Health and Safety policy
Westminster Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Westminster Man and Van is committed to providing professional removal and transport services in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our principles, responsibilities and working practices to ensure that every move and delivery is carried out as safely as reasonably practicable.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We recognise that removal and transport activities involve manual handling, vehicle use, loading and unloading, and working in a variety of premises. We are committed to managing these risks through planning, training, supervision and continuous improvement. Health and safety forms an integral part of our decision making, operational planning and day to day work.
Our objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance, and promote a positive safety culture across all of our removal and man and van operations.
Roles and Responsibilities
The management of Westminster Man and Van has overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this policy, providing adequate resources and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place. Managers and supervisors are responsible for communicating safety requirements, leading by example and ensuring that staff follow agreed procedures.
All employees, including drivers, porters and office staff, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow training and instructions, use equipment properly, report hazards and incidents promptly, and cooperate with any accident investigations or improvement measures.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We identify and manage health and safety risks associated with our removal and transport activities through suitable and sufficient risk assessments. These assessments consider factors such as access to properties, stairways, lifts, parking and loading areas, weather, traffic conditions, item weight and size, and any special handling requirements.
The findings of risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work and method statements. Where necessary, we will adapt work methods on site to reflect actual conditions, always prioritising safety over speed. If a task cannot be completed safely, work will be stopped and alternative arrangements considered in consultation with the customer.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our services and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff receive training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, team lifts, use of trolleys and handling aids, and how to assess whether an item can be moved safely.
Where possible, we use handling equipment such as dollies, sack trucks, straps and sliders to reduce physical strain. Loads are assessed for weight, size, stability and route of travel before being moved. Items that are excessively heavy, awkward, fragile or potentially hazardous will only be moved when appropriate control measures are in place.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition in line with legal requirements and manufacturer recommendations. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, lights, brakes, restraints and access steps. Any defects are reported immediately and vehicles are removed from service if safety could be compromised.
Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence, drive responsibly and comply with road traffic regulations at all times. Safe loading practices are followed to ensure that items are secured, weight is distributed correctly and access paths within the vehicle remain clear. Drivers are expected to allow sufficient time for journeys, plan routes safely and avoid driving while fatigued or unwell.
Use of Equipment and Work Environment
All equipment used in connection with removal and transport work is selected, used and maintained to ensure safety. Staff are trained in the correct use of ramps, lifting aids, tools and protective equipment, and must not improvise with unsuitable equipment.
On site, we aim to maintain a tidy and organised work area, keeping walkways clear of trip hazards such as boxes, packing materials and tools. Particular care is taken around stairs, doorways, vehicle loading areas and shared access routes to protect both our team and other people using the premises.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, suitable personal protective equipment is provided and used. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high visibility clothing and other protective items appropriate to the task. Staff are responsible for using PPE correctly, looking after it and reporting any damage or loss so that it can be replaced.
Customer and Public Safety
We take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of customers, visitors, neighbours and members of the public during our work. This includes controlling access to loading areas where possible, communicating clearly with customers about any temporary risks, and positioning vehicles and equipment to minimise obstruction and danger.
Where work takes place in shared buildings or busy streets, additional precautions are taken, such as clear communication, use of warning signs where appropriate and careful coordination of movements to prevent collisions or accidents.
Training, Supervision and Competence
Health and safety training is provided to all new staff as part of their induction and refreshed periodically or when work practices change. Training covers manual handling, vehicle and driving safety, use of equipment, hazard awareness, incident reporting and emergency procedures.
Supervision is proportionate to the experience and competence of staff, with less experienced workers receiving closer guidance. We encourage open communication so that staff feel able to raise safety concerns, ask questions and suggest improvements without hesitation.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, injuries and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly so that appropriate action can be taken. Incidents are investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective measures aimed at preventing recurrence.
Emergency arrangements are in place for dealing with fire, medical emergencies and other unforeseen events while on site or on the road. Staff are made aware of emergency contact procedures, assembly points where applicable, and steps to take to safeguard themselves and others in an emergency situation.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
We monitor our health and safety performance through incident records, feedback from staff and customers, workplace inspections and vehicle checks. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or relevant legislation.
Westminster Man and Van is committed to continual improvement in health and safety management. By working together with our employees, customers and partners, we aim to ensure that every removal, delivery and man and van service is carried out safely, responsibly and professionally.
