Man with Van Paddington Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Paddington is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our responsibilities and arrangements for managing risks associated with moving, handling, loading, driving, and operating within residential and commercial premises.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The primary aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health. We seek to achieve this by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and putting in place effective control measures that are appropriate to our removal services. We strive to promote a positive health and safety culture, where safe working practices are understood, implemented, and regularly reviewed.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Paddington has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes ensuring compliance with applicable health and safety legislation, regulations, and recognised industry guidance relating to removals and transport operations.

Management duties include:

Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out for key activities such as manual handling, loading vehicles, operating equipment, and working in client properties. Providing suitable training, information, and instruction so staff understand the hazards involved in their work and the steps required to minimise risk. Supplying and maintaining any necessary equipment and personal protective equipment in a safe and serviceable condition. Monitoring health and safety performance and taking appropriate action to address any concerns or non-compliance. Reviewing this policy regularly and updating it when there are significant changes to our operations or legal requirements.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors of Man with Van Paddington share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Every team member is expected to:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Follow all safe systems of work, procedures, and instructions provided by the company. Use equipment, vehicles, and protective gear correctly and report any defects or damage immediately. Report accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazardous conditions without delay so that corrective action can be taken. Co operate with management in all matters concerning health, safety, and welfare.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Man with Van Paddington will carry out risk assessments for its typical activities, including home and office moves, loading and unloading vehicles, transporting goods, and working at different types of premises. These assessments will identify hazards such as heavy lifting, slips and trips, traffic movements, and confined or cluttered spaces.

Safe systems of work will be developed and communicated to staff. These may include guidelines on team lifting, use of trolleys and moving equipment, correct stacking and securing of items in vehicles, planning access routes within properties, and procedures for handling fragile or high value items.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Given the nature of our services, manual handling and the use of moving equipment are key risk areas. Man with Van Paddington will minimise manual handling risks by using appropriate aids, planning moves carefully, and instructing staff in safe techniques.

We will ensure that:

Staff receive training in correct lifting and carrying methods and understand their physical limitations. Moving aids, such as trolleys, dollies, and straps, are used whenever practicable to reduce strain. Items are assessed for weight, size, and shape before lifting, and additional help is requested when required. Any mechanical equipment provided is maintained, inspected, and used only by competent personnel.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are central to our operations, and their safe use is essential to protecting our staff and the public. Man with Van Paddington will ensure that:

Vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced, and maintained in a roadworthy condition. Loads are packed, balanced, and secured to prevent movement during transit. Drivers are competent, hold the appropriate licences, and follow traffic laws and company procedures. Journey planning takes into account safe routes, parking, and loading and unloading locations. Drivers do not work excessive hours and are encouraged to take appropriate breaks.

Client Premises and Public Safety

Our teams frequently work in and around client homes, offices, and shared spaces. We will take reasonable steps to protect clients, visitors, neighbours, and other members of the public from risks arising from our work. This includes maintaining clear access routes, managing cables and equipment to prevent trips, and ensuring that heavy items are moved with care and control.

Where necessary, staff will arrange with clients to keep pets and children away from moving activities and will communicate any short term restrictions on access while large items are being moved.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man with Van Paddington recognises that effective training and supervision are essential to maintaining high standards of health and safety. We will provide induction training for new staff, covering core safety procedures, manual handling, vehicle safety, and emergency arrangements. Refresher training will be provided periodically or when new equipment, vehicles, or procedures are introduced.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for checking that procedures are followed correctly on site and for giving practical guidance where required.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur in connection with our removals and transport work must be reported promptly. Man with Van Paddington will record and investigate such events to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Emergency procedures will be communicated to staff, including what to do in case of injury, fire, vehicle collision, or damage to property. First aid arrangements and access to emergency services will form part of our planning for each job, particularly for complex or large removals.

Health, Welfare, and Wellbeing

We recognise that health and safety extends beyond preventing immediate physical injury. Man with Van Paddington aims to support the overall wellbeing of its staff by managing workloads, encouraging safe work practices, and addressing any concerns that could lead to stress or fatigue. Staff are encouraged to report health issues that may affect their ability to perform manual or driving tasks safely.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to our activities or relevant regulations. Feedback from employees, clients, and other stakeholders will be taken into account as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Paddington aims to deliver removal services in a safe, responsible, and professional manner.