Man with Van West Ham Health and Safety Commitment

Man with Van West Ham is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice, and we work to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment during all moves and related services.

This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic removals, office moves, loading and unloading, transport, packing, and short-distance moves. It applies to all employees, contractors and representatives working on behalf of Man with Van West Ham.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van West Ham rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, training and supervision are provided. Management will regularly review this policy and associated procedures to ensure they remain effective and relevant to the services we provide.

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 or omissions. This includes following safety instructions, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards, and cooperating fully with all health and safety measures introduced by the company.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before each removal or transport job, we assess the potential hazards associated with the work. This includes evaluating property access, stairs, tight spaces, parking arrangements, road conditions, manual handling requirements, and any special risks relating to particular items being moved.

Where necessary, a site-specific risk assessment is conducted to identify suitable control measures. These may include using additional staff, selecting appropriate moving equipment, planning safe routes in and out of properties, arranging safe parking for the vehicle, and agreeing clear communication methods between team members.

We implement and maintain safe systems of work for common removal tasks such as lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, packing, and securing items in the vehicle, and we adapt these systems as required for each job.

Manual Handling and Lifting Practices

Manual handling is one of the main risks in removal work. Our policy is to minimise manual handling wherever reasonably practicable by using appropriate equipment and planning moves to avoid unnecessary carrying and lifting.

All staff engaged in lifting and carrying activities receive guidance and, where relevant, formal training in safe manual handling techniques. This includes assessing the load and the route before lifting, working in pairs or teams for heavy or awkward items, keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting while carrying, and taking regular breaks when carrying out physically demanding tasks.

Where an item is assessed as too heavy or unsafe to lift manually, mechanical aids such as trolleys, skates or other handling equipment are used, or alternative arrangements are made.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are selected, maintained and operated to meet safety standards and legal requirements. Regular checks are carried out to ensure vehicles are roadworthy, clean, and equipped for safe transport of goods.

Drivers are responsible for conducting basic pre-use checks, reporting defects promptly, and driving safely and considerately at all times. Loads must be properly distributed and securely fastened to prevent movement, damage or instability during transit.

Parking arrangements are planned with safety in mind, seeking to minimise reversing where possible and ensuring that loading and unloading areas are clearly identified and kept free from obstructions. Where reversing is necessary, a colleague should act as a guide whenever possible.

Customer, Public and Property Protection

We take reasonable steps to ensure that our work does not put customers, visitors, neighbours or members of the public at risk. During loading and unloading, we aim to keep access routes clear, minimise trip hazards such as loose packing materials, and use warning where movement of large items may affect others nearby.

Protective measures may be used to safeguard property and reduce the risk of damage, such as covering floors where appropriate and taking particular care when moving items through doorways, corridors and stairwells.

Equipment, Maintenance and Personal Protective Equipment

All tools and equipment used in our removal services, including trolleys, straps and protective materials, must be suitable for their intended purpose and kept in good condition. Regular inspections are carried out, and any damaged or defective equipment is removed from service and replaced or repaired.

Where required by risk assessment, staff are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, suitable footwear and other relevant items. Staff are expected to use this equipment correctly and to look after it, reporting any loss or damage promptly.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide our workers with information and training that is proportionate to their roles and the tasks they perform. This includes induction on general health and safety rules, safe lifting practices, equipment use, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures.

Supervision is provided where necessary, especially for new or inexperienced staff, to ensure that health and safety procedures are understood and followed in practice. Refresher training is given as needed, particularly when new equipment or methods of working are introduced.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses and hazardous situations arising from our removal operations must be reported as soon as possible to management. This enables us to investigate, take corrective action, and learn from events to prevent recurrence.

Where necessary, incidents will be recorded and, if required by law, reported to the relevant authorities. We encourage an open reporting culture and do not tolerate victimisation of anyone who raises genuine safety concerns.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of maintaining good health and fitness. Workers are expected to present themselves fit for duty and to inform management of any health condition that could affect their ability to perform tasks safely.

We discourage unsafe working practices such as rushing, overexertion or working under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Adequate rest breaks are encouraged, particularly during demanding jobs or in extreme weather conditions.

Fire Safety and Emergency Arrangements

At each location where we are working, our teams consider fire safety and other emergency arrangements, including available exits, assembly points and how to raise the alarm. Staff must familiarise themselves with on-site emergency procedures and cooperate with building management instructions.

In the event of an emergency, life safety takes priority over property. Staff must follow evacuation procedures promptly and assist customers and others where it is safe to do so.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

Man with Van West Ham is committed to continually improving its health and safety performance. This policy is reviewed regularly, and also following any significant incident, change in operations, or updates in legal or industry standards.

We welcome feedback from staff, customers and partners on any aspect of health and safety. Suggestions that can help reduce risk and improve our working practices are actively encouraged and will be carefully considered as part of our ongoing commitment to safe, reliable removal services.