Health and Safety policy
Wandsworth Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Wandsworth Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with removals, collections, deliveries and related transport services.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised best practice within the removals and transport industry.
Health and safety is a core part of our service. All staff are expected to cooperate fully with this policy, follow safe systems of work and take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Wandsworth Man and Van rests with the company management. Management will:
Ensure suitable arrangements are in place to identify and control health and safety risks arising from our work activities.
Provide and maintain safe vehicles, tools and equipment in good working order.
Ensure staff receive appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision.
Review this policy regularly and update it as necessary.
Employees and contractors have a duty to:
Work safely and follow all instructions, procedures and training provided.
Use equipment, vehicles and protective gear correctly and report defects immediately.
Report accidents, near misses, hazards or unsafe conditions without delay.
Cooperate with managers and colleagues on all health and safety matters.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading vehicles, packing and handling items, driving and parking, and working at customer premises. These assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations.
Safe systems of work are developed from these risk assessments and communicated to staff. This includes guidance on manual handling, lifting techniques, use of trolleys and moving aids, safe stacking of items, and planning access routes in and out of properties.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Moving and handling furniture and other items is a key part of our service and presents a risk of injury if not managed correctly. To minimise this risk, we:
Provide training in correct lifting and carrying techniques and in the use of moving equipment.
Encourage team lifting for heavy, bulky or awkward loads and avoid single-person handling where it is unsafe.
Plan removal routes to reduce carrying distances, avoid trip hazards and manage changes in level such as stairs and steps.
Use appropriate equipment such as sack trucks, dollies and straps where possible to reduce strain.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a safe, roadworthy condition and are inspected regularly. Drivers are required to:
Hold a valid driving licence appropriate to the vehicle being driven.
Complete basic vehicle checks before use and report any defects immediately.
Follow road traffic laws, drive considerately and adjust driving to weather, road and traffic conditions.
Plan routes and parking to load and unload as safely as possible, with particular care in residential streets and busy areas.
Loading is carried out to ensure items are properly secured, weight is distributed safely and access ways are kept clear.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We recognise our responsibility to protect customers and members of the public while working at homes, offices and other locations. Our teams will:
Assess access routes on arrival, identifying trip hazards, uneven surfaces, low ceilings and other potential risks.
Keep walkways as clear as possible and use safe lifting paths through the property.
Take care when moving large or heavy items through doorways, stairwells and shared corridors to avoid damage or injury.
Use warning where necessary to alert others to moving loads or vehicle manoeuvres.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
All tools and moving equipment used for removals are inspected and maintained to ensure they are safe and fit for purpose. When necessary, staff are provided with personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety footwear and high-visibility clothing, and instructed in its correct use and care.
Training, Information and Supervision
New staff receive an introduction to our Health and Safety policy and safe working procedures as part of their induction. Ongoing training is provided on topics including manual handling, safe driving practices and hazard awareness.
Supervisors and team leaders monitor working practices on site and in vehicles to ensure that procedures are being followed and to identify areas where additional training or guidance is required.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. Records are kept and reviewed to identify trends, implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence. Serious incidents are investigated to establish root causes and any required improvements to our systems.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We encourage feedback from staff regarding health and safety issues, including suggestions for safer working methods or improvements to equipment. Regular communication helps us to maintain high standards and to promote a positive safety culture throughout the company.
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains effective and reflects current legislation, industry guidance and the nature of our removal and transport services.
