Man with Van Richmond Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Richmond is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This policy outlines the principles and procedures we follow to manage health and safety in all areas of our work, including domestic moves, office relocations and transport of goods.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Richmond rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, systems and supervision are in place. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, monitoring working practices and addressing any issues that arise during removal and transport work.

Every employee and contractor engaged by Man with Van Richmond has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff must follow the safety instructions given, use equipment correctly and report any hazards, accidents or near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We assess the risks associated with our services, including loading and unloading, carrying large or heavy items, use of vehicles, and work at collection and delivery properties. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and when there are significant changes in work methods, equipment or locations.

For each type of job, safe working procedures are developed and communicated to staff. These include planning access routes, assessing stairways and lifts, identifying fragile or high-value items, and agreeing safe lifting methods. Where a job presents specific challenges, such as restricted access or unusually heavy objects, the team will review the work before starting and, if necessary, change the method or increase manpower to complete the task safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a key focus of our safety policy. All staff receive guidance on correct lifting techniques and the use of handling aids. Heavy or awkward items are only lifted by staff who are physically capable and have been instructed in safe handling methods.

We minimise manual handling risks by using appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps and lifting aids whenever possible. Loads are assessed before lifting to check their weight, stability and any sharp or fragile parts. Staff are instructed to avoid twisting while lifting, to keep loads close to the body, to work in teams for heavy items and to refuse to move items that cannot be handled safely.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

Our vehicles are maintained in good mechanical condition and inspected regularly. Only authorised and competent drivers may operate company vehicles, and they must observe all road traffic laws, including speed limits and rules on parking and loading.

Safe loading is essential to prevent injury and damage. Loads are distributed to maintain vehicle stability and secured using straps and other restraints to prevent movement during transit. Access to doors, exits and safety equipment is kept clear. Drivers must not move the vehicle until they have confirmed that the load is secure, doors are shut and the area around the vehicle is clear of people and obstacles.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment used in our removal operations, including trolleys, ramps and lifting aids, is checked regularly and taken out of service if damaged or defective. Only suitable and well-maintained equipment is used for lifting and moving goods.

Where necessary, staff are provided with personal protective equipment such as gloves, protective footwear or high-visibility clothing. Employees are required to use this equipment as instructed, to keep it in good condition and to report any defects so that replacements can be provided.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Richmond ensures that all workers receive appropriate instruction and training for the tasks they perform. This includes induction training on general health and safety, safe driving guidance for drivers, manual handling training for removals staff and specific instruction on the use of any specialist equipment.

Supervisors monitor working methods on site to ensure safe practices are followed and provide additional guidance where required. Refresher training is offered when work methods change, new risks are identified or there is evidence that existing procedures are not being followed.

Customer Responsibilities and Site Safety

We ask our customers to support a safe working environment by providing clear access to the property, keeping pathways and stairways free from obstacles and informing us in advance of any known hazards such as loose flooring, restricted parking or fragile structures.

Children, pets and unnecessary visitors should be kept away from work areas while removal activities are taking place. Our team may pause work or refuse to proceed if working conditions are unsafe or if requested actions would put people or property at unacceptable risk.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses are recorded and investigated where appropriate. This helps us understand what happened, take corrective action and prevent similar events in the future. Staff are encouraged to report hazards or unsafe conditions as soon as they become aware of them, even if no incident has occurred.

First aid arrangements are in place appropriate to the size and nature of our operations. Where an injury occurs, the priority is always the safety and welfare of those involved, followed by prompt reporting and review.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and seek to protect the longer-term health of our staff. Employees are encouraged to work at a steady, sustainable pace and to take reasonable rest breaks. No one is required to lift or carry items that exceed safe limits or that they feel unable to handle.

Staff must present themselves fit for work and must not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Any medication that may affect concentration, judgment or physical capability must be declared to management so that suitable adjustments can be considered.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Richmond is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We review this policy at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, relevant legislation or best practice guidance. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed as part of this process.

By following this health and safety policy, we aim to deliver a reliable and professional removal service while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our work across our service area.