Health and Safety Policy for Dulwich Man And Van

At Dulwich Man And Van, health and safety is central to every move we complete. This policy sets out the standards we follow to protect our team, our clients, visitors, and property during removals, deliveries, loading, unloading, and transport. We aim to reduce risk through careful planning, safe working methods, and consistent awareness on every job.

Our approach is built on prevention. By assessing each task in advance, using suitable equipment, and maintaining clear communication, we create a safer working environment for everyone involved. We expect all staff to act responsibly, report concerns promptly, and follow company procedures without exception.

This health and safety policy applies to all operations carried out by Dulwich Man and Van services, whether the work involves residential moves, small office relocations, furniture handling, or single-item transport. Safety considerations are included from the moment a job is accepted through to completion and post-job review.

Our Commitment

We are committed to meeting legal duties and applying good practice wherever practical. Our priority is to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage by identifying hazards early and controlling them effectively. We also aim to maintain a clean, organised, and professional working environment.

All personnel are expected to take reasonable care of their own safety and the safety of others. That includes using equipment correctly, following lifting techniques, wearing appropriate protective clothing when required, and stopping work if conditions become unsafe.

Planning and Risk Assessment

Every assignment is reviewed for potential risks before work begins. This may include assessing stairs, narrow access points, fragile items, heavy loads, parking restrictions, weather conditions, and the need for additional lifting support. A clear plan helps reduce uncertainty and improves safe execution.

Where necessary, we adjust staffing, timing, vehicle choice, and handling methods to suit the job. If a task presents unusual hazards, it may be postponed until those hazards can be reduced to an acceptable level. No job is more important than safety.

Safe Manual Handling is essential to our work. We train staff to lift with care, use teamwork for awkward or heavy items, and avoid sudden movements. Items are handled using correct posture, stable footing, and controlled techniques to minimise strain and prevent injury.

We encourage staff to ask for assistance whenever an item is too heavy, bulky, or difficult to move alone. Mechanical aids, trolleys, straps, blankets, and protective covers are used where appropriate to improve control and reduce the risk of damage or personal harm.

Equipment and Vehicle Safety

All vehicles and moving equipment are maintained in safe working order. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, lights, load security, mirrors, brakes, and general vehicle condition. Any defect that could affect safety must be reported and addressed before use.

Loading is carried out carefully to prevent shifting during transport. Loads are balanced, secured, and protected to reduce movement, breakage, and the possibility of injury during transit. Drivers are expected to operate vehicles responsibly and within legal limits at all times.

Equipment such as ramps, straps, gloves, blankets, and dollies is inspected routinely. Damaged or unsuitable equipment must not be used. This helps maintain reliable service while protecting staff and property from avoidable incidents.

Workplace Conduct and Communication

Good communication is essential to safe operations. Team members should confirm instructions clearly, share updates about hazards, and check that everyone understands the plan before lifting or moving items. If a change in conditions arises, the team must pause and reassess.

Unsafe behaviour, including rushing, ignoring instructions, or attempting tasks beyond one’s capability, is not acceptable. We promote a workplace culture where safety concerns can be raised without hesitation and where caution is seen as a strength, not a delay.

Personal Protective Equipment may be used where the task requires it. This may include gloves, high-visibility clothing, or protective footwear. PPE is selected according to the nature of the work and must be kept in suitable condition for effective use.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Response

If an accident, injury, near miss, or property damage occurs, it must be reported immediately. Prompt reporting allows us to respond quickly, record the facts accurately, and prevent the same issue from happening again. Serious incidents are reviewed to identify corrective actions.

In an emergency, staff are expected to remain calm, follow instructions, and prioritise the safety of people over possessions. First aid support is sought when needed, and emergency services are contacted without delay if the situation requires it.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with our working practices. We monitor incidents, feedback from internal reviews, and changes in operations so that safe working standards continue to improve over time.

Dulwich Man And Van expects everyone involved in our services to support this policy by working carefully, communicating clearly, and respecting established safety controls. By making health and safety a shared responsibility, we protect people, property, and the quality of every move we complete.