Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Millwall Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Millwall is committed to providing removal and transport services in a manner that protects the health, safety, and wellbeing of our employees, contractors, customers, and the general public. This policy sets out our approach to identifying, managing, and reducing risks associated with our activities, including house moves, office relocations, and local collection and delivery services.
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by promoting a strong safety culture and maintaining high operational standards in every removal and delivery we undertake.
Scope and Application
This Health and Safety Policy applies to all staff, including drivers, porters, supervisors, and temporary workers engaged by Man with Van Millwall. It also informs customers, visitors to work sites, and any third parties who may be affected by our operations in the wider service area.
The policy covers all work activities, including planning, loading, unloading, driving, lifting and carrying, use of equipment, and working at customer premises or in public areas.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man with Van Millwall is responsible for providing safe systems of work and for ensuring that health and safety considerations are embedded in day-to-day decisions. This includes:
Conducting and reviewing risk assessments for typical removal and transport tasks, particularly those involving heavy or awkward items.
Providing suitable training, information, and supervision to ensure staff are competent to undertake their roles safely.
Ensuring vehicles and equipment are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition.
Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions.
Allocating appropriate resources to support continuous improvement in health and safety performance.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Every team member must:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and training provided by Man with Van Millwall.
Use vehicles, tools, and moving equipment correctly and never misuse or interfere with safety devices.
Report hazards, defects, and unsafe conditions immediately so they can be addressed before they cause harm.
Refuse to carry out work that is unsafe or beyond their physical capabilities, and seek guidance where needed.
Wear suitable clothing and footwear for manual handling and moving work, including any personal protective equipment issued.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before each job, an assessment of the work environment and items to be moved will be made. This includes considering access routes, staircases, parking, weather conditions, and the nature of the load. Where necessary, additional controls will be put in place, such as extra staff, specialist equipment, or revised methods.
Staff are trained to recognise typical risks associated with removal work, to select the safest way of carrying out each task, and to communicate clearly with team members and customers on the day of the move.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of our activities and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Man with Van Millwall will:
Provide manual handling training covering safe lifting techniques, team lifts, and dynamic risk assessment.
Encourage the use of mechanical aids such as sack trucks, trolleys, and lifting straps where appropriate.
Plan loads to avoid single-person lifting of excessively heavy or awkward items.
Monitor working methods to ensure that staff are applying their training and working within safe limits.
No employee should attempt to lift or move any item they believe may put themselves or others at risk. Alternative methods or additional support must be used.
Vehicle and Road Safety
Safe driving is essential to protect our staff, customers, and other road users. Man with Van Millwall ensures that:
Vehicles are regularly inspected, maintained, and cleaned, with defects reported and remedied promptly.
Drivers hold the appropriate licences and are trained in safe driving techniques and load security.
Loads are positioned and secured to prevent movement, damage, or instability during transit.
Drivers plan routes to minimise unnecessary risk, taking into account traffic, access restrictions, and weather conditions.
Drivers comply with speed limits and road traffic laws and are encouraged to take breaks to avoid fatigue on longer journeys.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our work frequently takes place at customer homes, offices, and public spaces. To protect customers, bystanders, and property, we will:
Take care when moving items through doorways, corridors, and stairways to avoid damage or obstruction.
Use safe lifting teams in confined spaces to maintain control of large or heavy items.
Keep walkways clear of tripping hazards, such as packing materials and loose items.
Communicate clearly with customers regarding access, parking, and any restrictions that may affect safety.
Training, Communication, and Consultation
Man with Van Millwall provides initial and ongoing training relevant to removal and delivery work, including manual handling, vehicle safety, and hazard awareness. Health and safety matters are discussed with staff regularly, and feedback is encouraged so that improvements can be identified and implemented.
Any changes to working practices that may affect safety will be communicated clearly, and staff will be given the information and instruction needed to adjust safely.
Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences during removal operations must be reported promptly to management. Reports will be recorded, reviewed, and used to prevent recurrence. Where appropriate, medical assistance will be sought without delay.
Employees are given guidance on what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a road traffic collision, a serious injury at a customer site, or a fire. Preserving life and preventing further harm always takes priority over property or schedules.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Man with Van Millwall is committed to continually improving health and safety performance. This policy and associated procedures will be reviewed regularly, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, to ensure they remain effective and relevant to our removal services across the area we cover.
By following this Health and Safety Policy, Man with Van Millwall aims to deliver reliable, professional, and safe moving and transport services for every customer.
