Twickenham Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Twickenham Man and Van manages health, safety and welfare for our staff, contractors, customers and the public during all removal and man and van activities. Our services involve lifting, loading, transport and delivery of goods, and we recognise our responsibility to carry out this work safely and professionally.

1. Policy Statement and Objectives

Twickenham Man and Van is committed to providing a working environment that is safe and without risks to health, as far as is reasonably practicable. We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health arising from our removal operations and associated services.

Our key health and safety objectives are to:

Identify and control risks associated with removals and transportation.

Provide appropriate training, information and supervision for all staff.

Maintain safe systems of work, vehicles and equipment.

Protect the safety of customers, the public and anyone affected by our activities.

Review and improve our practices regularly and in line with relevant health and safety legislation.

2. Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day health and safety on site and in vehicles, including checking that agreed procedures are followed.

Every employee and contractor has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff are required to cooperate with the company by following safety instructions, using equipment properly and reporting hazards, accidents or near misses promptly.

3. Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for typical removal activities, including home and office moves, loading and unloading vehicles, packing and unpacking, and handling bulky or fragile items. Where specific risks are identified at a particular property or site, additional controls will be put in place.

Safe systems of work may include:

Planning access routes and parking to minimise reversing and manual carrying distances.

Using appropriate lifting techniques and team lifts for heavy or awkward items.

Using trolleys, dollies, straps and protective covers where suitable.

Securing loads in vehicles to prevent movement during transit.

Controlling public access to work areas where necessary.

4. Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal services and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury.

All staff receive guidance and training on safe lifting and carrying techniques, including assessing the weight and shape of items, using team lifts, avoiding twisting and over-reaching, and taking regular breaks when handling heavy loads.

Where possible, mechanical aids or handling equipment are used to reduce physical strain. Staff are instructed not to attempt to lift items beyond their capability or to undertake unsafe manoeuvres to complete a job more quickly.

5. Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular inspections and servicing carried out in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence for the vehicle they operate and must follow all road traffic laws. They are responsible for carrying out basic daily vehicle checks, driving courteously and safely, and ensuring that loads are properly distributed and secured before departure.

Where driving distances or working hours are significant, work is planned to reduce fatigue, and staff are encouraged to take appropriate rest breaks.

6. Working at Height

Occasionally, tasks may require work at low levels of height, such as loading from ramps or accessing higher floors via stairs or approved access routes. Where this occurs, equipment such as ramps and steps must be used correctly and kept in good condition.

Staff are instructed not to climb on unsafe surfaces, furniture, or goods, and not to lean out of windows or over railings when moving items. Any higher risk work at height must be specifically assessed and only undertaken using suitable equipment and methods.

7. Housekeeping and Site Safety

Good housekeeping is essential to safe removal operations. Staff are expected to keep work areas as tidy and organised as possible, particularly in confined spaces, corridors and stairwells.

Trip hazards such as loose packaging, straps and tools should be removed or managed promptly. Access routes should be kept clear, and items should not be stacked in a way that may cause them to fall or block exits.

8. Customer and Public Safety

We recognise that our work often takes place in occupied homes, offices and public areas. Staff must take care to protect customers, their families, employees and visitors from potential hazards associated with removals.

This includes careful positioning of ramps and equipment, supervising open doors and vehicle access, and informing customers of any short-term risks such as temporary obstructions. Where appropriate, temporary barriers or warnings will be used to help keep others away from active work zones.

9. Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive an induction that covers key health and safety requirements relevant to removal work. Further training is provided where needed, such as in manual handling, use of equipment and vehicle safety.

Supervisors monitor working practices and provide on-the-job guidance, ensuring that safe methods are followed and that new or temporary workers are supported appropriately.

10. Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

Any accident, injury, near miss or damage to property must be reported to management as soon as possible. Incidents are recorded and investigated to identify causes and to prevent recurrence.

Staff are briefed on basic emergency procedures, including safe evacuation of properties, responding to fire alarms and summoning emergency services where needed. Vehicles carry basic equipment suitable for minor incidents, and drivers know how to respond safely in the event of a road traffic incident.

11. Review and Policy Updates

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, services or legal requirements. Updates are communicated to all staff, and any new procedures are incorporated into training and daily practice.

By working together and following this policy, Twickenham Man and Van aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.