Health and Safety Policy for Wandsworthon Man and Van

The purpose of this policy is to set out a clear, practical and proportionate approach to health and safety for the team operating as Wandsworthon Man & Van. It applies to all staff, drivers, contractors and any third parties engaged to support relocation, delivery and clearance operations. Our commitment is to provide safe working systems, maintain safe vehicles and equipment, and to ensure that everyone affected by our activities understands their responsibilities. This policy sits alongside our operational procedures and risk assessments and is designed to be accessible to all employees and stakeholders. We will apply a consistent approach to hazard control, training and supervision and will strive for continuous improvement through monitoring and review. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and must be integrated into every job, from small local moves to larger removal tasks.

We commit to the following core principles and objectives to reduce risk and protect people:

• Assess risks and implement control measures before work starts.
• Ensure vehicles, lifting aids and equipment are inspected and maintained.
• Provide adequate training, supervision and instruction for all personnel.
• Require the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary.
• Report, investigate and learn from incidents and near-misses.
• Consult with staff and contractors on health and safety matters.

Roles and responsibilities are defined to ensure accountability. Management will ensure that risk assessments are documented, that safe systems of work are in place and that resources are available to comply with this policy. Drivers and removal operatives working for the Wandsworthon man-and-van service must follow safe loading and unloading procedures, secure loads correctly and operate tail-lifts and trolleys according to training. Every employee must: take reasonable care for their own health and safety; cooperate with managers to enable compliance with procedures; and report hazards, incidents or defects without delay. Contractors and subcontractors engaged by the business must meet our safety expectations before commencing work and produce evidence of appropriate competence and insurance.

Risk assessment and safe working

All activities will be subject to risk assessment prior to execution. Typical hazards include manual handling injuries, vehicle movements, slips, trips and falls, working at height, and risks associated with difficult access properties. Risk assessments will identify hazards, evaluate the level of risk and describe the control measures required. Controls include mechanical aids, team lifting, planning of routes, vehicle parking and traffic management, and suitable footwear and gloves. Where hazards cannot be eliminated they will be controlled to as low as reasonably practicable.

Training, competence and instruction are central to delivery of this policy. Induction training will cover company procedures, manual handling best practice, vehicle safety checks, and the reporting process for incidents and defects. Drivers and operatives will receive periodic refresher training and will be assessed on competence for specialist tasks such as piano moves, mattress handling and appliance transportation. Records of training and qualifications will be maintained and reviewed as part of our continuous improvement process. Supervision is provided on the job to support safe working and reinforce correct behaviours.

Vehicles, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)

Operational safety of the man and van fleet is a priority. Vehicles will be subject to routine pre-start checks, scheduled maintenance and prompt repair of defects. Lifting aids, ramps, trolleys, straps and slings will be inspected regularly and withdrawn from use if unsafe. PPE such as gloves, hi-vis clothing and safety footwear will be provided where risk assessments identify a need. Staff are required to use issued PPE and to report loss or damage so replacements can be issued without delay. Properly maintained equipment reduces the likelihood of incidents and supports efficient, safe work.

Incident reporting, first aid and emergency preparedness: all incidents, near-misses and unsafe conditions must be reported using the company reporting procedure. Incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and to prevent recurrence. First aid kits are carried in vehicles and appropriate first aid training is available to designated staff. Emergency procedures, including dealing with spillages, vehicle accidents and medical emergencies, are maintained and communicated to staff. Learning from incidents is shared across the team to promote better safety practices.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement are embedded in our approach. The health and safety policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if there are significant changes in operations, equipment or legislation. Regular audits and inspections will evaluate the effectiveness of controls and identify opportunities for improvement. We will consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage suggestions for safer, more efficient ways of working. Records of audits, training, risk assessments and incident investigations will be retained and used to inform policy updates.

Contractor and subcontractor management: when engaging external providers for specialist work, the company will ensure that they meet our safety standards. This includes verifying that they have suitable risk assessments, insurance and evidence of competence. Arrangements will be made to coordinate activities, share necessary information and align emergency procedures. The Wandsworthon removal team will only appoint contractors who demonstrate a commitment to comparable health and safety practices.

Communication and employee involvement: safety information, changes to procedures and lessons learned from incidents will be communicated promptly. Regular briefings and toolbox talks will be used to reinforce key messages. We encourage an open culture where employees can raise concerns without fear of reprisal and where positive safety behaviours are recognised and shared. The Wandsworthon Man and Van approach is to integrate safety into planning and delivery so it becomes part of everyday activity rather than an afterthought.

Implementation and sign-off: this policy is endorsed by company leadership and applies to all personnel engaged in man and van operations. It will be made available to staff and relevant stakeholders, and its provisions will be enforced through supervision, training and review. By adhering to these commitments, Wandsworthon man-and-van services seeks to protect people, preserve assets and deliver reliable, safe moving services.