Man with Van Charlton Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Charlton manages the welfare of employees, contractors, customers and members of the public during all removal and transport activities. Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, and property damage by applying safe systems of work to every move we undertake.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Man with Van Charlton is committed to providing a working environment that is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health. We seek to identify and control hazards associated with domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, and working in and around customer premises.

Our objectives are to reduce the risk of accidents and near misses, protect physical and mental wellbeing, comply with relevant health and safety legislation and good practice, and promote a culture in which safety is a shared responsibility.

Management Responsibilities

Company management holds overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety Policy. Management will provide clear instructions and information on safe working procedures, allocate suitable resources for training, equipment and maintenance, and ensure that vehicles and tools are fit for purpose and regularly inspected.

Management also reviews reported incidents, investigates root causes, updates risk assessments when working methods or service areas change, and monitors compliance with this policy through spot checks and staff feedback.

Employee Responsibilities

All staff, including drivers, porters and supervisors, share responsibility for maintaining health and safety standards. Employees must follow all safety procedures, training, and instructions given, use provided equipment correctly and not misuse or interfere with any safety device or protective measure.

Employees must report hazards, near misses, injuries and any concerns about unsafe conditions at the earliest opportunity. They are expected to work in a way that does not put themselves, colleagues, customers or the public at risk, including when working at customer addresses, shared buildings or roadside locations within our removal service area.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments to identify the main hazards associated with lifting and carrying, moving bulky items, operating in confined spaces, traffic and parking, working at height such as stairs and loading ramps, and handling fragile and high-value goods. Control measures are then implemented and communicated to staff.

For each move, teams are expected to assess on arrival the access routes, staircases, lifts, parking arrangements, weather conditions and any specific customer risks, and to adjust the working method accordingly. Where necessary, work is paused until a safer method is agreed.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of removal work, and safe lifting is essential. Staff receive instruction in correct lifting techniques, team lifting for heavy or awkward items, planning the route before lifting, and recognising when mechanical aids or additional manpower are required.

We provide suitable equipment where appropriate, such as trolleys, dollies, moving straps and blankets. Equipment must be checked before use and taken out of service if damaged. Staff must never exceed their physical capabilities or attempt to move items that are too heavy or unstable without assistance or adequate equipment.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained on a regular schedule to ensure they are roadworthy and suitable for the loads being transported. Drivers must complete basic vehicle checks before starting work, such as tyres, lights and securing points, and report any defects immediately.

All loads must be properly distributed and secured to avoid shifting during transit. Drivers are required to follow road traffic laws, drive with consideration for other road users, and adjust speed and distance in line with weather, road conditions and local traffic. Fatigue management and adequate rest breaks are important to safe driving and are planned into working schedules.

Working at Customer Premises

Our teams often work inside homes, offices and shared buildings. Respect for the property, safety of occupants and protection of the public are integral to our approach. Floor and wall protection is used where appropriate, and walkways are kept as clear as reasonably practicable to avoid trips and collisions.

Customers will be informed of any immediate safety concerns, such as unstable furniture, loose flooring or restricted access. Where we consider conditions unsafe, work may be delayed or adapted. Children, pets and other occupants should be kept away from moving routes, loading areas and vehicle access points during the move.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is provided where required by risk assessments and industry practice. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing when working near roads or in low visibility areas, and other task-specific items when needed.

Employees are responsible for using personal protective equipment as instructed, keeping it in reasonable condition and reporting damage or loss so that it can be replaced.

Training, Information and Supervision

New staff receive induction training covering company health and safety rules, safe manual handling, vehicle and equipment use, and emergency procedures. Ongoing training and refresher sessions are provided as operations develop, new equipment is introduced, or regulations change.

Supervisors monitor working methods on site, correct unsafe behaviour, and ensure that less experienced staff receive appropriate guidance and support. Safety information is communicated through briefings, written guidance and pre-job discussions.

Welfare and Wellbeing

Man with Van Charlton recognises that physical and mental wellbeing influence safe performance. Workloads and schedules are planned to be reasonable, and staff are encouraged to raise concerns about fatigue, stress, or physical strain. Where possible, adjustments to duties or working methods will be made to support health and wellbeing.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and significant property damage incidents must be reported as soon as practicable. Incidents are reviewed to identify causes, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures, including response to injury, fire or traffic incidents, are communicated to staff. Where an emergency occurs at a customer site, our teams will cooperate with local emergency services and building management as required.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes in our removal services, working practices, equipment or legal requirements. The most recent version is made available to staff and customers on request.

By using the services of Man with Van Charlton, customers acknowledge the importance of following reasonable safety guidance provided by our team on the day of the move, to help ensure a safe and efficient service for everyone involved.