Docklands Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Docklands Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with home and office removals, loading and unloading, driving, storage and on-site work.

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm through sensible, proportionate health and safety management. We recognise that effective safety practices are an essential part of providing a professional and reliable moving service.

Management Responsibilities and Commitment

Senior management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate systems are in place to identify, assess and control risks arising from our operations. This includes providing adequate resources, equipment, training and supervision so that work can be carried out safely and in compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance.

Management will review this policy regularly, and whenever there are significant changes in our activities, to ensure it remains suitable and effective. Lessons learned from incidents, near misses, customer feedback and employee suggestions are considered as part of continuous improvement.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has 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 must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards promptly and cooperate fully with training and risk control measures.

Employees must not undertake tasks for which they have not been trained or that they believe cannot be completed safely. Any concerns about unsafe conditions, defective equipment or work practices must be reported to a manager as soon as possible.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Docklands Man and Van carries out risk assessments for typical removal activities and for any non-routine tasks that may present additional hazards. These assessments consider manual handling, working in confined or shared spaces, traffic movements, use of lifting aids, weather conditions and access to premises.

Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe working procedures, which are communicated to all relevant staff. Where necessary, job-specific assessments are completed on site to address particular challenges such as restricted access, heavy or fragile items, stairs and long carrying distances.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of our removal service and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strain, sprain and musculoskeletal injury. Staff receive training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting, planning routes and using handling aids effectively.

Appropriate handling equipment is provided where reasonably practicable, including trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and ramps suitable for removal operations. Employees must use this equipment as instructed and must not exceed its safe working limits. Heavy or awkward loads are shared between team members or divided into smaller loads wherever possible.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are inspected and serviced in line with legal requirements and manufacturer recommendations. Drivers are expected to carry out basic pre-use checks and report any defects immediately.

Drivers must comply with speed limits, parking restrictions and all road traffic regulations at all times. Extra care is taken when manoeuvring in residential streets, near schools, in loading zones and in areas with limited visibility. Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles are never overloaded.

Site Safety at Customer Premises

When working at customer homes, offices or other premises, our teams aim to minimise disruption and maintain safe conditions for everyone on site. Access routes are planned and kept as clear as reasonably possible, and trip hazards such as loose packing materials are managed promptly.

Where necessary, the team will agree safe access points with the customer, identify any hazards such as low ceilings, fragile surfaces or steep staircases and put in place suitable control measures. Extra care is taken when working in shared spaces such as communal hallways, car parks and loading bays.

Hazardous Items and Restricted Goods

Docklands Man and Van does not transport certain hazardous materials or items that present unacceptable risk. These may include flammable liquids, gas cylinders, explosives, corrosive substances and other regulated materials. Customers are informed of these restrictions in advance wherever possible.

If hazardous items are discovered during a move, work may be paused while the situation is assessed. Unsafe items will not be carried in our vehicles, and customers may be advised to seek specialist disposal or transport services.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive induction training covering general health and safety responsibilities, emergency procedures and safe working practices for removal operations. Additional task-specific training is provided for manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle operation and any specialised services offered.

Supervisors and experienced team members provide on-the-job guidance to newer staff and monitor compliance with safety procedures. Refresher training is delivered periodically or when changes to equipment, vehicles or working methods are introduced.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported promptly to management. Records are kept and investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Where required by law, serious incidents will be reported to the relevant enforcing authorities. Cooperation with any official investigations will be full and transparent.

Emergency Preparedness

Our teams are briefed on emergency procedures appropriate to their work, including what to do in the event of fire, collision, personal injury or sudden illness. Drivers are instructed on safe stopping, securing the area and summoning assistance when emergencies occur on the road or at customer premises.

Basic first aid supplies are available in vehicles or through designated personnel, and staff are encouraged to seek medical advice promptly when required.

Policy Communication and Review

This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to all employees and made available to customers and interested parties on request. It forms part of our wider commitment to quality service, professionalism and care for the communities we serve.

Docklands Man and Van will review this policy on a regular basis and update it as necessary to reflect changes in law, best practice, our operations or the results of incident investigations and staff feedback.