Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Canary Wharf

Man with Van Canary Wharf is committed to conducting all removal and transport activities in a manner that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our customers, employees, subcontractors, and the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks in connection with our moving and delivery services, including residential and commercial removals.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our operations. We will identify and control hazards associated with lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, driving, parking, and working in and around client premises. Our aim is continuous improvement in health and safety performance throughout all removal and transport activities.

This policy applies to all staff, including temporary workers and any contracted personnel engaged in the provision of man and van services, packing, loading, and related support tasks.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Man with Van Canary Wharf will comply with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations relevant to our operations. We will monitor changes in legislation and recognised best practice within the removals and transport sector and update our procedures when required.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who are accountable for ensuring that adequate resources, training, and supervision are provided. Management must ensure that appropriate risk assessments are carried out, that control measures are implemented, and that this policy is reviewed at suitable intervals.

Supervisors and senior drivers are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy. They must promote safe behaviour, correct unsafe practices, and ensure that new workers are briefed on relevant procedures before commencing work.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and report any hazards, near misses, or incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will carry out risk assessments for our typical activities, including home and office removals, packing, loading and unloading vehicles, transporting goods, operating in confined areas, and working at different client locations. The findings of these assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work and practical guidance for staff.

Before starting a job, the team will consider site-specific risks such as access restrictions, staircases, lifts, parking, traffic, weather conditions, and the nature of items to be moved. Where required, we will adjust the work plan to reduce risks, for example by using additional staff, mechanical aids, or alternative routes.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key risk area in the removals industry. Man with Van Canary Wharf will aim to eliminate unnecessary lifting and carrying wherever possible by using appropriate equipment. Where manual handling cannot be avoided, we will ensure that safe techniques are used and that staff understand their limits.

We will provide and maintain suitable handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets, and ramps. Equipment will be kept in good condition and regularly inspected. Employees must not misuse any equipment or use items for purposes for which they were not designed.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are an essential part of our removal and delivery service. They will be maintained in safe and roadworthy condition in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Regular checks will be carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, load restraints, and other safety-critical features.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and follow all road traffic laws. They must drive considerately, avoid distractions, and adopt defensive driving techniques. Loads must be correctly distributed and secured to prevent movement or damage during transit. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited.

Journey planning will take into account realistic travel times, rest breaks, and local access restrictions to minimise stress and reduce the risk of accidents.

Working at Client Premises

When working at client homes or business premises, our teams will respect the property and maintain a safe environment for occupants, visitors, and neighbours. Access routes will be kept as clear as reasonably practicable, and trip hazards such as loose packaging or trailing straps will be controlled.

Where necessary, protective coverings may be used to reduce the risk of slips and to protect floors and surfaces. Staff will be mindful of fire exits, shared corridors, and communal areas so that emergency access is never obstructed by our work activities or vehicles.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment will be issued where identified by risk assessment. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing, or other items appropriate to the task. Employees and contractors are required to wear and use the equipment provided, keep it in good condition, and report any defects immediately.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man with Van Canary Wharf will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees. This will cover topics such as manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, accident reporting, and site awareness. New starters will receive an induction that explains our procedures and expectations.

Ongoing supervision will be provided, particularly where staff are new to a task or location. Additional training or refresher sessions will be arranged when there are changes in work methods, equipment, or relevant legislation.

Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, property damage, and near misses related to our work must be reported as soon as practicable. This enables appropriate action to be taken, supports any necessary medical response, and assists in preventing similar incidents in future.

We will investigate incidents to identify underlying causes and implement corrective measures. Records will be kept in accordance with regulatory requirements and used to monitor safety performance.

Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

We recognise that the physical nature of removal work can be demanding. Staff are expected to present themselves fit for duty, free from the influence of alcohol or illegal substances, and to inform management of any health condition that may affect their ability to work safely.

Workloads and schedules will be planned to reduce the risk of fatigue. Short breaks will be encouraged on longer jobs, and staff will be advised to use correct posture and pace themselves to avoid overexertion.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Canary Wharf is committed to continual improvement in health and safety management. We will review this policy regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, in relevant legislation, or following any major incident.

Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and will be considered as part of our review process. This policy is communicated to all staff and is available to customers and other interested parties upon request.