Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Canary Wharf
Man and a Van Canary Wharf is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, subcontractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with home and office moves, loading and unloading, transport, and on-site work at customer premises.
The management team recognises its responsibility to comply with applicable health and safety legislation and to promote a positive safety culture throughout the company. Every person working with or on behalf of Man and a Van Canary Wharf is expected to cooperate in implementing this policy and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
Policy Aims
The primary aims of this Health and Safety Policy are to:
Identify, assess and control risks arising from our removal and delivery activities.
Provide and maintain safe systems of work, safe handling and use of equipment, and safe access and egress at all work locations.
Ensure that all workers are competent to carry out their tasks through appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision.
Protect the health and safety of customers, visitors, neighbours and the general public in the areas where we operate.
Promote continuous improvement in our health and safety performance and review this policy regularly.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that adequate resources are provided to implement and maintain this policy. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation, including planning work safely, briefing staff, and monitoring compliance with procedures.
Employees and subcontractors must:
Work safely and follow all instructions, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
Use vehicles, equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
Report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions or incidents to management without delay.
Cooperate with any health and safety investigations or training provided by the company.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Man and a Van Canary Wharf carries out risk assessments for typical moving and transport activities, including house removals, flat moves, office relocations, and collection or delivery services. Site-specific risks are considered when booking a service and, where necessary, on arrival at the premises.
Key hazards considered include manual handling, slips and trips, working in stairwells and confined spaces, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, use of tools and equipment, and interaction with other contractors or members of the public.
From these risk assessments we develop safe systems of work, which may include:
Planning routes to minimise congestion and unsafe stopping locations.
Allocating sufficient staff for heavy or awkward items.
Using trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and other aids where appropriate.
Maintaining clear walkways and using spotters when moving large items.
Ensuring safe parking and loading zones and using hazard warnings where necessary.
Manual Handling and Musculoskeletal Safety
Moving furniture, appliances and boxes is a core part of our work and presents significant manual handling risks. To minimise these risks, we:
Provide manual handling guidance and task-specific instruction to all workers.
Encourage use of lifting aids and team lifting for heavy or bulky items.
Assess access routes such as staircases, corridors and doorways before moving large items.
Avoid unnecessary carrying distances by planning loading points and van positioning.
Advise customers in advance on safe packing, weight limits for boxes and access requirements.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Company vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal obligations. Drivers must hold the correct licence, be medically fit to drive, and follow all road traffic regulations.
Our approach to road safety includes:
Conducting regular vehicle checks, including tyres, lights, mirrors and load securing points.
Ensuring loads are properly distributed, restrained and covered where necessary.
Planning journeys to allow sufficient time, avoid unnecessary risks and reduce driver fatigue.
Prohibiting the use of handheld mobile phones while driving and discouraging any form of distracted driving.
Requiring drivers to report incidents, damage or near misses so that corrective action can be taken.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We recognise that our activities often take place in residential buildings, commercial premises, shared access areas and public spaces. To protect customers and the public, we:
Assess access routes for hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting or obstructions.
Keep work areas as tidy as possible, avoiding trip hazards from boxes, packing materials and equipment.
Use caution when operating in communal hallways, lifts, car parks and pavements.
Minimise noise and disruption and cooperate with building management or neighbours where required.
Respect customer property and take care to prevent damage to doors, floors, walls and fixtures.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff receive appropriate information and instruction on health and safety matters relevant to their role. This may include induction training, on-the-job coaching, toolbox talks, and periodic refreshers. Topics covered include manual handling, vehicle safety, safe loading practices, use of equipment, and emergency procedures.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices, providing guidance to less experienced staff, and intervening if unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed.
Accidents, Incidents and First Aid
All accidents, injuries, near misses and cases of occupational ill-health that occur during our activities must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. Details are recorded and investigated to identify causes and prevent recurrence.
Appropriate first aid equipment is provided in vehicles or at operational bases, and staff are made aware of how to access assistance in the event of an emergency. Where we are working at customer premises, we will cooperate with any on-site emergency arrangements and inform the customer if an incident affects their property or occupants.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Man and a Van Canary Wharf recognises the value of staff involvement in improving health and safety. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in developing safe working methods. Feedback from customers and other stakeholders is also welcomed and may be used to refine our procedures.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to legislation, our operations, or the nature of the risks associated with our removal and transport services. Updated versions are communicated to workers and made available to customers on request.
Policy Review and Approval
This policy expresses the ongoing commitment of Man and a Van Canary Wharf to protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone affected by our activities. It is approved by company management and will be reviewed at least annually to ensure that it remains relevant, effective and aligned with best practice in the removals and transport sector.
