Man and Van Uxbridge Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Uxbridge is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal services. This health and safety policy sets out the principles and procedures that guide our work in domestic and commercial removals, man and van services, and related transport and handling activities.

Policy Statement and Objectives

The objective of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our operations. We aim to achieve high standards of safety performance by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate control measures. Health and safety is an integral part of the way we plan and deliver our services, from initial booking through to completion of each move.

Management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the company and is committed to continually improving our performance through regular review, staff consultation, and training.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Man and Van Uxbridge will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice relating to removal and transport services. We will monitor changes in legal and regulatory requirements and update our procedures where necessary.

Every employee and contractor is required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for the safety of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety instructions, report hazards and incidents, and use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including packing, loading, unloading, lifting and carrying items, driving, and working in and around customer premises. These assessments consider factors such as manual handling risks, traffic movement, access and egress, weather conditions, and working in confined or cluttered spaces.

Based on these assessments, safe systems of work are implemented and communicated to staff. These may include specific lifting techniques, use of trolleys and other equipment, team lifting for heavy or bulky items, and safe loading patterns in vehicles to prevent movement of goods during transit.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removal work. To minimise the risk of back injuries and strains, staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including assessment of load weight, size, shape, and stability before attempting to move it. Where an item is too heavy or awkward to be moved safely by one person, team lifting or mechanical aids must be used.

Equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, blankets, and ramps is inspected regularly and maintained in safe working condition. Only trained staff are permitted to use lifting or securing equipment, and any defects must be reported immediately so that unsafe items are taken out of service.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and undergo regular checks and servicing. Drivers must carry out daily pre-use inspections, including tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors, and securing points.

Safe driving standards are required at all times. Drivers must comply with speed limits, parking restrictions, and all traffic regulations. They must allow sufficient time for journeys to avoid rushing and must take particular care when operating in residential streets, commercial loading areas, and other busy locations. Vehicles must be loaded evenly and securely, with goods restrained to prevent shifting during transit.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises, our staff will take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the occupants and visitors. This includes maintaining clear access routes, keeping doors and walkways as unobstructed as possible, and using appropriate lifting and carrying routes to avoid damage or accidents.

Where work takes place in areas accessible to the public, staff will remain vigilant to people in the vicinity, particularly children, elderly persons, and those with mobility challenges. Where necessary, warning signs or verbal warnings will be used to alert people to moving vehicles, carrying activities, or temporary obstructions.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate induction training, which covers health and safety responsibilities, manual handling, safe working practices, emergency procedures, and incident reporting. Additional instruction is provided for specific roles, such as driving, vehicle loading, or handling specialist items.

Supervisors and experienced team members monitor work on site to ensure safe practices are followed and to provide guidance where needed. Refresher training and toolbox talks are used to reinforce key safety messages and to address any issues identified during jobs.

Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, property damage, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. Details will be recorded, investigated, and reviewed so that underlying causes are identified and further incidents prevented. Where necessary, risk assessments and procedures will be updated, and additional training or equipment provided.

We encourage an open culture where staff feel able to report hazards and raise safety concerns without fear of blame. Lessons learned are shared within the team to support continuous improvement.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of staff being fit for duty. Employees and contractors must not work under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair judgment, coordination, or reaction times. Any medical conditions that could affect safe performance of tasks should be disclosed in confidence so that reasonable adjustments can be considered.

Reasonable rest breaks will be taken during longer jobs and driving duties, and staff are encouraged to maintain good hydration and personal wellbeing, especially during hot or cold weather.

Consultation and Policy Review

Man and Van Uxbridge values the input of its staff in developing and maintaining safe ways of working. Employees are consulted on health and safety matters that affect them, and their suggestions are welcomed when reviewing policies and procedures.

This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly, and also following any significant changes to our operations, equipment, or legal requirements. Updated versions will be communicated to all staff so that they are aware of their responsibilities and of any new or revised safe working practices.

By following this policy, Man and Van Uxbridge aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of everyone involved in or affected by our activities.