Health and Safety policy

Man and Van Waterloo Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man and Van Waterloo manages safety for staff, customers, members of the public and contractors while providing removal and delivery services. Our aim is to prevent injury, protect health and ensure that all work is carried out safely, efficiently and in line with relevant health and safety legislation and guidance.

Our Health and Safety Responsibilities

Man and Van Waterloo accepts overall responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of everyone affected by our work. Management is responsible for providing safe systems of work, appropriate equipment and effective supervision. Every employee and contractor has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

We expect all staff to follow the procedures and guidance in this policy, to use equipment correctly and to report hazards or incidents immediately so that they can be addressed without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for typical moving and transport activities, including packing, loading, unloading, driving, and handling bulky or heavy items in homes, offices and communal areas. Where required, dynamic risk assessments are completed on site to identify specific hazards associated with a particular property or location.

Control measures identified in risk assessments are built into our safe working procedures. These include safe lifting techniques, use of handling equipment, route planning for access and egress, protection of customer property, and clear communication between team members during moves.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removal work, so we place strong emphasis on correct techniques and use of suitable equipment. Staff are trained to assess the weight, shape and stability of loads before moving them and to refuse unsafe lifts.

Where possible, we use trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids to reduce physical strain and the risk of injury. Any lifting or moving of large items such as furniture or appliances requires at least two people unless specific equipment designed for single-person operation is in place. Equipment is checked regularly for signs of wear or damage and is removed from use if any defect is identified.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are essential to our removal services and must be operated safely at all times. Drivers are responsible for ensuring that vehicles are roadworthy before use, including checking tyres, lights, securing restraints and internal loading areas.

Loads must be evenly distributed and properly secured to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must comply with traffic laws and drive in a manner that protects passengers, other road users and pedestrians. Fatigue, alcohol, drugs or any behaviour that impairs safe driving are strictly prohibited.

Protecting Customers and the Public

Many removal jobs take place in residential streets, shared buildings and busy commercial areas. We take care to minimise risk to customers, neighbours and the general public by maintaining clear walkways, using safe lifting routes and, where necessary, placing warning signs or verbal warnings while items are being moved.

We will not block fire exits or emergency access routes and will organise parking and loading to reduce disruption and hazards. Where access is restricted or presents unusual risk, the team leader will agree a safe plan for moving items before work begins.

Workplace Conditions and Personal Protective Equipment

We aim to maintain clean, tidy and safe working conditions in vehicles, storage areas and on customer premises. Tripping hazards, spillages and obstructions are dealt with promptly. Where noise, dust, sharp edges or other hazards are present, additional controls will be put in place.

Personal protective equipment is issued as appropriate to the task, which may include safety footwear, gloves, high visibility clothing and other items identified by risk assessment. Staff are required to wear and look after their protective equipment and report any loss or damage immediately.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive induction training covering our health and safety standards, safe lifting practices, vehicle safety, emergency procedures and incident reporting. Further training is provided when new equipment, vehicles or procedures are introduced or when a need for refresher training is identified.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring safe working practices on site, correcting unsafe behaviour and supporting less experienced staff. Health and safety expectations are reinforced through regular briefings and ongoing communication.

Incident, Accident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, property damage and near miss events must be reported to management as soon as possible. Accurate records are kept so that we can identify trends, investigate causes and implement improvements to prevent recurrence.

Where required, serious incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in accordance with legal requirements. We encourage open reporting and a no-blame culture focused on learning and improvement rather than assigning fault.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

Removal work can be physically demanding, and we recognise the importance of health and fitness. Staff must inform management of any medical condition, injury or fatigue that could affect their ability to work safely. We will make reasonable adjustments where possible and may reallocate tasks or restrict duties to protect the individual and others.

Substance misuse is not tolerated. Anyone suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be removed from duty immediately and may face disciplinary action.

Review and Policy Communication

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, relevant legislation or industry guidance. Updates are communicated to all staff, and previous versions are withdrawn from use.

The policy is made available to employees, contractors and customers on request. By working in line with this policy, Man and Van Waterloo aims to provide a safe, reliable and professional removal service across our operating area while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.