Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Marylebone

Man With a Van Marylebone 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 moving and removal activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading, transportation of goods, and related services in and around our operating areas.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, and property damage arising from our work. We aim to achieve this by maintaining high standards of safety, complying with all relevant health and safety legislation, and continuously improving our practices. Health and safety considerations are integral to the planning and delivery of all man and van and removal services we provide.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man With a Van Marylebone has overall responsibility for ensuring that this Health and Safety Policy is implemented, maintained, and reviewed regularly. Management will:

Ensure that appropriate resources are made available for health and safety, including training, equipment, and supervision. Identify, assess, and control health and safety risks associated with our removal and transport operations. Ensure that safe systems of work are developed, communicated, and followed for lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, and driving. Monitor performance, investigate incidents, and take corrective action where necessary. Review this policy periodically and update it in line with changes in legislation, best practice, or the nature of our services.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, drivers, and porters working for Man With a Van Marylebone have a duty to safeguard their own health and safety and that of others who could be affected by their actions. Employees are required to:

Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and training provided. Use vehicles, tools, and equipment in a safe and proper manner. Report any hazards, defects, near misses, accidents, or incidents promptly to management. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment where required, such as safety footwear and gloves. Refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety, including working under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct risk assessments for our typical moving and transport tasks, including lifting and carrying furniture, handling fragile items, loading and unloading vehicles, and operating in residential and commercial premises. From these assessments, we develop safe working practices designed to minimise risks such as manual handling injuries, falls, vehicle incidents, and damage to property.

Before each removal or delivery, our staff are encouraged to consider the specific site conditions and identify any hazards such as narrow staircases, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or restricted parking and access. Where additional risks are identified, suitable control measures will be implemented, which may include using extra staff, employing handling equipment, adjusting the route, or refusing to undertake unsafe tasks.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of our removal service, and we place strong emphasis on safe techniques and team working. Staff receive guidance on lifting, carrying, and lowering items in ways that reduce strain and prevent injury. Wherever practicable, we make use of handling aids and equipment such as trolleys, dollies, and straps to move heavy or bulky goods safely.

All equipment used during moves is inspected regularly and maintained in good working order. Defective or unsafe equipment is taken out of service immediately and replaced or repaired. Employees must not use any equipment for which they have not been trained or that appears to be damaged or unsafe.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our man and van services, and we take their safety and roadworthiness seriously. All vehicles are maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and applicable regulations. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, lights, brakes, securing points, and other critical components.

Drivers are expected to operate vehicles safely, courteously, and in full compliance with road traffic laws. Loads must be distributed and secured properly to prevent shifting during transit. Drivers must not drive when fatigued or unfit and must plan journeys to allow adequate time for safe travel, loading, and unloading. Any vehicle defects or incidents must be reported promptly so that appropriate action can be taken.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to protect customers and members of the public during our operations. When working at a property or premises, our staff will seek to minimise disruption and maintain clear, safe routes for people to move around. Where necessary, areas may be temporarily restricted during lifting, loading, or manoeuvring of large items to prevent accidents.

We take particular care when working in shared spaces, such as communal hallways, pavements, and parking areas, ensuring that equipment and goods do not cause unnecessary obstruction or create trip hazards. Our teams are instructed to act with consideration and to communicate clearly with customers about any temporary safety precautions.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man With a Van Marylebone is committed to providing appropriate information, instruction, and training to all staff so they can work safely and competently. This may include induction training, manual handling techniques, use of equipment, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures. Training needs are reviewed on an ongoing basis and refresher training provided where required.

Supervision is provided to ensure that procedures are followed and that new or less experienced staff are supported in developing safe working habits. Feedback from staff is encouraged so that we can identify areas for improvement and share good practice across the team.

Accidents, Incidents, and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, incidents, and near misses involving our staff, vehicles, or operations are taken seriously. They are recorded and, where appropriate, investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are used to update procedures, training, and risk assessments.

We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety. By monitoring performance, listening to staff and customer feedback, and staying informed about changes in regulations and industry standards, we aim to ensure that our man and van and removal services are delivered as safely and responsibly as possible.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, the scale of our services, or relevant legislation. The latest version is made available to employees and is accessible to customers upon request.