Health and Safety Policy — London Man with Van Services

Purpose: This health and safety policy sets out the commitment of our London man with van operation to protect employees, subcontractors, clients and the public by maintaining safe working methods and a safe working environment. It applies to all activities undertaken by the business including collection, transport and delivery, handling, storage and any ancillary services. The policy forms part of our overall duty to manage risks and to ensure the wellbeing of everyone involved in a man & van service.

Policy Statement

We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent work-related injury and ill health and to minimise risks arising from our London removal van operations. Our objectives include providing appropriate training, supplying suitable equipment, ensuring safe vehicles and maintaining clear procedures for safe manual handling, vehicle loading and site working. This policy is supported by senior management and is communicated to staff and contractors. We expect everyone involved with the man with van service to cooperate with health and safety arrangements and to act responsibly.

Scope and Responsibilities

The company director retains overall responsibility for health and safety. Supervisors, drivers and porters are responsible for following procedures, using provided personal protective equipment and reporting hazards. Each man with van London operative must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Everyone is required to report incidents, near-misses and unsafe conditions so that corrective measures can be taken promptly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We conduct regular risk assessments for all activities performed by our London man and van teams. Assessments cover vehicle checks, loading plans, manual handling, use of trolleys and restraints, site access, shared workspace hazards and environmental factors such as weather. Identified risks are recorded and control measures implemented. Safe systems of work are documented and reviewed periodically or whenever changes in activity, equipment or personnel occur. These controls aim to reduce risks to as low as reasonably practicable.

Training and Competence

All drivers and crew receive induction training covering safe driving, vehicle checks, load restraint, correct lifting techniques and client site protocols. Ongoing training and competence checks ensure operatives stay current with safe working practices. Specialist training is provided where required for heavy or awkward items, working in confined spaces or when using mechanical lifting aids. Training records are kept and used to schedule refresher sessions to maintain high standards across our fleet and workforce.

Personal Protective Equipment and Equipment Maintenance

We provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, high-visibility garments, safety footwear and straps for load securing. PPE must be used where identified in risk assessments. Vehicles, restraint systems, trolleys, ramps and lifting aids are subject to routine inspection and maintenance. A defect reporting process ensures that faulty equipment is removed from service and repaired or replaced without delay, reducing the chance of accidents during handling and transit.

Operational Controls

Safe loading procedures are adopted to prevent overloading and shifting of goods in transit. Loads are distributed evenly and secured to prevent movement. Drivers complete pre-departure checks and log mileage and vehicle condition. When working on client premises, our teams will co-ordinate with representatives to ensure unobstructed access and safe manual handling zones. Where practicable, mechanical aids are used to reduce physical strain and the likelihood of injury.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

We maintain a clear incident reporting and investigation process. All injuries, illnesses and near-misses are reported, recorded and investigated to identify root causes and to prevent recurrence. Emergency procedures for vehicle breakdowns, road incidents or onsite accidents are in place, including instructions for secure vehicle stopping, cordoning off danger areas and liaising with emergency services when necessary. This ensures swift, coordinated responses while prioritising safety.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Monitoring: Performance is monitored through regular inspections, audits and reviews of incident records. We set measurable targets for safety improvements and track progress. Review: The policy and associated procedures are reviewed at planned intervals and after significant changes, incidents or legislative updates. Continuous improvement is promoted by encouraging staff suggestions and implementing lessons learned from internal reviews and industry best practice for man and van operations.

Final Provisions: Our health and safety policy for the man with van London service is actively enforced and communicated to clients and staff where appropriate. Everyone is expected to contribute to a safe working environment by following policies, attending training and reporting hazards. By embedding safety into all aspects of the service, we aim to protect people, preserve property and sustain reliable, professional removal and transport operations.