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 who may be affected by our removal activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all house moves, office relocations, and transport services we provide.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage arising from our work. We aim to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement proportionate control measures for all removal and transport tasks. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and work to continually improve our safety standards.
Scope of this Policy
This policy applies to all staff, including full-time, part-time, temporary workers, and contractors engaged by Man with Van Richmond. It also informs customers of the standards we apply when working on their premises, whether in residential properties, office buildings, or storage facilities.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for providing clear leadership on health and safety matters. This includes ensuring that:
All removal activities are planned and organised safely.
Suitable equipment, vehicles, and protective gear are provided and maintained.
Risk assessments are completed for typical moving and transport tasks, and specific assessments are carried out where necessary.
Staff receive appropriate information, instruction, and training to perform their duties safely.
Accidents, incidents, and near misses are recorded and reviewed, and corrective actions are implemented.
Health and safety arrangements are reviewed regularly to reflect any changes in operations, equipment, or legislation.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff must:
Follow safe working procedures and instructions given by management.
Use equipment, vehicles, and protective gear correctly and report any defects immediately.
Adopt correct manual handling techniques when lifting, carrying, or loading items.
Cooperate with risk control measures, including the use of trolleys, straps, and other handling aids.
Report hazards, near misses, and incidents without delay so that preventative action can be taken.
Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and inform management of any medical condition that may affect safe working.
Customer and Public Safety
We will plan our removal work to minimise risks to customers and members of the public. This includes:
Maintaining clear walkways wherever reasonably practicable during loading and unloading.
Using safe parking and loading practices to reduce risks from vehicle movements.
Communicating with customers about any access limitations, trip hazards, or fragile structures that may affect safe working.
Respecting property and ensuring that items and packaging are not left in a way that could cause slips, trips, or falls.
Safe Lifting, Handling, and Loading
Lifting and carrying is a core part of removal work, and we are committed to reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. We will:
Encourage the use of mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies, and lifting straps whenever appropriate.
Promote team lifting for heavy, awkward, or bulky items such as furniture and appliances.
Train staff in correct posture, weight assessment, and safe route planning before moving items.
Ensure that vehicles are loaded in a stable manner, with loads secured to prevent shifting during transit.
Take extra care on stairs, uneven ground, and in confined spaces, adjusting the method of work as necessary.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are integral to our service, and their safe use is essential. Man with Van Richmond will:
Maintain vehicles in safe working order and ensure that all safety-related defects are dealt with promptly.
Ensure drivers hold the appropriate licences and are familiar with the vehicles they operate.
Plan routes with consideration for road safety, loading restrictions, and safe stopping points for loading and unloading.
Require that loads are correctly distributed and secured before vehicles move.
Promote safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits, road regulations, and rest requirements.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
We will provide suitable equipment to support safe working, including handling aids, blankets, and securing straps. Where required by risk assessment, personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety footwear will be provided. Employees must use this equipment as instructed and look after it, reporting any loss or damage.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Man with Van Richmond will provide training and ongoing guidance relevant to the tasks staff are expected to perform. This may include:
Induction training covering general health and safety responsibilities.
Manual handling and team lifting techniques.
Safe operation of vehicles and handling equipment.
Awareness of typical hazards encountered during residential and commercial moves.
Supervision will be provided, particularly for new or inexperienced staff, to ensure that safe systems of work are followed.
Risk Assessment and Continuous Improvement
We will carry out and regularly review risk assessments for our main activities, including packing, loading, unloading, transport, and working at customer premises. Where new services, equipment, or working methods are introduced, additional assessments will be undertaken. We use the findings from incidents, staff feedback, and risk reviews to improve our procedures and reduce risks wherever reasonably practicable.
Monitoring, Review, and Policy Availability
Compliance with this Health and Safety Policy will be monitored through day-to-day supervision, checks on vehicles and equipment, and the review of incident reports. The policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary. This policy is available to all employees and to customers who wish to understand our approach to health and safety during removal and transport work.
