Dulwich Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Dulwich Man and Van is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk during local and regional moves, including packing, loading, transportation and unloading of goods.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise that removal work involves manual handling, vehicle use, working in and around homes, offices and public spaces, and the movement of heavy or bulky items. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe situations. Health and safety is integral to how we plan and deliver our man and van and removal services.

Senior management is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, reviewed regularly and supported with suitable resources. Every employee and contractor has a duty to work safely, follow instructions and report hazards or incidents without delay.

Legal Compliance and Continuous Improvement

Dulwich Man and Van will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, guidance and industry best practice relevant to removal and light transport services. We will monitor changes in regulations and update our procedures where necessary.

We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance by setting objectives, reviewing incident reports, acting on near-miss information and consulting with our team about practical safety measures on the job.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Management is responsible for:

Ensuring safe systems of work are developed, documented where appropriate, communicated and maintained for all key activities, including lifting, carrying, loading and securing goods in vehicles. Providing suitable training, instruction and supervision so that staff are competent to carry out their duties safely. Supplying and maintaining appropriate vehicles, equipment and personal protective equipment in safe working condition. Investigating incidents and implementing corrective actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Allocating adequate time and resources for health and safety planning, checks and reviews.

Employees and contractors are responsible for:

Taking reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions. Using equipment, tools and vehicles only as instructed and reporting any defects immediately. Following safe working procedures and manual handling techniques at all times. Wearing any personal protective equipment provided for particular tasks. Reporting hazards, near-misses, injuries or unsafe conditions promptly to a supervisor or manager.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for typical removal activities and for specific jobs where conditions require additional consideration. These assessments identify hazards, who may be affected and the control measures required to reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable.

Safe working practices include, but are not limited to:

Planning the route and access points before the move begins to avoid unnecessary lifting or carrying over long distances. Checking parking arrangements and loading areas to minimise traffic risks and create clear, safe working zones around the vehicle. Assessing the weight, shape and stability of items before moving them, and using team lifting or equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys or straps when necessary. Keeping walkways, stairs and doorways clear during loading and unloading to prevent slips, trips and falls. Securing all items safely within vehicles to prevent shifting during transit and ensuring even weight distribution. Adjusting work in adverse weather or poor lighting to maintain safe footing and visibility.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a key focus of our safety approach. All staff receive guidance in safe lifting techniques, including correct posture, lifting within their capability, and working as a team for heavier or awkward items. No worker is expected to lift or move an item they feel is beyond their safe capability.

Mechanical aids and handling equipment are used wherever practical to reduce strain and the risk of injury. All equipment is checked regularly for wear or damage and removed from use if any defect is identified until it has been repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular inspections and servicing in line with manufacturer and legal requirements. Drivers are expected to carry out basic checks before use and report any defects immediately.

We promote safe, considerate driving at all times. Drivers must observe speed limits, drive to road and weather conditions and take adequate rest breaks. Loads must be secured properly before the vehicle moves, with appropriate use of restraints and padding to protect both goods and people.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer homes or business premises, we aim to minimise disruption and ensure the safety of everyone present. This includes explaining any necessary precautions, controlling access to work areas where possible and being alert to specific risks such as narrow stairs, fragile surfaces and shared entrances.

We take care to protect third parties, including neighbours, passers-by and other road users. Work areas are kept as clear as possible, and items are not left where they could cause obstruction or danger.

Training, Communication and Consultation

All new employees receive an introduction to our health and safety standards as part of their induction. Ongoing training is provided where required, particularly in manual handling, equipment use and vehicle safety.

We encourage open communication about safety. Staff are invited to raise concerns and contribute ideas for safer working methods. Feedback from customers about safety-related issues is also taken seriously and used to improve our approach.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near-misses and damage incidents must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record and review these reports to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Emergency arrangements, such as what to do in case of injury, fire, road traffic collision or spillage, are communicated to staff. Drivers and team leaders are expected to familiarise themselves with emergency contact procedures and to cooperate with emergency services when required.

Review of this Policy

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, business operations and industry standards. Updated versions are shared with all relevant personnel so that they remain aware of their responsibilities and the measures in place to protect them and our customers.

By working together and following this policy, Dulwich Man and Van seeks to ensure that every removal, from small local moves to larger relocations, is carried out safely, efficiently and with respect for the wellbeing of everyone involved.