Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Dalston Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Dalston is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our general principles and arrangements for managing health and safety across all services we deliver.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment during all moving, loading, unloading and transportation tasks. We will strive to continually improve our safety performance by reviewing working practices, learning from experience and following recognised industry guidance relevant to removal and van services.

We recognise our responsibility to comply with applicable health and safety laws and to take reasonably practicable steps to safeguard everyone affected by our work. Health and safety considerations are integrated into planning, decision‑making and day‑to‑day operations.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Dalston is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety standards are maintained. This includes:

Assessing risks associated with removal, lifting and transport tasks and putting suitable control measures in place. Providing suitable vehicles, equipment and tools that are properly maintained and safe to use. Ensuring staff receive appropriate training, information and supervision for the work they carry out. Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses, and acting on findings to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Reviewing this policy periodically to ensure it remains effective and up to date.

Employee Responsibilities

Every member of our team has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All employees and regular contractors are expected to:

Follow safe working procedures and instructions given by management and supervisors. Use vehicles, equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Avoid taking unnecessary risks, including manual handling of items that are too heavy or awkward without appropriate assistance or equipment. Report hazards, near misses, injuries and unsafe conditions as soon as they are identified. Cooperate with any health and safety training, briefings or monitoring required by the company.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for common removal activities, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, use of trolleys and lifting aids, loading and unloading vehicles, working in stairwells, narrow access routes and public areas, and driving and parking during collections and deliveries. These assessments are used to develop safe working procedures which are communicated to all staff.

Before each job, our team considers site-specific hazards such as uneven surfaces, traffic, restricted parking, internal steps and staircases, and fragile items. Where necessary, work is adapted or additional control measures are introduced to ensure that tasks are undertaken safely.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of our work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strains and other injuries. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, team lifting methods and the safe use of moving equipment. Heavy or bulky items are handled using trolleys, dollies, straps or other aids where possible. Items that cannot be moved safely by our team will not be handled until a safe method is identified.

All equipment used, including trolleys, ramps and securing straps, is checked regularly for defects. Any damaged or faulty equipment is taken out of service immediately and either repaired by a competent person or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition, with routine inspections and servicing carried out in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers are expected to carry out basic pre-use checks and to report defects without delay. Loads are secured safely within the vehicle to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of injury when doors are opened and helping to maintain vehicle stability on the road.

Drivers must obey all road traffic laws, drive considerately and take into account weather, traffic and local conditions when planning journeys. Fatigue management is important and drivers are expected to take appropriate breaks and inform management if they feel unfit to drive.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We aim to minimise disruption and risk when working at customer homes, business premises and in public areas. Our staff will position vehicles and equipment to reduce obstruction, pay attention to pedestrians and other road users, and keep access routes as clear as reasonably possible while loading or unloading.

Customers are asked to cooperate by advising us of any particular hazards at the property, such as loose flooring, low ceilings, awkward staircases or valuable and fragile items that require special handling. We may adjust our approach, timing or manpower to maintain safety if we identify significant risks.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new staff receive induction training covering core health and safety requirements, safe lifting practices, vehicle safety and our procedures for reporting hazards and incidents. Further training is provided where specific skills or equipment are involved. Supervisors monitor working practices and provide ongoing guidance and feedback to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Arrangements

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We keep records of such events, investigate underlying causes and implement corrective actions where needed. Staff are instructed on basic emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, injury, road traffic incidents or property damage during a move.

Review and Policy Availability

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when changes occur in our operations, relevant legislation or industry practices. The latest version is made available to employees and is provided to customers on request so they can understand the safety standards that guide our work.

By following this policy and working collaboratively, Man with Van Dalston aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of our staff, customers and the wider community.