for safe systems of work, but an additional control measure.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Romford is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We monitor our activities, review feedback from staff and customers, and keep up to date with relevant guidance and best practice for the removals sector.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and revised as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, legislation or industry standards. Updated versions of the policy are communicated to all staff so that everyone understands their role in maintaining a safe working environment.

Customer Cooperation

We ask all customers to cooperate with our teams in creating a safe working environment, including providing clear access where possible, advising us of any known hazards and following reasonable safety requests made by our staff. By working together, we can help ensure that each move is completed safely, efficiently and with respect for people and property.