Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Woodlands Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Woodlands is committed to providing a professional and safe removal service for our customers, our team members, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with moving, loading, transporting, and unloading household and commercial goods.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage by identifying hazards in our work and managing them effectively. Health and safety is an integral part of our day-to-day operations, planning, and decision-making. Every worker and contractor has a responsibility to follow this policy and to work in a way that does not endanger themselves or others.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing appropriate information and guidance, and reviewing our safety arrangements regularly. This includes ensuring that vehicles and equipment are fit for purpose and that risk assessments are carried out where necessary.

All drivers, porters, and support staff are responsible for following safe working practices, using any equipment correctly, and reporting hazards, incidents, or near misses to management. Everyone involved in a removal job must cooperate fully with health and safety instructions and raise concerns as soon as they arise.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before each removal, we consider the likely risks on the job, including access to the property, parking arrangements, the nature of the items being moved, and any special handling requirements. Where appropriate, a more detailed assessment is made to decide what equipment, time, and personnel are needed to complete the work safely.

Factors that may be assessed include staircases, narrow corridors, lifts, uneven surfaces, long carrying distances, and heavy or fragile items. If conditions are considered unsafe or significantly different from those described by the customer, our team may adjust the plan, request additional support, or in rare cases postpone work until it can be completed safely.

Safe Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is central to our business and is managed with care. Our team members are instructed to use safe lifting techniques, work in pairs or teams for heavy or bulky items, and make use of equipment such as trolleys and straps when necessary. No worker is required to lift or carry an item they reasonably believe is unsafe.

We aim to avoid unnecessary strain by planning the route in advance, clearing obstacles where possible, and taking sufficient breaks on longer or more demanding moves. Special attention is given to large furniture, appliances, and any items that are particularly heavy, awkward, or delicate.

Use of Vehicles and Equipment

All vehicles used by Man with Van Woodlands must be maintained in a roadworthy condition and operated responsibly. Loads are secured to minimise the risk of movement or damage in transit. Drivers follow safe driving practices, comply with traffic regulations, and avoid driving when fatigued or unfit.

Equipment such as dollies, blankets, straps, and ramps is checked regularly for signs of wear and damage. Any defective equipment is taken out of use until it can be repaired or replaced. Only suitable and properly maintained equipment should be used during loading and unloading.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We take care to protect both the property we are working in and the surrounding public areas. Where practical, we keep access routes clear, protect floors or walls where there is a significant risk of damage, and position vehicles so that loading and unloading can be carried out safely.

Our team will look out for members of the public or other road users who may be affected by our work, especially in busy streets or shared access areas. When necessary, team members may guide vehicles or manage access to ensure that nobody is placed at risk.

Hazardous Items and Restricted Goods

Some items cannot be transported safely in our vehicles, including certain hazardous, flammable, or illegal goods. Customers are responsible for informing us in advance if any items may present additional risks. We reserve the right to refuse to move goods that we believe could endanger staff, vehicles, or the public, or that may breach legal requirements.

Working Conditions and Welfare

We recognise the importance of suitable working conditions to maintain safety. Reasonable steps are taken to allow breaks, access to drinking water, and appropriate clothing or protective equipment for the conditions. Work is planned with consideration for weather, daylight, and time constraints to help our team stay alert and able to work safely.

Reporting Incidents and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and significant property damage that occur in connection with our services should be reported promptly to management. These events are reviewed to identify causes and possible improvements to procedures, equipment, or planning.

We are committed to improving our health and safety performance over time. This policy and our associated practices may be updated as our services develop, as regulations change, or as we learn from experience on removals and deliveries.

Customer Cooperation

Customers can support safe working by providing accurate information about the property, access, parking, and items to be moved. We ask that customers keep children and pets away from areas where lifting and carrying are taking place, ensure that driveways and paths are reasonably clear, and follow any safety requests from our team.

By working together, Man with Van Woodlands and its customers help create a safer environment for everyone involved in the moving process.