Man and Van Paddington Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Paddington is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery operations. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transport and on-site activities carried out during home and business removals.

We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and disruption to the communities in which we operate. Health and safety considerations are an integral part of the planning, organisation and delivery of all our man and van services.

Policy Objectives

The main objectives of this policy are to:

Promote a positive health and safety culture across all our operations.

Identify and manage risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and transporting goods.

Provide clear instructions, information and training to all employees and regular contractors.

Ensure safe systems of work are in place for removals in homes, offices, storage facilities and other premises.

Maintain vehicles and equipment in a safe and roadworthy condition.

Consult with staff on health and safety matters and encourage feedback on improving standards.

Continually review and improve our procedures to maintain high levels of safety performance.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who are accountable for implementing and reviewing this policy. Management will ensure that sufficient resources are made available to maintain safe working conditions and that appropriate control measures are in place.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy, including briefing staff on job-specific risks, monitoring working practices and taking prompt action to address hazards.

All employees and subcontractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, cooperate with instructions, report hazards or incidents, and never undertake tasks for which they are not trained or authorised.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before carrying out removal work, we assess the potential risks involved in each job. This includes consideration of access routes, stairways, lifts, parking arrangements, loading areas, property layout, item size and weight, and any special handling requirements.

Site-specific risks such as uneven surfaces, low ceilings, tight corners, weather conditions and interaction with members of the public are taken into account. Where necessary, additional control measures such as extra staff, specialist equipment or altered timings are put in place to complete the work safely.

Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, work equipment or locations.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling and lifting are central to our work and are therefore carefully controlled. Staff receive instruction on safe lifting techniques, including assessment of load weight and shape, team lifting, use of mechanical aids and recognition of personal limits.

Staff must avoid unnecessary manual handling where alternative methods are available. Heavy or awkward items are tackled using trolleys, dollies, sliders, straps or other approved equipment. Team leaders are responsible for allocating sufficient personnel to handle large or bulky items safely.

Employees are encouraged to stop and reassess the task if they feel a lift cannot be carried out safely, and to report any discomfort, strains or near misses so that future incidents can be prevented.

Vehicles, Driving and Loading

Our vehicles are maintained to a safe and legal standard. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points and other critical components. Defects are reported immediately and vehicles are not used until they are safe.

Only authorised, competent drivers may operate company vehicles. Drivers must obey road traffic laws, drive responsibly and allow sufficient time for each journey to avoid rushing. They must not drive under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances or any medication that impairs their ability to drive safely.

Loads are planned and secured to prevent movement during transit. Weight is distributed evenly, and load limits for vehicles, ramps and handling equipment are not exceeded. Doors and tailgates must be properly closed before moving off and checked again during longer journeys.

Work on Customer Premises

When working in homes, offices or other premises, our staff aim to minimise disruption and maintain a safe environment for occupants and visitors. Access routes are kept as clear as practicable, and trip hazards such as trailing straps, packaging or tools are controlled.

Protective coverings are used where necessary to prevent damage and reduce slip risks on floors. Particular care is taken around children, older persons, pets and other vulnerable individuals. Staff are instructed to act respectfully and professionally at all times and to follow any reasonable safety instructions from the customer or site representative.

Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment and Housekeeping

All equipment used for removals, such as trolleys, ramps and lifting aids, is selected, inspected and maintained to ensure it is suitable and safe for use. Defective equipment is removed from service immediately.

Personal protective equipment, including safety footwear, gloves and high-visibility clothing where appropriate, is provided and must be worn as instructed. Employees are responsible for looking after issued equipment and reporting loss or damage.

Good housekeeping is essential to safety. Work areas, vehicles and storage spaces must be kept tidy, with waste materials disposed of promptly and safely.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new staff receive an induction covering key health and safety requirements, emergency procedures, safe driving expectations and manual handling basics. Ongoing training is provided where necessary to address specific risks or to introduce new equipment and techniques.

Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of the staff involved. Less experienced workers are paired with more experienced colleagues until they are deemed competent to work more independently.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible. The circumstances will be investigated to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions. Records of incidents and any resulting improvements are maintained to support continual learning.

Staff are briefed on emergency procedures applicable to their work, including fire precautions, safe evacuation, dealing with injuries and contacting emergency services where needed.

Review of this Policy

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation or industry guidance. Amendments are communicated to all staff and, where appropriate, to contractors. By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Man and Van Paddington aims to maintain a safe and reliable removal service for all customers in our service area.