Man with Van Mayfair Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Mayfair is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, clients and members of the public who may be affected by our moving and removal operations. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with transport, lifting, loading, unloading and handling of goods in homes, offices and commercial premises within our service area.

Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, approved codes of practice and industry standards applicable to removal and transport services.

Management Responsibility and Objectives

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management of Man with Van Mayfair. Management will provide leadership, resources and support to ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained and regularly reviewed.

Our main health and safety objectives are to reduce the risk of injury during moving and lifting tasks, maintain vehicles and equipment in safe working order, promote safe driving practices across our removal routes, and ensure that all team members understand their responsibilities and follow safe systems of work at all times.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working with Man with Van Mayfair have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes colleagues, clients, neighbours and members of the public at collection and delivery addresses.

Employees must follow all safety instructions and training, use equipment correctly, report hazards, near misses and incidents to management without delay, and cooperate with management to enable all legal duties to be fulfilled. Failure to follow health and safety procedures may result in disciplinary action.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out regular risk assessments for our removal operations, including domestic and commercial moves, packing, loading, unloading and transportation of items. These assessments identify hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, falls from vehicles, vehicle movements and contact with members of the public.

Based on these assessments, we implement safe systems of work. These include planning the move in advance, assessing access routes at properties, using appropriate lifting techniques, using lifting aids where applicable, and ensuring that vehicles are parked and loaded safely. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in work practices or new equipment is introduced.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is central to removal activities and is a key focus of our safety management. Our policy is to avoid hazardous manual handling wherever reasonably practicable. Where it cannot be avoided, we minimise risk through planning, training and the use of suitable equipment.

All staff receive instruction in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, load assessment and the importance of avoiding overreaching or twisting while carrying items. Heavy or awkward objects are handled by more than one team member or, where possible, using trolleys, dollies, straps or other aids. Employees are required to ask for assistance rather than attempting to lift or carry loads beyond their capability.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are a critical part of our moving service and are maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. Regular checks are carried out on brakes, lights, tyres, securing points and loading areas. Any defects are reported immediately and the vehicle is not used until it is safe.

Drivers are expected to follow all road traffic laws, drive courteously and defensively, and allow adequate time for journeys to avoid rushing. Loads must be properly balanced, secured and covered as necessary to prevent movement, damage or danger to other road users. Parking at collection and delivery locations must be planned to minimise risks to the crew and the public, while respecting local traffic and access rules.

Use of Equipment and Protective Measures

Where appropriate, our teams use moving equipment such as trolleys, sack trucks, furniture blankets, straps and other devices to make handling safer and more efficient. All equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service if defective.

Personal protective equipment may be provided depending on the task and environment, such as safety footwear, gloves or high-visibility clothing. Staff are required to use such protection correctly and to report any loss or damage so that it can be replaced promptly.

Client Premises and Public Safety

When working at client homes or business premises, we take care to protect both people and property. Access routes are kept as clear as reasonably possible, and items are stacked in a stable and safe manner. Doors, gates and stairwells are used with caution, especially when carrying large or bulky items.

Our teams are instructed to be particularly mindful of children, pets, elderly individuals and other vulnerable persons who may be present. Where necessary, work may be paused to ensure that an area is safe or to agree safer arrangements with the client before continuing.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Mayfair ensures that employees receive appropriate health and safety training for their roles, including induction training for new staff and refresher training where required. Training covers topics such as manual handling, vehicle safety, basic hazard awareness and emergency procedures.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring working practices on site, correcting unsafe behaviour, and ensuring that safety procedures are followed consistently. Information about risks and safe methods of work is communicated clearly to staff and, where relevant, to clients.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported to management as soon as possible. We maintain records of incidents to help identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

In the event of an emergency such as injury, fire, vehicle collision or structural damage at a property, our staff are instructed to prioritise personal safety and the safety of others, contact emergency services if required, and follow any site-specific emergency arrangements. After any serious incident, a formal investigation will be carried out to determine causes and implement corrective actions.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

We are committed to continual improvement in our health and safety performance. We review this policy at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes in our work activities, legislation or best practice guidance relevant to removal and transport services.

Feedback from employees and clients is welcomed and may be used to enhance our procedures, training and day-to-day practices. By working together and maintaining high standards, Man with Van Mayfair seeks to deliver a safe, reliable and professional removal service across its operating area.

This Health and Safety Policy is approved by the management of Man with Van Mayfair and is communicated to all employees. It is available to clients and interested parties upon request.