Man With a Van Stockwell Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Stockwell is committed to providing a professional, safe and reliable removal service for customers, employees, subcontractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with household moves, office relocations and light transport services within our regular operating areas.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property by planning each removal job carefully and maintaining clear safety standards. Health and safety considerations are an integral part of our day-to-day work, from lifting and loading to driving and delivering items at the final destination.

Management is responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are in place and that all workers engaged by Man With a Van Stockwell understand and follow this policy. Every worker also has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of people who may be affected by their actions.

Legal Responsibilities and Standards

Man With a Van Stockwell strives to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and accepted best practice within the removals and light transport sector. We regularly review our working methods to ensure they remain suitable for the type of removal work we carry out, including domestic moves, flat relocations, small office moves and item collection and delivery.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures

We assess the risks associated with removal tasks before and during each job. This includes considering access to properties, stairways, narrow corridors, parking locations, loading areas, weather conditions and any particular risks relating to items being moved, such as heavy appliances or fragile goods.

Where necessary, specific control measures are implemented, such as using additional staff, planning alternative lifting routes, using suitable handling equipment or adjusting the timing of work to avoid peak traffic or poor lighting. Workers are expected to follow all agreed risk controls and to report any new hazards or unsafe conditions immediately.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Safe manual handling is central to our removal services. We are committed to reducing the risk of injury from lifting and carrying furniture, boxes and equipment. Manual handling tasks are planned to minimise the need for excessive force, twisting, reaching or carrying loads over long distances.

Our workers are instructed to:

Assess the weight and shape of each item before lifting.

Ask for assistance with bulky or heavy objects.

Use trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids where appropriate.

Maintain good posture and use proper lifting techniques.

Take breaks when needed to avoid fatigue and strain.

No worker is required to lift or move an item that they consider unsafe or beyond their personal capability. Customers may be advised that certain items require additional staff or specialist equipment.

Use of Equipment and Vehicles

Vehicles, ramps, trolleys and other equipment used in our services must be suitable for the task and kept in good working order. Vehicle loading is carried out in a way that keeps loads stable, protects customer property and maintains safe vehicle handling on the road.

Drivers must hold the appropriate valid driving licence and are responsible for operating vehicles safely, abiding by speed limits and road regulations at all times. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and doors, ramps and tailgates are checked before departure and on arrival.

Protection of Customers and the Public

During removal work, we take care to protect customers, neighbours, pedestrians and other road users. This includes keeping access routes as clear as reasonably possible, using safe parking locations and avoiding blocking emergency exits or shared entrances.

Where there is a risk of trips or collisions, our workers will organise the working area to reduce hazards, such as keeping tools and packing materials tidy and storing items out of walkways. If necessary, customers may be asked to stay clear of active lifting and loading areas for their own safety.

Housekeeping and Property Protection

To reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls, workers are expected to maintain good housekeeping standards throughout each job. This includes:

Keeping floors as free as possible from loose items and debris.

Using protective coverings where appropriate to reduce damage and slipping hazards.

Stacking boxes and furniture securely to prevent toppling.

Ensuring that tools and equipment are stored safely when not in use.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man With a Van Stockwell ensures that workers receive appropriate information about this policy and the specific safety requirements of their role. Manual handling guidance, safe vehicle use and the correct operation of equipment are explained and reinforced during work.

New or less experienced workers are supervised as necessary. Where subcontractors are used, they are required to work in line with our safety standards and to cooperate with any risk controls identified for a particular job.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, cases of ill health and near misses that occur during removal work must be reported to management as soon as possible. We investigate incidents to identify causes and to introduce improvements that may help prevent a recurrence.

Customers are encouraged to inform us of any safety concerns or incidents that happen during a move so that we can take prompt action.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, services or relevant legislation. We are committed to continually improving our health and safety performance, learning from experience and adapting our methods so that customers benefit from a safe and efficient removal service each time they choose Man With a Van Stockwell.

Policy Responsibility

Overall responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety Policy rests with the management of Man With a Van Stockwell. All workers and subcontractors are required to cooperate fully with this policy, follow safe working procedures and contribute to maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved in our removal services.