Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Richmond Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Richmond is committed to providing removal services in a manner that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public. We recognise health and safety as an integral part of our operations and decision-making, and we strive to continually improve our performance in line with best practice and relevant legal requirements.

Policy Aims and Scope

This Health and Safety Policy applies to all activities undertaken by Man With a Van Richmond, including domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading, packing and unpacking, transport of goods, and any related services carried out at customer premises, public spaces, and our operational locations.

Our aims are to prevent injury and ill health, minimise risks arising from our work, provide safe equipment and vehicles, and maintain a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man With a Van Richmond accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. Management will:

Ensure compliance with applicable health and safety legislation and guidance relevant to removal and transport services. Provide and maintain safe vehicles, tools, and equipment suitable for lifting, carrying, and transporting goods. Assess risks associated with manual handling, driving, loading, unloading, and working at customer premises, and implement effective control measures. Provide employees with information, instruction, training, and supervision necessary to work safely and competently. Ensure that all employees understand their duties under this policy and have access to the policy at all times. Review this policy periodically, and following any significant change in operations or an incident, to ensure it remains effective and up to date.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working on behalf of Man With a Van Richmond have a duty to safeguard their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must:

Follow all safety procedures, instructions, and risk control measures provided by the company. Use vehicles, lifting equipment, trolleys, and other tools properly and report any defects immediately. Adopt correct manual handling techniques when lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling loads, and seek assistance or equipment for heavy or awkward items. Wear appropriate clothing and any personal protective equipment supplied for specific tasks or conditions. Report hazards, near misses, incidents, and injuries promptly so that corrective action can be taken. Refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety, including working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Safe Manual Handling and Loading Practices

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a key focus of this policy. Man With a Van Richmond will:

Carry out risk assessments for typical removal tasks, considering load weight, shape, and access conditions. Provide training on safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifts for large or heavy items. Use appropriate handling aids such as sack trucks, trolleys, and straps wherever practical. Plan loading and unloading to minimise carrying distances, awkward postures, and repetitive movements. Avoid asking employees to move items that exceed safe handling limits without proper equipment, support, or alternative methods.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are central to our services and are operated with a strong emphasis on road and loading safety. Man With a Van Richmond will:

Ensure that vehicles are roadworthy, regularly inspected, and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations and legal standards. Require drivers to hold valid driving licences appropriate to the vehicle they operate and to follow all road traffic laws. Secure loads correctly within vehicles using suitable restraints and packing to prevent movement during transit. Plan routes, allow realistic schedules, and manage workloads to reduce the risks associated with fatigue and time pressure. Encourage safe driving behaviour at all times, including adherence to speed limits and safe parking and reversing procedures at customer premises.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect customers, visitors, and members of the public while we work. To achieve this, Man With a Van Richmond will:

Conduct on-site assessments on arrival where practicable, identifying access issues, trip hazards, and any other significant risks. Keep access routes as clear as reasonably possible and organise work areas to minimise obstruction. Use caution when moving items through shared spaces such as corridors, stairways, pavements, and entrances. Communicate clearly with customers about any necessary temporary restrictions, such as keeping children and pets away from active work areas. Take care to avoid damage to property and infrastructure that could create subsequent hazards.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We are committed to ensuring our team has the knowledge and skills to perform their roles safely. Man With a Van Richmond will:

Provide induction training that covers key health and safety responsibilities and procedures. Offer role-specific training on manual handling, safe driving practices, equipment use, and hazard awareness. Supply clear instructions for high-risk tasks and supervise less experienced staff appropriately. Refresh training at suitable intervals and when new equipment, vehicles, or procedures are introduced.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Arrangements

All accidents, near misses, injuries, and dangerous occurrences will be recorded and, where required, reported in line with legal obligations. Man With a Van Richmond will:

Investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions. Maintain basic first aid provisions in vehicles where practicable and ensure staff know how to access emergency assistance. Establish clear guidance for dealing with emergencies such as traffic collisions, injuries during lifting, or unsafe structural conditions at premises.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man With a Van Richmond is committed to continually improving our health and safety performance. We will regularly monitor our working practices, seek feedback from staff and customers, and use incident data to refine our procedures. This policy will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our services, working methods, or relevant legislation, to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with the needs of our removal operations.