Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man With Van Docklands
Man With Van Docklands is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, visitors, 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, lifting, loading, unloading, and transporting goods as part of our removal services.
We recognise our responsibility to comply with applicable health and safety legislation and to follow best practice within the removals and transport sector. Safety is a core part of how we plan and deliver each job, from small moves to more complex relocations.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
The primary objectives of this policy are to prevent injuries, protect health, and minimise risks related to our work activities. To achieve this, Man With Van Docklands will:
Assess and manage risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, driving, and working at different locations. Provide appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure that employees are competent to carry out their duties safely. Supply and maintain suitable equipment, vehicles, and protective gear in safe working condition. Promote a culture in which safety considerations are part of every removal and transport task. Continuously review our arrangements to improve health and safety performance.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man With Van Docklands has overall responsibility for implementing and monitoring this Health and Safety Policy. Management will:
Ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into all planning and decision-making for removal services. Allocate adequate resources for staff training, vehicle and equipment maintenance, and safe systems of work. Conduct regular risk assessments for typical moving and transport activities as well as for non-routine tasks. Provide clear instructions and procedures to employees so that they understand how to carry out their tasks safely. Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses to identify causes and implement corrective measures.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees and contractors engaged by Man With Van Docklands share responsibility for their own health and safety and for the safety of others. Employees are expected to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety at work and that of colleagues, customers, and the public. Follow the training, instructions, and procedures provided by the company. Use vehicles, lifting equipment, tools, and protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Avoid taking unnecessary risks, including unsafe lifting or carrying of heavy or awkward items. Report accidents, incidents, near misses, and health and safety concerns promptly so that they can be properly addressed.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Man With Van Docklands carries out risk assessments to identify potential hazards involved in removal and transport work. These assessments cover, where relevant, manual handling, working in and around vehicles, loading and securing goods, access to buildings, and working in confined or cluttered spaces.
Based on these assessments, we implement safe working practices including:
Using correct lifting techniques and team lifts for heavy or bulky items. Planning routes to minimise risks associated with driving, parking, and loading. Ensuring safe loading and unloading areas, as far as reasonably practicable. Securing loads within vehicles to prevent movement during transit. Avoiding obstructions and ensuring clear walkways when moving items on foot or with equipment.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of our removals service, and we take steps to reduce the risk of injury. Employees receive training in safe lifting techniques, including posture, lifting as a team where appropriate, and the use of handling aids. Where practicable, we use trolleys, dollies, straps, and other equipment designed to move goods more safely and efficiently.
All equipment used for lifting and moving items is selected and maintained to be suitable for the intended task. Faulty or damaged equipment must not be used and must be reported immediately to management.
Vehicles and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are essential to our service, and their safe operation is a priority. Man With Van Docklands ensures that vehicles used for removal and transport work are regularly inspected and maintained in line with legal and manufacturer requirements.
Drivers must hold the appropriate licences and are expected to drive responsibly, comply with road traffic laws, and follow company procedures regarding loading, securing loads, and parking safely. Drivers must not operate a vehicle if they are unfit to drive due to illness, fatigue, or the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Customer and Public Safety
When working at customer premises, in shared buildings, or in public areas, we take reasonable steps to protect the safety of customers, visitors, and members of the public. This includes:
Planning the movement of items to reduce risks in narrow corridors, staircases, and entranceways. Using caution when handling large items through doors, lifts, and shared spaces. Keeping work areas as tidy as practicable and removing trip hazards as work progresses. Communicating clearly with customers about any immediate safety issues that may arise during the move.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Man With Van Docklands provides ongoing training to ensure staff understand their responsibilities and are competent in their roles. New staff receive induction training covering company health and safety rules, manual handling, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures.
Additional training may be provided when new equipment is introduced, when work methods change, or when risk assessments identify the need for improved competence. Supervisors monitor working practices and provide guidance and support to reinforce safe behaviours.
Accidents, Incidents, and First Aid
All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur during our removal and transport activities must be reported to management as soon as practicable. This allows us to provide assistance, arrange medical support where necessary, and investigate the circumstances.
We maintain appropriate arrangements for first aid, which may include trained first aid personnel, first aid kits in vehicles, and procedures for contacting emergency services. Lessons learned from incidents are used to improve procedures and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Health, Welfare, and Fit for Work
We recognise that the physical nature of removal work can be demanding. Man With Van Docklands aims to protect the long-term health and welfare of employees by promoting safe working methods, encouraging early reporting of musculoskeletal concerns, and taking reasonable steps to adjust work where necessary.
Employees must not present for work under the influence of alcohol or drugs or any substance that may impair their ability to work safely. Any health condition that may affect the safe performance of duties should be reported so that suitable measures can be considered.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Man With Van Docklands values feedback from employees and customers on health and safety matters. We encourage open communication about risks, suggestions for improving safety, and concerns about working conditions.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance, or the nature of our services. Our goal is continuous improvement in safety standards as we provide removal and van services to our customers.
Policy Review and Availability
This Health and Safety Policy is approved by the management of Man With Van Docklands and is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains relevant and effective. It is available to employees, customers, and others who may have an interest in our approach to health and safety in the delivery of removal and transport services.
