Man with Van Petersham Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Petersham 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 and delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading, transportation, and work at our operational locations.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health through effective planning, control, and supervision of all removal and transport tasks. We comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Health and safety responsibilities are integrated into the day-to-day running of our removal services and form an essential part of our business operations.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes providing adequate resources, guidance, and supervision to ensure that all removal and transport activities are carried out safely and efficiently. Management will regularly review performance, investigate incidents, and update procedures as necessary to improve safety standards.

We will ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for our services, including home and office removals, single item moves, and loading and unloading at properties, storage facilities, and other sites in our service area.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, including drivers, porters, and support staff, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, and report any hazards, near misses, or incidents to management as soon as possible.

Staff are expected to cooperate with health and safety measures, attend training sessions, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety during removal operations or vehicle movements.

Training and Competence

We provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees in relation to their roles. This may include manual handling techniques, safe loading and unloading practices, use of moving equipment such as trolleys and straps, vehicle safety checks, and dealing with challenging access points such as stairs, narrow corridors, and uneven surfaces.

Training is refreshed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to work practices, equipment, or legislation. New employees receive an introduction to our safety procedures before undertaking any unsupervised removal work.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Risk assessments are carried out to identify potential hazards associated with our removal services, including lifting heavy items, handling fragile goods, working at height when accessing vehicles, and operating in public or shared spaces. Control measures are implemented to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Wherever possible, heavy or bulky items are moved using mechanical aids or team lifting techniques. Access routes are checked for obstacles, trip hazards, and other dangers before work begins. Items are loaded in a manner that ensures stability, weight balance, and secure transit within our vehicles.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Many removal tasks involve manual handling. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and back injuries, employees are trained to assess each lift, avoid unnecessary carrying, and use correct posture and lifting techniques. No employee should attempt to lift or move an item that they consider to be beyond their capability or unsafe due to size, weight, or awkward shape.

Whenever practical, two-person lifting, handling equipment, and protective gloves are used for heavier loads, large furniture, and appliances. Customers are encouraged to inform us in advance about particularly heavy or specialist items so appropriate resources can be arranged.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in safe and roadworthy condition, with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic daily checks, such as tyres, lights, mirrors, and load security, before beginning any journey.

Drivers must comply with traffic laws, observe speed limits, drive considerately, and allow sufficient time for journeys, including loading and unloading at properties in our operating area. Loads must be distributed evenly and secured using straps and other fixings to prevent movement during transit and reduce the risk of damage or accidents.

Site Safety and Public Protection

When working at customers premises or other sites, our staff take reasonable steps to protect the safety of customers, neighbours, and passers-by. This may include managing parking and vehicle positioning, keeping access routes clear, and placing equipment safely to minimise tripping or collision risks.

Where work is carried out in shared entrances, on pavements, or near roads, staff will maintain awareness of their surroundings and adjust work methods to minimise disruption and potential hazards to others.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Only trained and authorised personnel may use company equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, ramps, and securing devices. All equipment must be inspected regularly and removed from service if found to be defective or unsafe.

Appropriate personal protective equipment, which may include safety footwear and gloves, is provided where necessary. Employees are responsible for wearing and looking after their protective equipment and reporting any damage or loss.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and incidents involving vehicles, equipment, or manual handling must be reported to management as soon as practical. Details are recorded and investigated to identify causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Employees are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, road traffic incidents, or other emergencies encountered during removal work or while driving.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, or our operational practices. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed as part of our commitment to continual safety improvement throughout our removal and transport services.