In accordance with health & safety legislation and following our recent

discussions I have drawn what is known as a risk assessment to minimise the 

possibilities of any accidents to employees or members of the public. I would 

ask you to read though the assessment very carefully and bring to my attention 

any action points you feel may be difficult to implement for any reason. As you 

are aware I take health & safety matters very seriously and would therefore 

welcome any feedback. Please be aware that this assessment is to be 

implemented with immediate effect. 

 

The Van

Please ensure seatbelts are worn at all times even on the shortest of journeys. 

If carrying passengers it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that they are 

wearing seatbelts as well.

 

Only one person (the same person) is responsible for loading/unloading the 

vehicle as that person will then be aware of any potential loading/unloading 

hazards. The same person must be responsible for the safe operation of the 

tail-lift. Members of the public must not be allowed to use the tail-lift or enter 

the removal vehicle at any time when loading.

 

Loaders must make every effort to ensure the safety of their load by using 

webbing and or loading bars to minimise the risk of anything falling in transit 

or when stationary.

 

Drivers keep to the speed limits and take as many breaks as possible if on a 

long trip. Do not drive tired under any circumstances. It is not advisable to use 

the fast lane of the motorway if loaded. If two drivers are working then the 

burden of driving must be shared equally.

 

Drivers are to report any defects to me in writing. (e-mail). Drivers are also 

required to check tyres and tyre pressure water, oil levels, lights etc on a 

weekly basis and before every journey over 20miles.

 

Use the light in the rear of the van during hours of darkness (please put 

security bar on vehicle as engine will need to be kept running).

 

The first aid kit is kept in the vehicle together with safety jackets and warning 

triangle. The driver of the vehicle must inform me when any of the items in the 

first aid box require replacing. It must also be checked on a weekly basis.

 

All staff to be aware of height restriction in van (11ft) and width restriction 

(7ft) as the driver may not notice it!!

 

Drivers must ensure a team member sees them back when reversing on every 

occasion.

 

When loading/unloading on an incline or slope, it is all staffs responsibility to 

ensure vehicle is left in gear with hand-brake firmly on. Also, place blocks 

under back wheels. There is a VERY SERIOUS risk of death by crushing if the 

handbrake fails and the vehicle moves back.

 

When Loading/unloading

You have been given a copy of getting to grips with manual handling but here 

are the main points for the purpose of the risk assessment;

 

The Team leader responsible for job must carryout a risk assessment before 

starting work and ensuring all team members are aware of any potential 

hazards. Such risks are described in the risk assessment and include slippery 

steps, dangerous traffic etc where safety jackets should be worn.

Ensure you use all devices to avoid lifting where possible. This will include use 

of the sack barrow, skate and any other machinery.

 

If any boxes are too heavy and have been over packed by the customer then it 

makes sense to share the burden by carrying the box with another team 

member.

 

Please ensure that all pathways/corridors are free of any obstacles including 

our equipment and the customers effects. Pick up all litter and place in a bin. 

Do not leave in road as it is obvious this belongs to us even if the customer 

does no say anything and leaves a bad impression.

 

Team members must attempt to minimise the risk of slipping when working on 

decking (in gardens) and or slippery steps (moss gathering on them). Please 

avoid such areas or attempt to use a different route. Each team member must 

make every effort to warn his/her colleagues when working in such conditions.

 

If using carpet protectors or floor coverings then team 

members/customer/members of the public need to be warned of their 

presence as they may be liable to tripon them. Only use floor protectors if 

really necessary or there is a danger of dirtying the carpet.

 

Do not attempt to carry out any electrical work (connection/reconnection) and 

ensure all electrical appliances are unplugged before packing them. The same 

applies to gas ovens. These are not to be touched under any circumstances.

For the safety of yourself you are required to wear reflective jackets and steel 

toe cap boots when working at all times. It is particularly sensible to wear a 

reflective jacket when loading/unloading as very often motorists may not see 

you when you come out of the van to cross the road. It may save your life! 

 

Do not block up public rights of way with vehicle or equipment. Disabled, 

mothers with children and partially sighted need to use the pavement as well! 

There us also a risk that they may injure themselves by falling over what has 

been left behind (boxes, our equipment, customer effects etc.).

If working with ladders there must be at least one person holding the ladder 

and it must be webbed onto the building if possible.

 

Do not pack any hazardous effects that include gas bottles, flammables (petrol, 

white spirits, paraffin etc).

 

Ensure that all broken glass or ceramic is disposed of carefully by wrapping in 

paper or directly placing into bins.

 

Be aware that all sofa beds have the potential to harm (as bed mechanism can 

trap fingers). Best remove frame or tie up frame in bed very securely and avoid 

placing fingers where may get caught in mechanism. Also glass or wooden 

sliding doors on cabinets can trap fingers. Even is you are aware of this your 

team member may not be so please double check with him/her to ensure that 

he/she is aware of the danger.

 

If you smoke do not smoke in warehouse and please dispose of cigarette butts 

away from customers home as surprisingly leaves a bad impression and will 

not do your tip potential any good! Make sure that they are out and put them 

in bin or at least well away from customers house.

 

Use gloves when loading appliances such as washing machines because of 

sharp edges.

 

When placing tall items of furniture in the home such as book cases please 

ensure these items are left leaning on a wall as there is a risk the may fall 

forwards onto a child or other person.

 

Very often we are working in an environment with small children. Please 

consider the many dangers that pose a threat to children. These include boxes 

and furniture that can easily topple over (do not stack boxes too high) and 

children playing on van or with our equipment. You must carefully remind our 

customers that it is their responsibility to ensure that children are supervised 

and kept well away from the areas that we are working in.

Finally all accidents must be reported to me so that they can be recorded in 

the accident book.