Health and Safety Policy for Man With Van Westwickham

Man With Van Westwickham is committed to maintaining a safe, responsible, and well-managed service for every move, collection, and delivery we carry out. This health and safety policy sets out the principles and working practices that help protect our team, customers, property, and the public during all moving activities. Our aim is to reduce risk, promote careful planning, and ensure that each job is completed in a controlled and professional way.

We recognise that moving items can involve lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, vehicle use, and work in varied environments. For that reason, our approach to health and safety is practical and preventative. We expect all personnel involved in a move to act with awareness, use suitable equipment, and follow safe systems of work at all times. This applies whether the task involves a single item, a flat clearance, or a full van service.

Safety responsibility is shared by everyone involved. The company provides the correct equipment, training, and procedures, while workers are expected to apply them carefully and consistently. We value careful preparation, clear communication, and respectful handling of property. By keeping safety central to our operations, Man With Van Westwickham supports reliable service without compromising wellbeing.

Before any job begins, a basic risk assessment is carried out to identify hazards and select suitable control measures. This may include checking access routes, identifying uneven surfaces, assessing stairways, reviewing parking conditions, and considering the weight, shape, and fragility of items. Where needed, extra support, additional lifting aids, or revised handling methods will be used. Our focus is to anticipate problems early and reduce the chance of injury or damage.

Manual handling is one of the most important areas of our policy. Items must be lifted using correct posture, stable footing, and coordinated movement. Heavy or awkward objects should not be handled alone when a safer two-person lift is possible. Staff are expected to avoid twisting while carrying and to use trolleys, straps, blankets, and other equipment where appropriate. In every case, the safest method must come first, even if it takes a little longer.

We also place strong emphasis on vehicle safety. Vans must be loaded evenly, secured properly, and checked before travel. Loads should not shift during transit, and items must not obstruct the driver’s view or compromise handling. Drivers are expected to comply with road safety rules, remain alert, and ensure that journeys are planned with reasonable time for traffic, rest, and safe parking. Regular checks help reduce mechanical risks and support dependable operations.

Personal protective equipment is used whenever the task requires it. This may include gloves, supportive footwear, hi-vis clothing, or other items suitable for the work environment. PPE is not a substitute for safe behaviour, but it provides an important extra layer of protection. All equipment must be kept in good condition and used correctly. Damaged or unsuitable gear should be replaced without delay.

We are equally careful about safeguarding property and maintaining a clean work area. Floors, stairs, entrances, and loading points must be kept as clear as possible. Spills, debris, and packaging waste should be removed promptly to prevent slips, trips, and falls. When handling furniture or appliances, protective covers and secure wrapping are used to minimise the chance of scratches, breakages, or strain caused by unstable loads. Good housekeeping is a core part of safe working.

Training and supervision are essential to our policy. Team members are instructed in safe lifting, communication during manual handling, vehicle loading, and the correct use of moving aids. Refresher training is provided when needed, especially after changes to equipment, procedures, or working conditions. Supervisors are expected to monitor practices, correct unsafe behaviour, and encourage a culture where concerns can be raised early and without hesitation.

In the event of an incident, immediate action must be taken to protect anyone at risk and prevent further harm. First aid, emergency services, or other support should be called if required. Accidents, near misses, and damage events must be recorded and reviewed so that lessons can be learned and improvements made. A clear reporting process helps ensure that problems are not repeated and that control measures remain effective.

We also take steps to support the wellbeing of workers by managing fatigue, stress, and workload. Moving work can be physically demanding, so breaks, hydration, and sensible job scheduling are important. Staff should not be expected to continue with a task if they feel unwell or if conditions become unsafe. Open communication helps identify issues before they develop into incidents.

This policy is reviewed regularly to keep it current, practical, and effective. Changes in equipment, regulations, vehicle use, or operational methods are considered as part of that review. Man With Van Westwickham remains committed to safe working, responsible service, and continuous improvement. By following this policy, we aim to protect people, property, and wellbeing throughout every stage of the moving process.