Man with Van Canary Wharf Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Canary Wharf 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 removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to identifying, managing, and controlling risks associated with our services, including domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading, and the transport of goods.

We recognise our responsibility to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and good practice within the removals industry. Health and safety considerations are integral to our planning, decision making, and day to day operations.

Policy Aims and Objectives

Our key objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property during all removal activities. To achieve this, Man with Van Canary Wharf will:

Identify and assess risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, driving, parking, and working in and around client premises. Implement proportionate control measures to eliminate or reduce those risks as far as reasonably practicable. Provide information, instruction, and training so that staff understand how to work safely. Supply and maintain appropriate equipment, including vehicles, trolleys, straps, and protective materials, in a safe and serviceable condition. Encourage a culture where health and safety concerns are reported promptly and addressed without delay. Review this policy periodically to ensure it remains effective and up to date.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Canary Wharf rests with the company management. Management is responsible for ensuring suitable systems are in place to comply with this policy, including risk assessments, safe working procedures, and effective supervision.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. They must cooperate with management in implementing this policy, follow instructions and training, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, accidents, and near misses immediately.

Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work

Before commencing removal or delivery work, we consider the specific risks associated with the task, the premises, access routes, and any special items or requirements. Where necessary, a documented risk assessment and method statement will be prepared, particularly for complex moves, heavy or awkward loads, or work in confined or shared spaces.

Control measures may include adjusting team size, using appropriate lifting aids, planning clear access routes, and coordinating with clients to avoid overcrowding or obstructions. Staff are expected to follow agreed safe systems of work at all times.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core element of removal work and presents a significant potential for injury if not managed correctly. Man with Van Canary Wharf provides training and guidance on safe lifting techniques, including assessing the weight and shape of loads, using team lifts where required, and avoiding twisting or overreaching.

Where practicable, trolleys, dollies, ramps, and other equipment are used to reduce the need for manual lifting. Staff must not attempt to lift or carry loads that are beyond their capability or that cannot be moved safely with the equipment available. High risk items, such as very heavy furniture, appliances, or bulky objects, must be planned and handled with particular care.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Safe use of vehicles is essential to our operations. Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licences, follow road traffic laws, and operate vehicles in a responsible manner at all times. Vehicles must be inspected regularly, and any defects must be reported so they can be addressed promptly.

Loads must be distributed and secured safely to prevent shifting during transit. Access points, ramps, and tailgates are to be used following safe procedures, with attention to preventing falls, trips, and crush injuries. When parking or unloading in busy areas, staff must be alert to pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users and, where possible, use signals or guidance from team members to manoeuvre safely.

Use of Equipment and Protective Measures

Man with Van Canary Wharf provides suitable equipment for moving and protecting goods, including straps, blankets, covers, and handling aids. All equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and inspected before use. Defective or damaged equipment must not be used and must be reported to management without delay.

Where appropriate, staff may be required to use personal protective equipment such as gloves or high visibility garments. Such equipment will be provided as necessary and must be worn and maintained in accordance with instructions.

Client Premises and Public Safety

We recognise that our work is often carried out in and around client homes, offices, and shared communal areas. Protecting the safety of clients, building occupants, visitors, and members of the public is a priority.

Staff will take reasonable steps to prevent tripping and slipping hazards, such as managing trailing straps or equipment and keeping access routes as clear as practicable. Where necessary, team members will control entry to working areas to prevent people walking through active lifting or loading operations.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and damage to property that occur during our work must be reported to management as soon as possible. This enables appropriate action to be taken, including first aid, medical assistance where required, and investigation to prevent recurrence.

Employees must familiarise themselves with any relevant emergency procedures at client premises, including fire exits and assembly points when applicable. In the event of an emergency, the safety of people is always the first priority.

Training, Communication, and Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Canary Wharf is committed to providing effective induction and ongoing training relevant to employees roles, including manual handling, vehicle safety, and safe working practices in removal environments. Health and safety expectations and procedures are communicated clearly and reinforced through supervision and regular review.

We actively encourage feedback from staff and clients on health and safety matters. Lessons learned from incidents, near misses, and operational experience are incorporated into updated procedures and training. This process supports continuous improvement and helps maintain high standards of safety across all our services.

Review of Policy

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our activities, legislation, or operating conditions. Updated versions will be communicated to employees and made available to clients on request.

By implementing this policy and working cooperatively, Man with Van Canary Wharf aims to deliver reliable removal and transport services while protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone involved.