Bayswater Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Bayswater Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public affected by our removals and man and van activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transport and related services.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, work-related ill health and damage to property during all removal and transport operations. We will identify, assess and control risks arising from our work, and we will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and relevant industry guidance.

Health and safety considerations are integral to how we plan and deliver all moves, from small man and van jobs to larger household and office removals. We expect everyone working with or for Bayswater Man and Van to cooperate with this policy and take personal responsibility for working safely.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Bayswater Man and Van is responsible for implementing and reviewing this policy and for ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place to protect people and property. This includes:

Ensuring that all work is properly planned, resourced and supervised so that it can be carried out safely.
Providing and maintaining vehicles, equipment and tools that are safe and suitable for their intended use.
Carrying out risk assessments for typical removal tasks, including manual handling, loading and unloading, working in domestic and commercial premises, driving and parking near client properties.
Introducing and monitoring safe systems of work, including safe lifting techniques and correct use of moving equipment such as trolleys, ramps and blankets.
Providing appropriate health and safety information, instruction and training to employees, tailored to the tasks they undertake.

Management will regularly review accident and incident reports, near misses and feedback from staff and customers to improve safety performance.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and regular subcontractors have a duty to safeguard their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Staff are expected to:

Follow all safety procedures, instructions and training provided by Bayswater Man and Van.
Use vehicles, lifting equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and report any damage or defects immediately.
Assess each move on arrival, identifying potential hazards such as narrow staircases, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, restricted parking, weather conditions or other access issues.
Adopt safe manual handling techniques, including team lifting for heavy or awkward items, and avoiding unnecessary strain.
Keep work areas as tidy and free from trip hazards as reasonably possible, especially during loading and unloading.

Employees must not engage in reckless behaviour, must never operate vehicles or equipment under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and must report any accidents, incidents or unsafe conditions to management without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Bayswater Man and Van carries out risk assessments for typical activities involved in removal work and reviews them regularly. Key risk areas include:

Manual handling: We promote safe lifting and carrying techniques, use mechanical aids where practicable, and plan moves to minimise carrying distances and awkward postures.
Vehicle movements: We manage the positioning and movement of vans to reduce the risk of collisions, damage to property and harm to pedestrians. Where possible, a second person should guide reversing manoeuvres.
Loading and securing: Loads are arranged and secured to prevent movement in transit, with particular care for heavy, fragile or irregular items.
Working in client premises: Staff are instructed to respect client property, protect floors and surfaces where necessary, and maintain clear escape routes.

Each job may require adjustments to working methods to address specific hazards, and staff are encouraged to raise any concerns so arrangements can be reviewed.

Training and Competence

Bayswater Man and Van is committed to ensuring that employees are competent to perform their duties safely. We provide training appropriate to roles and tasks, which may include:

Induction training covering our Health and Safety policy and expectations.
Manual handling and lifting techniques relevant to domestic and commercial removals.
Safe operation of moving aids, ramps and other equipment.
Defensive driving and safe loading practices for drivers.

Training needs are reviewed periodically, taking into account changes in legislation, equipment, work practices and incident trends.

Vehicles, Equipment and Maintenance

Our vehicles and equipment are central to safe removal operations. Bayswater Man and Van will:

Maintain vehicles in a roadworthy and safe condition and arrange regular inspections and servicing.
Provide appropriate moving equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps and protective coverings.
Ensure that equipment is inspected, maintained and replaced when it is no longer fit for purpose.
Require drivers to carry out basic pre-use checks and report any issues promptly.

Only authorised and competent personnel may drive company vehicles or use specialist equipment.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and damage to property arising from our work must be reported to management as soon as practicable. This allows us to investigate, identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Employees are briefed on basic emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of an injury, fire, vehicle accident or sudden hazard at a job location. Where necessary, staff will cooperate with emergency services and follow their instructions.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Bayswater Man and Van encourages open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and share good practice. We will consult staff when making significant changes to working practices, equipment or procedures that may affect safety.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes in our operations, in legislation or in recognised good practice. Our goal is to continually improve our safety performance and to deliver removal and man and van services in a responsible and professional manner.