Health and Safety policy

Waterloo Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Waterloo Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and practical measures we follow to manage risks associated with our removal and man and van services.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property during all stages of our work, including surveying, packing, lifting, loading, transport, unloading, and installation of items. Management will provide the leadership, resources, and support needed to maintain and continually improve our health and safety performance.

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 or omissions. We expect the same level of care and cooperation from agency staff and contractors working under our control.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate health and safety arrangements are in place, that risk assessments are completed, and that safe systems of work are implemented and reviewed regularly. Managers will ensure that employees receive suitable information, instruction, and training relevant to their roles.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring day-to-day compliance with this policy on-site and in vehicles. They must report hazards, near misses, accidents, and defects promptly so that corrective action can be taken.

Employees must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear issued personal protective equipment, and report any hazard, incident, or unsafe practice immediately. Employees must not work under the influence of drugs or alcohol or undertake any task for which they have not been trained or authorised.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures

Waterloo Man and Van will identify and assess the risks associated with removal activities, including manual handling, working in confined or restricted spaces, use of vehicles, working at height when necessary, and the handling of fragile or high-value items.

Based on these assessments, we develop and implement safe working procedures that cover planning of moves, selection and use of equipment, safe lifting techniques, load securing methods, and emergency arrangements. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in our operations, equipment, or working environment.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is managed with particular care. Staff receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, use of trolleys and handling aids, and avoidance of overreaching or twisting while carrying loads.

Heavy or awkward items are assessed individually to determine the safest method of movement, including whether mechanical aids or additional personnel are needed. Staff are instructed not to attempt to lift items that exceed safe limits or that they feel unable to move safely. Pathways and access routes are checked for hazards before moving items.

Vehicles, Driving, and Loading Safety

We are committed to safe driving and safe loading practices. Only authorised and competent drivers may operate company vehicles. Drivers are required to conduct pre-use vehicle checks, report defects immediately, and comply with traffic laws and safe driving practices at all times.

Loading and unloading are carried out in a controlled manner, with attention to vehicle stability, weight distribution, and correct use of securing straps, blankets, and other protective materials. Items are loaded in a way that minimises movement during transit and reduces the risk of damage or injury when doors are opened.

Protecting Customers, Property, and the Public

Our teams take active steps to protect customers, their property, and members of the public. Work areas are kept as clear and orderly as reasonably practicable, and any trip hazards such as loose packing materials, straps, or tools are removed or managed promptly.

Protective coverings are used where appropriate to reduce the risk of damage to floors, walls, and fixtures. When working in shared spaces, communal areas, or on the street, operatives will consider the safety of passers-by and other users, including the use of safe parking, careful placement of ramps or trolleys, and clear communication with those nearby.

Equipment, Maintenance, and Personal Protective Equipment

Waterloo Man and Van will provide suitable and well-maintained equipment for lifting, moving, and securing loads. This includes trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets, and other handling aids. Equipment is inspected regularly and removed from use if found to be defective.

Where necessary, employees are supplied with personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear and gloves, and are instructed on its correct use. Employees must use this equipment as directed and report loss or damage so that replacements can be provided.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All new employees receive induction training covering our health and safety expectations, emergency procedures, reporting arrangements, and safe systems of work. Role-specific training is provided for drivers, team leaders, and operatives involved in specialist tasks.

Information on hazards, control measures, and changes to procedures is communicated through briefings and ongoing instruction. Supervisors provide day-to-day guidance and oversight, particularly for complex moves, challenging access, or when new staff are involved.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, and incidents must be reported without delay so that they can be recorded, investigated, and used to improve our practices. We maintain appropriate records of incidents and take corrective and preventive actions where required.

Staff are briefed on emergency procedures, including vehicle breakdowns, injuries on-site, fire evacuation arrangements at customer premises where applicable, and dealing with unsafe conditions. First aid provisions are made available to support our teams.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and encourage employees to maintain good health and fitness for work. Staff are expected to report any health condition that may affect their ability to perform tasks safely, particularly driving and manual handling.

We will, where reasonably practicable, make adjustments to duties or working methods to support employees with health concerns, provided that safety standards are maintained.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Waterloo Man and Van will monitor compliance with this Health and Safety policy through supervision, inspections, feedback from staff and customers, and investigation of incidents. Findings are used to refine our risk assessments and procedures.

This policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our services, types of moves undertaken, or relevant legal or industry guidance. Updates will be communicated to all employees, who are expected to familiarise themselves with the current version.

By following this Health and Safety policy, Waterloo Man and Van aims to deliver reliable removal services while safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our work.