Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Pimlico Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Pimlico is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, and the general public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with removals, transportation, loading, and unloading of goods.
Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property by promoting safe systems of work, maintaining appropriate equipment, and ensuring that all activities are planned and carried out with health and safety as a priority.
Scope of This Policy
This policy applies to all removal and delivery services carried out by Man with Van Pimlico, including residential moves, office relocations, small deliveries, and collection services. It covers all workers engaged by us, whether permanent, temporary, self-employed, or subcontracted, when they are undertaking work on our behalf.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Man with Van Pimlico recognises its duty to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and accepted best practice within the removals and transport sector. Management is responsible for:
Ensuring adequate resources are available to implement this policy; providing clear instructions, information, and training to workers; maintaining safe systems of work for moving, lifting, loading, and driving; and regularly reviewing and updating this policy.
All workers engaged by Man with Van Pimlico are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others; following safe working procedures and instructions; using equipment properly and reporting defects; and promptly reporting hazards, near misses, accidents, or incidents.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including handling heavy or awkward items, operating in stairwells, corridors, and confined spaces, and loading and securing goods in vehicles. Site-specific considerations are taken into account where possible, such as access routes, parking, and potential hazards inside and outside the property.
Before starting a job, team members are expected to identify any obvious risks, discuss safe handling methods, and adapt the plan of work if conditions change. No job should proceed if it cannot be completed safely.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a central part of our work, and we put strong emphasis on safe lifting practices. Workers are instructed to:
Assess the weight and shape of items before lifting; request assistance or additional equipment for heavy or bulky objects; bend the knees, keep the back as straight as reasonably possible, and lift with the legs; avoid twisting while carrying loads and use team lifts for large items.
Where appropriate, moving equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and furniture blankets is used to reduce strain and protect both workers and customer property.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Safe operation of vehicles is essential to our service. Drivers must hold the correct licence for the vehicle they operate and follow road traffic regulations at all times. Our approach to vehicle safety includes:
Carrying out basic pre-use checks, such as tyres, lights, and mirrors; ensuring loads are distributed evenly and secured to prevent movement during transit; planning routes to minimise unnecessary risks and delays; and adhering to speed limits and driving appropriately for weather and road conditions.
Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs and must be fit to drive at all times while on duty.
Use of Equipment and Protective Measures
Man with Van Pimlico provides suitable equipment for the safe handling and protection of items and property, which may include lifting aids, securing straps, blankets, and protective covers. Workers must use this equipment as intended and must not use defective or damaged equipment.
Where necessary, workers may use basic personal protective equipment such as gloves or safety footwear to reduce the risk of injury. All equipment must be stored safely in vehicles to avoid trip hazards and damage.
Customer and Public Safety
We are committed to protecting customers, neighbours, and members of the public during our operations. To achieve this, we:
Keep access routes as clear as reasonably possible; communicate with customers about where we will be working and moving items; take care when moving large items through shared or public areas; and minimise noise and disruption where we can.
We ask customers to keep children and pets away from working areas and to inform us of any known hazards in or around the property.
Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting
Any accident, injury, damage to property, or near miss occurring during work must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. This allows us to investigate the cause, take corrective action, and prevent recurrence.
Where required by law, serious incidents will be recorded and, if applicable, notified to the relevant enforcing authority. We treat all such events as opportunities to improve our health and safety performance.
Training, Supervision, and Competence
All workers are given appropriate instruction on safe lifting, loading, and driving practices relevant to their role. New team members may work under closer supervision until they demonstrate competence in key tasks.
We encourage continuous improvement and expect all workers to raise any concerns they have about their own safety or that of others. Additional training or guidance will be provided where any gaps are identified.
Review and Policy Updates
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes occur in our operations, equipment, or legal requirements. Updated versions will be communicated to all relevant workers and will replace previous versions with immediate effect.
By working in line with this policy, Man with Van Pimlico aims to deliver reliable removal and transport services while maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved.
