Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van North Sheen

Man With a Van North Sheen is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport services. We recognise our legal and moral responsibilities to manage health and safety risks and to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property.

This policy applies to all areas of our operations, including household removals, commercial moves, loading and unloading, packing services, driving, and any associated activities carried out in homes, offices, storage facilities, and on the road.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man With a Van North Sheen rests with the company management, who will ensure that appropriate arrangements, resources, and training are in place to implement this policy effectively.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for promoting safe working practices on each job, briefing staff on site-specific hazards, and ensuring that agreed procedures are followed.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must co-operate with the company by following safety instructions, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards, and participating in training.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will identify, assess, and manage risks associated with our moving and transport services. This includes, but is not limited to, risks from manual handling, working in confined or cluttered spaces, stairways and uneven surfaces, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, and handling fragile or heavy items.

Site-specific assessments will be carried out before or at the start of each job, taking into account access routes, parking arrangements, lifting requirements, and any special risks such as high-value items, restricted spaces, or vulnerable persons on the premises.

Based on these assessments, we will implement safe systems of work, including planning routes for carrying items, deciding team sizes for heavy lifts, using suitable equipment, and agreeing clear communication between team members.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key aspect of our work. To reduce the risk of injury, we will minimise unnecessary lifting by planning work carefully and using mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies, and lifting straps wherever possible.

All staff involved in lifting and carrying will receive training in safe manual handling techniques, including assessment of load weight and shape, shared lifting methods, and avoidance of twisting or overreaching. No employee will be required to lift or carry any item they believe is unsafe without additional help or equipment.

Equipment used for lifting, moving, and securing loads will be suitable for the task, maintained in good condition, and inspected regularly. Any damaged or defective equipment will be removed from service immediately and reported to management.

Vehicles, Driving, and Loading Practices

Our vehicles are essential to our service and will be operated with safety as the highest priority. Vehicles will be maintained in roadworthy condition, serviced at recommended intervals, and subject to regular pre-use checks by drivers.

Drivers will hold appropriate licences and will follow all road safety laws, including adherence to speed limits, parking regulations, and restrictions related to loading and unloading. Drivers must be fit to drive and must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that impairs their ability.

Loading and unloading will be carried out in a safe and controlled manner. Loads will be distributed evenly, properly secured, and checked before departure. Where possible, we will plan safe parking and loading locations to minimise risks to staff, customers, pedestrians, and other road users.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer homes, offices, or other sites, our teams will take care to protect both people and property. This includes maintaining clear walkways, managing trip hazards such as trailing straps or packing materials, and using protective coverings where appropriate to prevent damage.

We will communicate clearly with customers about any requirements that affect safety, such as keeping children and pets away from working areas, ensuring access routes are free from obstructions, and identifying any particular risks on the premises.

We will also take reasonable steps to protect members of the public who may be near our vehicles or working areas, for example by situating ramps safely, supervising open vehicle doors, and avoiding blocking pavements or entrances where practical.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man With a Van North Sheen will provide employees with appropriate training and information to carry out their work safely. This may include induction training, manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, incident reporting, and job-specific briefings.

Information on health and safety procedures will be communicated through verbal briefings, written instructions, and on-site guidance from supervisors. Where new risks are identified or new equipment is introduced, additional training will be provided.

Supervision will be proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of team members, with particular attention given to new or less experienced staff.

Accident, Incident, and Near-Miss Reporting

We encourage open reporting of all accidents, injuries, near misses, and unsafe conditions. This enables us to learn from events and continuously improve our safety performance.

All accidents and significant incidents will be recorded and, where necessary, investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Findings will be shared with staff where relevant, and any changes to procedures will be communicated clearly.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and will take reasonable measures to protect the health and welfare of our staff. This includes promoting safe lifting practices, encouraging regular breaks during demanding tasks, and monitoring workloads to reduce fatigue.

Employees are expected to inform management of any health conditions that may affect their ability to perform certain tasks safely. Suitable adjustments, alternative duties, or additional support will be considered where appropriate.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man With a Van North Sheen is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We will review this policy regularly and revise it when necessary, particularly in response to changes in legislation, industry practices, or the nature of our services.

Suggestions from employees, contractors, and customers regarding health and safety are welcomed and will be considered as part of our ongoing efforts to create a safer working environment for everyone involved in our removal operations.