Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Canary Wharf

Man with Van Canary Wharf is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, 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 household and office removals, loading and unloading, driving, and on-site work at customer premises.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health through effective planning, training, supervision, and continuous improvement. Our objectives are to identify and control hazards, comply with relevant health and safety legislation, and promote a culture where safety is integral to every removal and delivery we carry out.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety considerations are integrated into everyday decision-making and planning. This includes assessing risks for each removal, providing appropriate equipment and training, and reviewing any incidents or near-misses to prevent recurrence. Management will regularly review and update this policy to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, and our own operational experience.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, including drivers, porters, and supervisors, share responsibility for maintaining safe working practices. Staff must follow the procedures set out by Man with Van Canary Wharf, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents promptly, and cooperate in any investigation or risk assessment. Employees are expected to work in a manner that does not endanger themselves, their colleagues, customers, or the public.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before any removal or delivery, we assess the risks associated with the specific job, including access constraints, stairways, lifts, parking arrangements, and any unusual items or heavy loads. We plan each job to minimise risks by allocating adequate time, personnel, and equipment, and by communicating any particular hazards to the team in advance. Where necessary, additional control measures are introduced, such as using extra staff, specialist moving equipment, or alternative routes.

Safe Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal work, and we recognise the risks of musculoskeletal injury. All staff receive training in safe lifting techniques and the correct use of trolleys, dollies, straps, and other aids. We avoid single-person lifting of heavy or awkward items wherever possible, and we encourage team lifting to distribute loads safely. No employee is required to lift or move any item they believe to be unsafe or beyond their capability.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition and are subject to regular checks. Drivers must hold the correct licence and follow all road traffic laws. Fatigue management, appropriate rest breaks, safe loading, and secure stowage of goods are essential elements of our driving safety. Loads are distributed to maintain vehicle stability, and items are fastened to reduce movement during transit. Drivers remain responsible for the safety of the vehicle and cargo while on the road.

Safe Loading, Unloading, and Site Conditions

When loading or unloading at customer premises, our teams take care to manage traffic and pedestrian safety. We aim to park vehicles in a safe and legal position, avoiding obstruction of driveways, pavements, and emergency exits. Access routes are kept as clear as possible, and we take particular care on stairs, ramps, and uneven surfaces. Where necessary, warning signs or cones may be used to alert others to our work.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment

Where appropriate, employees are provided with personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, and high-visibility clothing. Staff are required to use such equipment correctly and to report any damage, defects, or loss immediately so that replacements can be arranged. Personal protective equipment is considered a supplementary control measure and does not replace the need for safe systems of work.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to protect customers, visitors, and members of the public from risks created by our operations. Our teams are instructed to work tidily, keep walkways free of trip hazards, and move large or heavy items with clear communication between team members. We ask customers to keep children and pets away from working areas and to inform us of any known hazards at their property, such as loose flooring, low ceilings, or restricted access.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff receive induction training covering general health and safety responsibilities, manual handling, vehicle safety, and site conduct. Ongoing training is provided to address new equipment, procedures, or risks identified in our work. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring standards on site and ensuring that safety procedures are followed at all times. Refresher training is offered where required to maintain competence.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near-misses, and unsafe conditions must be reported as soon as possible to management. We record and investigate each incident to identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions. Lessons learned are communicated to staff and, where appropriate, incorporated into revised procedures or additional training. We regard open and honest reporting as essential to improving safety for everyone.

Welfare, Health, and Wellbeing

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding and may involve occasional long or irregular hours. We encourage staff to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to perform tasks safely. Adequate rest breaks, access to drinking water, and appropriate clothing for weather conditions are important elements of maintaining staff wellbeing.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to the services provided by Man with Van Canary Wharf. We take into account feedback from employees and customers, changes in operational practices, and any new legal or regulatory requirements. Our goal is to continually improve our health and safety performance and to uphold high standards in every move we undertake.