Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Upminster Bridge

Man with Van Upminster Bridge is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our workers, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to identifying, managing, and minimising risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, loading and unloading, driving, and handling goods.

We aim to meet all applicable health and safety obligations and to follow industry best practice for small removal and man and van services. All workers are required to follow this policy and any related procedures or instructions issued by the company.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We are committed to:

Assessing risks associated with our removal operations and taking reasonable steps to control or eliminate them.

Providing information and instruction so that workers understand how to complete tasks safely.

Maintaining vehicles and equipment in a safe, roadworthy and suitable condition for their intended use.

Promoting safe manual handling and lifting techniques to reduce the risk of injury.

Ensuring that customers and members of the public are kept safe during our work, including when we are moving goods through shared spaces, doorways, stairways, and pavements.

Reviewing health and safety performance and updating our procedures when required.

Responsibilities

The company is responsible for implementing this health and safety policy, for communicating it to workers, and for ensuring that suitable resources are available to support safe working practices.

Workers are responsible for:

Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Following all safety instructions, training, and procedures provided by the company.

Using equipment correctly and reporting any defects or issues without delay.

Reporting incidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions so that corrective action can be taken.

Cooperating with the company in achieving a safe working environment at every job.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before starting any job, we will consider the main hazards likely to be encountered, including access issues, weight and size of items, need for protective coverings, parking and loading positions, and any specific customer requirements.

Where appropriate, a simple site-specific assessment will be carried out on arrival to identify hazards such as uneven surfaces, low ceilings, narrow staircases, poor lighting, and traffic risks. Work will be planned to minimise these risks, for example by agreeing safe access routes, using appropriate equipment, and scheduling additional workers for heavy or complex moves.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of removal work, and we take particular care to reduce the risk of strain or injury.

Workers are instructed to:

Avoid lifting items that are beyond their capability and request assistance when needed.

Use proper lifting techniques, including a stable stance, bending at the knees, keeping the load close to the body, and avoiding twists while carrying.

Use handling equipment when available and suitable, such as trolleys or skates, particularly for heavy or bulky items.

Break down loads into smaller, manageable parts where possible.

Stop work and seek guidance if an item appears unsafe to move in the conditions present.

Vehicles, Driving and Loading

Our vehicles are maintained to a safe and roadworthy standard. Drivers must hold the correct licence for the vehicle they operate and follow all road traffic rules.

When loading and unloading vehicles:

Goods are secured to prevent movement during transit, using straps, blankets and other restraints as appropriate.

Heavy items are placed low and evenly distributed to maintain vehicle stability.

Walkways, steps and access ramps are kept clear of trip hazards.

Engines are not left idling unnecessarily in confined or unsafe spaces.

Drivers remain alert to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, particularly when reversing or parking near properties.

Protection of Customers and the Public

We aim to carry out our work with minimal disruption to customers and other people nearby. Reasonable steps are taken to control risks such as:

Placing equipment and goods where they do not block emergency exits or create trip hazards.

Taking care when carrying large items through doorways and corridors so as not to injure others or cause avoidable damage.

Using safe techniques when moving items on or off pavements and through shared areas.

Informing customers where particular risks exist, such as loose flooring, very narrow access or deteriorated staircases, and discussing safe solutions.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Equipment used in our work will be suitable for the task and kept in a condition that allows it to be used safely. Workers must not use defective or unfamiliar equipment without proper instruction.

Where tasks present a foreseeable risk of injury, appropriate personal protective equipment may be used, such as gloves for handling certain items, or safety footwear to protect against dropping loads. Such equipment is not a substitute for safe systems of work, but is used in addition to other controls.

Housekeeping and Work Environment

Good housekeeping is essential to safe removal work. Workers will aim to keep routes clear and tidy as far as practicable, stacking items safely and keeping tools and equipment organised. Spills or debris that may create slip or trip hazards should be identified and dealt with promptly, or clearly marked until they can be rectified.

Accidents, Incidents and First Aid

All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur during our operations must be reported to the company as soon as reasonably possible. This allows us to investigate what happened, to learn from the event, and to update our procedures if necessary. Basic first aid equipment will be available in vehicles, and workers should familiarise themselves with its location and basic use.

Training, Communication and Review

Workers will be given information and instruction relevant to their role, including guidance on safe lifting, loading, working in customers premises, and safe driving practices. This policy will be communicated to all workers and made available to customers on request.

We will review this health and safety policy periodically, and following any significant incident or change in our operations, to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our man and van and removal services.