Health and Safety policy

Canary Wharf Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Canary Wharf Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with home and office removals, loading and unloading vehicles, transporting goods and working in and around client premises.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise our duty to prevent injury and ill health and to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation. Our objectives are to identify hazards, reduce risks to the lowest reasonably practicable level and promote a positive safety culture throughout the company.

Health and safety considerations are built into the planning and delivery of every job, from small man and van moves to larger multi-van relocation projects. We aim to carry out all work in a professional manner that protects people, property and the environment.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Canary Wharf Man and Van rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, training and procedures are in place. Management will regularly review performance, update safe systems of work and take action to remedy any shortcomings.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis. They must brief staff before work begins, ensure that equipment is suitable and maintained, and stop work if any serious safety concern arises.

Every employee and contractor has a duty to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following instructions, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards and incidents promptly, and cooperating fully with all health and safety measures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We conduct risk assessments for our removal and transport activities, taking into account the nature of the items being moved, access routes, parking and loading arrangements, traffic conditions and any specific needs of the customer or site.

Where significant risks are identified, we implement safe systems of work, which may include the use of additional staff, lifting aids, protective equipment, time restrictions, or alternative access routes. Staff are briefed on these requirements before work commences.

Risk assessments and working procedures are reviewed regularly and whenever there is a change in operations, equipment or legislation, or following any incident or near miss.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not properly managed. Our teams receive training in safe lifting techniques, including assessing the load, sharing the lift where appropriate, using correct posture and recognising when to stop and seek assistance.

We provide suitable handling equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, furniture straps and ramps where required to minimise manual lifting and carrying. Staff must use these aids whenever reasonably practicable and must not exceed recommended load limits.

All equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service if there are any signs of damage or defect. Only trained personnel are permitted to operate specialised handling or securing equipment.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are integral to our service, and their safe operation is essential. Vehicles are maintained and inspected in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers must complete basic vehicle checks before use and report any defects immediately.

Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws at all times and drive in a manner that is safe, courteous and considerate of other road users. Journey planning takes account of realistic travel times, traffic conditions and safe stopping locations for loading and unloading.

Loads are secured using appropriate restraints to prevent movement during transit. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited. Access to loading areas is managed to reduce the risk of collision with pedestrians, other vehicles or property.

Working at Client Premises

When working at homes, offices or other client locations, our staff take care to protect both people and property. This may include using floor protection, corner guards and other materials to reduce the risk of damage and trips.

Team members remain alert to hazards such as uneven surfaces, restricted access, wet floors, stairs, low ceilings and poor lighting. Where necessary, routes are adjusted or additional control measures put in place before moving large or heavy items.

We show respect for household members, staff, visitors and neighbours at all times, keeping access routes as clear as possible and minimising noise and obstruction.

Personal Protective Equipment and Welfare

Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment may be provided, such as safety footwear, gloves or high-visibility clothing. Staff are instructed in correct use, care and storage of any equipment issued.

We take account of welfare needs, including access to drinking water, rest breaks and suitable facilities. Work schedules are planned to reduce fatigue, especially during physically demanding moves or in hot or cold conditions.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new staff receive an introduction to our health and safety expectations and safe working procedures relevant to removal and delivery operations. Ongoing training, toolbox talks and refreshers are provided to maintain awareness and competence.

Supervision levels are set according to the complexity of the job, experience of the team and site conditions. Less experienced staff work under closer supervision until they demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, injuries, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported as soon as possible so that prompt action can be taken. Incidents are investigated to identify root causes and to prevent recurrence.

We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and reviewed as part of our policy and procedure updates.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant to the nature and scale of our removal and man and van activities. It may also be updated following changes in legislation, operational changes or significant incidents. The latest version of this policy is made available to all staff and customers on request.