Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Plumstead

Man with Van Plumstead is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal services. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, loading, unloading, and transporting household and commercial items.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance through regular review, training, and communication.

We will take all reasonably practicable steps to:

Provide and maintain safe vehicles, equipment, and systems of work for all removal activities. Ensure that our team members are appropriately trained, supervised, and competent to carry out their roles. Minimise risks to customers, neighbours, and the general public when operating in residential and commercial locations across our service area. Comply with relevant health and safety laws, regulations, and best practice guidance. Promote a positive health and safety culture within the company.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Plumstead rests with the company management. They are responsible for ensuring that suitable arrangements, resources, and procedures are in place to implement this policy effectively.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation, including briefing staff, monitoring safe working practices, and addressing hazards promptly. All employees, contractors, and helpers have a duty to work safely, follow instructions, use equipment properly, and report any concerns or incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Risk assessments are carried out for typical removal operations and for any non-routine tasks that present significant hazards. These assessments consider manual handling, access and egress at properties, use of lifting equipment, vehicle movements, and environmental conditions.

From these assessments we establish safe systems of work, including safe lifting techniques, maximum load limits, team lifting procedures, and protocols for working in confined spaces, stairwells, and shared access areas. Staff are expected to follow these systems and to stop work if they believe conditions are unsafe.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal operations. To protect our team and customers, we provide guidance and training in safe lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of loads. Where possible, mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies, and lifting straps are used to reduce strain and prevent injury.

All equipment is selected for suitability, maintained in good condition, and inspected regularly. Defective equipment must not be used and is removed from service until repaired or replaced. Employees must use equipment only for its intended purpose and in accordance with their training.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained and inspected to ensure they are safe, roadworthy, and suitable for the loads carried. Loads are secured carefully to prevent movement during transport, reduce the risk of damage, and protect road users.

Drivers are responsible for conducting basic vehicle checks, reporting defects promptly, and driving in a safe, courteous, and legally compliant manner. Journey planning takes into account traffic, weather, and access constraints to reduce time pressure and promote safe driving throughout our operating area.

Safe Working at Customer Premises

When working at customer premises, our staff will assess access routes, stairways, lifts, and outdoor areas for potential hazards before starting work. We will take reasonable measures to protect floors, walls, fixtures, and fittings, and to avoid causing obstruction or risk to other occupants and neighbours.

Where necessary, temporary control measures such as setting down clear walkways, using warning signs, or guiding vehicle movements are used to minimise risk. Customers are asked to keep children, pets, and vulnerable persons away from work areas while loading and unloading takes place.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man with Van Plumstead provides health and safety training appropriate to each role, including induction training for new starters and refresher training as required. Topics may include manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, emergency procedures, and customer site safety.

Information about safe working methods is communicated through briefings, instructions, and supervision. Staff are encouraged to ask questions and raise concerns so that any gaps in knowledge or understanding can be addressed promptly.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses, and cases of work-related ill health must be reported as soon as possible to the appropriate supervisor or manager. Reports are recorded, investigated where necessary, and used to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Emergency procedures cover situations such as personal injury, fire, traffic incidents, and damage to property. Our staff are briefed on how to respond, including making the area safe, contacting the relevant services when needed, and notifying management and the customer.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical demands of removal work and the importance of employee welfare. Staff are encouraged to work within their capabilities, use team lifting where needed, take reasonable breaks, and report any health conditions that might affect their ability to work safely.

We do not tolerate the use of drugs or alcohol that could impair judgement or physical performance. Anyone suspected of being unfit for work will be removed from duty immediately.

Consultation, Communication, and Review

Man with Van Plumstead values the input of employees and customers in improving health and safety. Staff are consulted on changes to working practices and are encouraged to suggest improvements or raise concerns without fear of disadvantage.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, or company operations. The latest version is made available to employees and customers on request. Our ongoing aim is to deliver reliable, efficient, and safe removal services across our operating area while protecting everyone affected by our work.