Health and Safety policy
Wimbledon Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Wimbledon Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy 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 risks during house moves, office relocations, and associated man and van services.
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by managing health and safety risks in a sensible and proportionate way. This policy applies to all activities undertaken by Wimbledon Man and Van, including loading, unloading, driving, packing, lifting, and handling of goods.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, training, and supervision are provided. Management will review this policy regularly and update it as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, or the nature of our services.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff are expected to follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly, report hazards promptly, and co-operate fully with company procedures.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, communicating safety instructions, and monitoring compliance during removal operations.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before undertaking removal work, Wimbledon Man and Van will assess foreseeable risks associated with the task, the environment, and the load. Risk assessments consider access routes, stairways, lifting requirements, parking and loading areas, traffic conditions, weather, and any specific customer requirements.
Where significant risks are identified, appropriate control measures will be implemented, such as using additional staff, employing mechanical aids, altering the sequence of work, or adjusting the timing of a move to reduce exposure to hazards.
Safe working practices are developed for common tasks, including manual handling, driving and vehicle operations, use of equipment, and working in or around customer premises. These procedures are communicated to all staff and are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain effective.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of our work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed properly. Wimbledon Man and Van is committed to minimising manual handling risks by planning moves carefully and using appropriate techniques and equipment.
All staff involved in lifting and carrying will receive training in safe manual handling, including assessing the load, team lifting, maintaining good posture, and avoiding sudden or excessive strain. Where practical, trolleys, dollies, straps, and other handling aids will be used to transport heavy or bulky items.
Employees must not lift items that are beyond their capability or that may cause injury. If an item is too heavy, awkward, or unstable to move safely, additional assistance or alternative methods must be arranged before proceeding.
Vehicles, Driving, and Road Safety
Our vehicles are central to our removals operations, and safe driving is essential. Wimbledon Man and Van ensures that vehicles are appropriately maintained, inspected, and kept in a roadworthy condition. Drivers must carry out basic pre-use checks and report any defects immediately.
Only authorised and competent drivers may operate company vehicles. Drivers must obey road traffic laws, drive within speed limits, and adjust their driving to suit weather, traffic, and load conditions. Fatigue management is important, and drivers are expected to take adequate rest breaks and not drive when tired or unfit.
Loads must be correctly distributed and securely restrained to prevent movement during transit. Items are packed and positioned to maintain vehicle stability and to protect both people and property from harm.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Wimbledon Man and Van recognises its responsibility to protect customers, visitors, and the public during removal activities. When working at customer premises, our teams will take care to maintain clear access routes, avoid creating trip hazards, and minimise disturbance to neighbours and passers-by.
Whenever possible, routes for moving goods are planned to reduce risks on stairs, in corridors, and at entrances. Where necessary, warning signs, cones, or temporary barriers may be used to alert others to potential hazards, such as moving vehicles or heavy lifting operations.
Our staff will treat customer property with respect, taking precautions to avoid damage to buildings, fixtures, and belongings while prioritising safe working methods.
Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment
Wimbledon Man and Van provides suitable equipment and tools to support safe removal operations, such as moving trolleys, blankets, straps, ramps, and protective coverings. All equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and in accordance with training and instructions.
Where necessary, personal protective equipment, such as gloves, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear, will be provided. Employees are required to use this equipment when specified and to take care of it, reporting any loss or damage without delay.
Defective tools or equipment must not be used. Any faults, hazards, or incidents involving equipment must be reported to management immediately so that corrective action can be taken.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Wimbledon Man and Van is committed to providing appropriate health and safety training to all employees. This includes induction training for new staff, instruction in manual handling, vehicle safety, and task-specific procedures relevant to our removals and man and van services.
Information on safe working methods is given through briefings, written guidance, and on-site supervision. Managers and team leaders monitor performance and provide guidance and feedback to ensure that safety standards are maintained.
Training needs are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and refresher training is provided where necessary to keep skills and awareness up to date.
Accident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, incidents, and near misses, however minor, must be reported as soon as possible to management. This enables proper investigation, identification of root causes, and implementation of measures to prevent recurrence.
Records of incidents, risk assessments, and safety inspections are maintained and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Wimbledon Man and Van is committed to learning from experience and from industry developments to enhance our health and safety performance.
This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to all employees and is available to customers and other interested parties on request. Continued adherence to this policy is a condition of employment and an integral part of delivering a professional, reliable, and safe removals service.
