Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Belgravia

Man with Van Belgravia is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal operations. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, transport, loading and unloading, and any related activities carried out by our team.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

We recognise that high standards of health and safety are essential to the quality of our removal services and to the wellbeing of everyone involved. We are dedicated to preventing accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures.

Senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the company and will provide the leadership, resources, and support needed to maintain continuous improvement in this area.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Man with Van Belgravia will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and relevant transport and manual handling regulations. We will keep our procedures under review and update them when laws or best practices change.

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff are required to follow company procedures, use equipment properly, and report any hazards, incidents, or near misses to management without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including packing, lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, driving, and working at customers premises. These assessments identify potential hazards such as heavy items, awkward access, vehicle movements, and trip or slip risks.

On the basis of these risk assessments we implement safe working practices, including but not limited to:

Planning each move to ensure adequate time, manpower, and equipment is available. Evaluating access routes, stairways, and parking arrangements before work begins. Using appropriate lifting techniques and team lifting procedures for heavy or bulky items. Ensuring vehicles are loaded securely and evenly to prevent shifting or instability during transit. Keeping working areas clear of unnecessary obstructions, packaging, and waste materials.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of our work, particularly when transporting furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. We manage these risks by:

Providing manual handling training to all relevant staff. Encouraging the use of mechanical aids and handling equipment such as trolleys, dollies, ramps, and straps where appropriate. Avoiding single-person lifts of loads that are too heavy, unstable, or awkward in shape. Assessing each item before lifting and choosing the safest method to move it.

All equipment used in our removal services is inspected regularly and maintained in safe working order. Defective equipment is taken out of service immediately and reported to management.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our work and are operated to high safety standards. We ensure that:

Vehicles are roadworthy, regularly inspected, and maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations. Loads are properly distributed, secured, and checked before departure. Drivers hold the appropriate licences and are competent to operate the vehicles they are assigned to. Journey planning takes account of realistic travel times and safe driving practices.

Drivers must comply with road traffic laws at all times and are expected to drive courteously, defensively, and with regard to the safety of passengers, other road users, and pedestrians.

Customer, Public, and Property Protection

We take steps to protect customers, the public, and property during removal work. Our teams aim to minimise disruption and maintain safe access around the working area.

Protective coverings may be used to safeguard floors, doors, and other surfaces where reasonably practicable. Items are handled carefully to avoid damage, and special attention is given when moving fragile, valuable, or unusually shaped goods. Where possible, we cordon or clearly define working zones to prevent customers or bystanders from entering potentially hazardous areas.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All employees receive an induction that includes information on health and safety responsibilities, safe systems of work, and emergency procedures. Task-specific training is provided for manual handling, use of equipment, and vehicle operation as required.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring working practices on site, ensuring that staff follow safety procedures, and providing guidance or correction where needed. Additional training or refresher sessions are arranged when new equipment, techniques, or legal requirements arise.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. We investigate these events to identify root causes and to implement measures that reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Our staff are briefed on emergency procedures relevant to working at customers premises and on the road, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, road traffic collisions, or structural hazards. First aid supplies are available in our vehicles or with team leaders where appropriate for the nature of the work.

Welfare, Health, and Fitness for Work

Man with Van Belgravia recognises the importance of staff welfare and fitness for work in maintaining a safe service. Employees are expected to attend work in a fit state, free from the influence of alcohol or illegal substances, and to notify management of any health conditions that might affect their ability to carry out removal tasks safely.

Reasonable steps are taken to manage workloads, rest breaks, and shift patterns to avoid excessive fatigue, particularly for driving and physically demanding work.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

We are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance. This policy, along with supporting procedures and risk assessments, will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in legislation, our operations, or the nature of the services we provide.

Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and used to refine our approach, strengthen our controls, and ensure that Man with Van Belgravia continues to deliver removal services with safety as a core priority.