Health and Safety Policy for Man and Van Docklands

Man and Van Docklands is committed to providing a professional removal service that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all moving and transport activities, including domestic removals, office moves, packing, loading, unloading and short distance transportation.

1. Policy Statement

Our aim is to operate a removal service where work-related injuries, ill health and accidents are prevented as far as reasonably practicable. We recognise our responsibilities under applicable health and safety legislation and commit to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. Safe working practices are a core part of how we provide man and van services, not an optional extra.

2. Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man and Van Docklands rests with the company management. Management is responsible for establishing safe systems of work, providing resources, setting standards and ensuring this policy is implemented and reviewed regularly.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for communicating safety procedures, monitoring day-to-day working practices, reporting hazards, supporting training, and ensuring that all staff comply with this policy and associated risk assessments.

All employees, contractors and agency workers have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. They must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, cooperate with training, report hazards, near misses and incidents, and never intentionally misuse any safety equipment.

3. Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for typical man and van activities and for specific removal jobs where required. These assessments consider manual handling, vehicle movements, working in confined or shared spaces such as corridors and stairwells, use of equipment, and any particular risks at customer premises.

Controls are put in place to reduce risks to an acceptable level. These may include route planning, use of lifting aids, limiting load weights, team lifting for bulky items, securing loads within vehicles, and using appropriate floor and wall protection. Staff are briefed on any site-specific risks before starting work.

4. Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is at the core of removal work, so it is managed carefully. Staff receive training in safe lifting techniques, posture, and the use of handling equipment. Wherever reasonably practicable, heavy or awkward items are handled with trolleys, skates, straps, dollies or additional manpower.

Employees must assess the weight, shape and route for each item before lifting and must refuse to carry out unsafe lifts. Loads are shared where needed, and breaks are taken to reduce fatigue during intensive removal periods.

5. Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety

All vehicles used by Man and Van Docklands must be roadworthy, regularly maintained and suitable for removal work. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and follow all road traffic laws.

Loads are packed and secured to prevent movement during transit. Access ramps, tail lifts or steps are used safely and inspected visually before use. Drivers must plan routes to minimise risks, taking account of local traffic conditions, height restrictions and safe loading and unloading points.

Mobile phones or devices must not be used while driving, except through legal hands-free systems without distraction. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair safe driving.

6. Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide appropriate equipment for removal tasks, including trolleys, removal blankets, straps, tools and protective materials. All equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and inspected regularly for signs of damage or wear.

Personal protective equipment may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and back support where required. Staff are responsible for using this equipment correctly and reporting any defects immediately so that items can be repaired or replaced.

7. Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises, our teams take reasonable steps to protect both people and property. This includes keeping access routes as clear as possible, managing trip hazards such as loose packing materials, and using door protectors and floor covers where necessary.

Care is taken to avoid blocking emergency exits or creating unnecessary noise and disturbance. Members of the public are kept away from loading areas wherever possible, and vehicles are positioned to reduce risks to pedestrians and other road users.

8. Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive induction training that covers health and safety, manual handling, equipment use, vehicle safety and emergency procedures. Additional training is provided where duties change or where new risks are identified.

Information about particular jobs, such as restricted access, fragile items or specialist equipment, is communicated to the team in advance. Less experienced team members are supervised and supported by more experienced colleagues to ensure safe working practices are followed.

9. Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Incidents are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and implement preventive measures.

Our teams are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in case of fire, serious injury, vehicle collision or other emergencies while carrying out removal services. Where emergency services are required, staff must cooperate fully and prioritise the safety of all persons present.

10. Welfare and Wellbeing

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. Workloads, schedules and breaks are managed so that staff have adequate rest and are not expected to work excessive hours. Staff are encouraged to raise any concerns regarding fitness for work, fatigue, stress or health conditions that could affect safety.

11. Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation or best practice. Feedback from staff, customers and contractors is welcomed and used to enhance our safety performance.

By implementing this policy, Man and Van Docklands aims to deliver a reliable, efficient and safe removal service, protecting everyone involved in or affected by our work.