Man with Van Richmond Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Richmond is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with our removal and delivery services, including loading, unloading, transportation, and on-site work at homes and business premises.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the management of Man with Van Richmond. Management will ensure that appropriate resources, information, and training are provided so that health and safety standards are maintained and continually improved.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They are expected to cooperate with management, follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and report any hazards, incidents, or near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct regular risk assessments for our core activities, including domestic and commercial removals, packing services, furniture dismantling and assembly, and the loading and unloading of vehicles. These assessments identify potential hazards and define control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

All team members are required to follow the safe systems of work identified through these assessments. Working practices are reviewed periodically and after any significant incident, change in equipment, or change in the type of work undertaken.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key aspect of removal work and is managed carefully to prevent injury. Our personnel receive instruction in correct lifting techniques and the safe movement of heavy or bulky items.

Key principles include planning the lift, testing the weight of items before moving them, keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting motions, and seeking assistance or using mechanical aids when items are heavy, awkward, or difficult to access. No employee or contractor is expected to lift or carry loads that exceed safe limits or that they are not comfortable handling.

Use of Equipment and Vehicles

We maintain our vehicles, trolleys, dollies, straps, and other handling aids in good working order and in line with manufacturer guidance. Vehicles used for removal services are checked regularly to ensure they are roadworthy, clean, and equipped with suitable restraints for securing loads.

Only authorised and competent personnel may drive or operate vehicles and equipment. Drivers must follow road traffic laws, drive defensively, and take account of weather, traffic, and local conditions. Loads must be evenly distributed and adequately secured before any journey begins to prevent movement during transit.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer locations, our team will take care to protect both people and property. This includes using appropriate lifting and carrying methods to avoid damage, placing protective coverings where necessary, and ensuring that access routes are kept clear and free from obstructions.

We take reasonable steps to minimise risks to customers, visitors, neighbours, and members of the public. This may include cordoning off areas, using warning signs where appropriate, and controlling vehicle movements when loading and unloading on the street or in shared spaces.

Slips, Trips, Falls and Housekeeping

To reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls, our teams are instructed to maintain good housekeeping at all stages of a move. Items, tools, and packaging materials should be stored neatly, away from walkways, and any potential trip hazards identified and addressed promptly.

Particular care is taken on stairs, ramps, driveways, and other uneven or slippery surfaces. Weather conditions such as rain, ice, or fallen leaves are taken into account, and loading or unloading may be adjusted to maintain safety.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where hazards cannot be completely eliminated by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided and used. This may include protective footwear, gloves, or other items suitable for the task. Employees and contractors are required to wear and maintain such equipment as instructed and to report any defects or losses immediately.

Health, Fitness for Work and Welfare

Removal work can be physically demanding. We expect our personnel to attend work fit for duty and to inform management if they have any condition or injury that might affect their ability to work safely. We will take reasonable steps to make adjustments where appropriate and to avoid tasks that could aggravate existing conditions.

Short breaks are encouraged during longer jobs to reduce fatigue, maintain concentration, and support safe working. Access to drinking water and adequate rest periods are provided, in line with the nature and duration of the work.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive information and guidance relevant to their role and experience level. This includes instructions on manual handling, safe loading techniques, vehicle safety, use of equipment, and emergency procedures. New starters are supervised as needed until they are competent to work independently.

Refresher training is provided when there are changes to working methods, equipment, or legislation that affect our operations, or when a need for additional training is identified following incidents or observations.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, property damage, and near misses must be reported as soon as practicable to management. Reports are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and to prevent recurrence.

Where necessary, control measures, training, and risk assessments are updated in light of investigation findings. We encourage open reporting and a no-blame culture focused on learning and improvement.

Emergency Preparedness

Our staff are briefed on how to respond to emergencies such as injuries, fire, road traffic incidents, or sudden hazards at customer premises. This includes preserving life, raising the alarm, contacting emergency services where necessary, and safeguarding the area to prevent further harm.

Drivers must follow safe procedures in the event of a breakdown, collision, or other incident on the road, including making the vehicle safe, warning other road users where possible, and cooperating fully with emergency responders.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Richmond is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We monitor our practices, gather feedback from employees and customers, and track incidents and near misses to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, or our working practices. All updates are communicated to staff and implemented without delay.

By following this policy, Man with Van Richmond aims to ensure that every removal, delivery, and associated service is carried out as safely as reasonably practicable, protecting our teams, our customers, and the wider community.