Health and Safety Policy for Man and Van Colliers Wood

This Health and Safety policy sets out how Man and Van Colliers Wood manages safety for customers, employees, helpers, and members of the public during removals, collections, deliveries, and associated activities. Our aim is to deliver reliable removal and man and van services while preventing injury, ill health, and damage to property.

Policy Statement

Man and Van Colliers Wood is committed to operating in a safe, responsible manner. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to:

Identify and control risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, driving, and working in and around customers premises and vehicles. Provide clear information, instruction, and guidance to staff and helpers so work is carried out safely. Protect customers, visitors, and the public from hazards created by our work. Comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised good practice in the removals and transport sector. Continually improve our safety standards based on experience, feedback, and periodic review.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man and Van Colliers Wood rests with the business owner or manager. They ensure suitable arrangements, resources, and procedures are in place and are reviewed regularly.

All staff and helpers, whether permanent or temporary, must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safety procedures, instructions, and training provided. Use equipment, tools, and vehicles correctly and not misuse or interfere with safety devices. Report accidents, near misses, hazards, and defective equipment promptly so they can be dealt with.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out and maintain risk assessments covering key activities such as manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, working in domestic and commercial premises, operating trolleys and lifting equipment, and driving and parking in residential streets and busy areas.

From these assessments we develop safe working practices that include:

Planning removals in advance where possible, checking access, parking, and any site-specific hazards. Avoiding unnecessary lifting by using trolleys, dollies, and other aids where appropriate. Assessing each item to be moved for weight, size, shape, and stability before attempting to lift or carry it. Adapting methods for stairways, narrow corridors, or uneven surfaces to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Lifting and carrying heavy or awkward items is a key part of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury.

Our approach includes:

Training staff and helpers in correct lifting techniques such as keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting, and sharing loads when needed. Encouraging team lifts for heavier items like furniture, appliances, and boxes of books. Refusing to move items that are beyond a safe lifting capability without suitable equipment or extra assistance. Planning routes in advance to avoid unnecessary carrying distances and to ensure walkways are clear of obstacles.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Safe use of vans is essential for protecting our staff, customers, and other road users.

Our standards include:

Only allowing competent and authorised drivers to operate vehicles. Checking that loads are distributed evenly and secured properly before departure. Ensuring doors and tailgates are closed and locked before moving the vehicle. Encouraging safe and considerate driving, observing speed limits and parking rules. Avoiding reversing where possible and using a guide when manoeuvring in tight spaces or busy areas.

Loading, Unloading, and Securing Goods

We take care to prevent damage to goods and reduce risks during loading and unloading.

Our procedures include:

Using suitable straps, blankets, and other protective materials to secure and protect items. Positioning heavier items at the bottom and ensuring loads do not exceed vehicle capacity. Keeping ramps and access equipment stable, clean, and free from obstructions. Maintaining clear communication between team members when moving large or heavy items to and from the vehicle.

Protection of Customers, Public, and Property

Health and safety covers not only our team but also customers, neighbours, and passers-by.

To minimise risks we:

Keep doorways, paths, and staircases as clear as reasonably practicable during moves. Take care to avoid damage to walls, floors, fixtures, and fittings when carrying items. Use dust sheets or floor protection where appropriate and requested. Position vehicles thoughtfully to reduce obstruction and ensure safe access, while complying with local parking rules.

Equipment and Maintenance

We use appropriate tools and equipment, such as trolleys, straps, and protective covers, to carry out work safely and efficiently.

Our commitments include:

Inspecting equipment regularly and removing from service any item that is damaged or faulty. Keeping vehicles in good working order through routine checks and scheduled maintenance. Ensuring safety-related equipment is used only for its intended purpose and is not overloaded or misused.

Information, Instruction, and Training

All staff and helpers receive information about relevant risks and safe methods of work. This may include guidance on manual handling, use of equipment, working on stairs, and vehicle safety.

We provide additional instruction when new procedures, equipment, or services are introduced so that our safety standards are consistently maintained.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses

We expect all accidents, incidents, and near misses to be reported promptly to the person in charge. This allows us to:

Provide first aid or seek medical help where necessary. Investigate what happened and why. Take corrective actions to prevent similar events in the future. Update risk assessments and working methods where appropriate.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We welcome feedback from staff and customers on safety matters. Suggestions for improving safety are taken seriously and considered as part of our ongoing review of working practices.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when needed to reflect changes in our services, equipment, or legal requirements. By working together and following this policy, Man and Van Colliers Wood aims to deliver removal and man and van services that are safe, efficient, and respectful of people and property.