Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Richmond
Man and a Van Richmond is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and any members of the public who may be affected by our removal activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, transport, loading and unloading, and work at customer premises.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property, and avoidable disruption. We will achieve this by identifying and managing risks, providing appropriate information and training, and continuously improving our safety practices. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of planning and delivering every removal service we provide.
This policy applies to all Man and a Van Richmond employees and any contractors working on our behalf. We expect all workers to take reasonable care of themselves and others and to cooperate fully in implementing this policy.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man and a Van Richmond is responsible for providing clear leadership and resources to maintain high standards of health and safety. This includes ensuring that:
Risk assessments relevant to removal work, driving, manual handling, and customer premises are carried out, documented where appropriate, and reviewed regularly. Safe systems of work are developed, communicated, and followed. Suitable equipment, including vehicles, lifting aids, and personal protective equipment, is provided, maintained, and used correctly. Staff receive appropriate training and supervision for their roles. Any accidents, incidents, or near misses are investigated and corrective actions are implemented to prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Man and a Van Richmond have a duty to:
Work safely and follow the health and safety procedures and instructions they are given. Use vehicles, tools, lifting equipment, and personal protective equipment correctly and for their intended purpose. Report any hazards, defects, accidents, injuries, or near misses to management as soon as reasonably practicable. Cooperate with managers and colleagues to help maintain safe working conditions and practices. Refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety, including working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Man and a Van Richmond conducts risk assessments appropriate to the nature and scale of our removal activities. These assessments consider typical tasks such as moving furniture and boxes, operating in residential and commercial properties, loading and unloading vehicles, and driving between addresses.
Controls may include planning safe routes for carrying items, assessing the weight and stability of loads, using lifting aids where available, avoiding overloading vehicles, and ensuring good communication between team members. Where conditions change on the day, staff are required to dynamically assess risks and adjust the working method to maintain safety.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key aspect of our work. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries, Man and a Van Richmond:
Provides guidance on correct lifting techniques, including team lifting for heavy or bulky items. Plans lifting tasks in advance, considering weight, size, and access routes such as stairs, narrow corridors, and doorways. Encourages the use of appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and furniture blankets where suitable. Sets reasonable limits on what a single person may be expected to lift, taking into account individual capability and environmental conditions.
Employees must not attempt to lift or move any item they believe to be unsafe or beyond their capability. In such cases, the situation must be discussed with the team leader so that a safer method can be put in place.
Driving and Road Safety
Our vehicles are essential to the safe delivery of removal services. Man and a Van Richmond is committed to ensuring that:
All drivers hold the appropriate valid licence and are competent to operate the vehicles they drive. Vehicles are maintained in roadworthy condition and subject to regular checks for tyres, brakes, lights, and load restraints. Loads are distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit, taking into account weight limits and safe loading practices. Drivers follow road traffic laws, including speed limits, parking rules, and restrictions that may apply in residential and commercial areas. Journey planning allows sufficient time to avoid rushing, and rest breaks are taken as required to avoid fatigue.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams frequently work in and around customer homes, offices, and public areas. To protect customers, visitors, and members of the public, Man and a Van Richmond:
Takes care to keep access routes as clear as reasonably possible and to highlight trip hazards such as ramps, trailing straps, and stacked items. Uses safe methods when carrying items through shared spaces such as hallways, stairwells, and entrances, including the use of spotters when necessary. Respects property by using appropriate coverings and protections where practical to reduce the risk of damage or slips. Manages parking and vehicle movements carefully to reduce the risk of accidents when loading or unloading on streets or shared driveways.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We recognise that competent staff are essential to safe working. Man and a Van Richmond provides suitable information and instruction so that employees understand their tasks, the associated risks, and the measures they must take to control those risks.
New staff receive an introduction to our health and safety procedures, including manual handling guidance and safe use of equipment. Ongoing instruction is provided where tasks change or new risks are identified. Supervisors monitor working practices, correct unsafe behaviour, and provide feedback and support to team members.
Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. This enables us to provide appropriate support, record details, and identify any lessons to improve our procedures. Where necessary, we will cooperate with relevant authorities and insurers as part of any investigation.
Teams are instructed on what to do in emergencies, including incidents involving injury, fire, or unsafe structures at customer premises. Where conditions are judged to be unsafe, work will be paused and only resumed when it can be done safely.
Monitoring and Review
Man and a Van Richmond is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We monitor our activities, review incident reports, and consider feedback from staff and customers. This health and safety policy is reviewed periodically and updated as required to reflect changes in our operations, best practice, and applicable legal requirements.
All employees and contractors are expected to familiarise themselves with this policy and to work in a manner that upholds its principles on every job we undertake.
