Man With a Van Hither Green Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Hither Green is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors 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 moving, lifting, loading, transport and working at clients premises.

Policy Aims and Objectives

Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our work. We seek to continuously improve our health and safety performance by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing sensible control measures. Health and safety is an integral part of our removal services and is considered in every job we undertake, from small local moves to larger home and office relocations.

Legal Responsibilities

Man With a Van Hither Green complies with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance applicable to removal and transport operations. We recognise our duty to provide safe systems of work, suitable equipment, information, training and supervision, and to consult with workers on matters affecting their health and safety. All staff and contractors are required to cooperate with this policy and follow the safety rules and procedures set out by the company.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for establishing, implementing and reviewing this policy. This includes allocating appropriate resources, maintaining clear lines of responsibility, and ensuring that health and safety considerations are taken into account when planning and delivering removal services. Managers will ensure that risk assessments are carried out, safe working methods are developed and that any necessary protective equipment is provided and maintained.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and regular contractors engaged by Man With a Van Hither Green 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 follow safe working procedures, use equipment and protective gear correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly, and refrain from any unsafe behaviour. Staff are expected to cooperate fully with training and to raise any concerns about health and safety with management.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before each removal job, an assessment of the main hazards will be undertaken, taking into account access, parking, stairs, lifts, load weights, weather conditions and any particular client requirements. From this assessment, appropriate control measures will be agreed and applied, including the number of staff needed, use of handling equipment, order of work and any special precautions. These risk assessments and methods of work are reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change in operations.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed correctly. Man With a Van Hither Green ensures that staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, team handling, use of moving equipment such as trolleys and dollies, and recognition of loads that are too heavy or awkward to move safely. Wherever possible, mechanical aids and team lifting will be used to reduce strain. Staff are instructed never to attempt to lift or carry items they believe to be unsafe.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular checks and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic regulations and company driving procedures, and operate vehicles responsibly at all times. Loads are to be secured correctly using straps and protective materials to prevent movement or damage during transit. Routes and schedules are planned to minimise driving risks, and drivers must not work when impaired by fatigue, alcohol, drugs or medication that could affect safe driving.

Safe Working on Client Premises

When working at homes, offices or other premises, our staff will show due care for the safety of occupants and visitors. This includes maintaining clear access routes, using warning where appropriate, handling customers belongings with care, and avoiding obstruction of exits or emergency routes. Particular attention is paid to stairs, narrow corridors, doorways and shared access areas to reduce the risk of slips, trips, falls and collisions.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment and tools used for removal work, such as trolleys, lifting straps and blankets, will be kept in good condition and checked regularly. Any defective equipment will be removed from service immediately. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety footwear and high visibility clothing where required, will be provided and must be worn as instructed. Staff are responsible for taking reasonable care of any equipment issued to them and for reporting damage or faults.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man With a Van Hither Green provides appropriate health and safety training to all staff, including induction training and role-specific instruction for removal and driving tasks. Training will cover topics such as manual handling, safe loading, use of equipment, incident reporting and emergency procedures. Refresher training will be provided where necessary. Supervisors and experienced staff will monitor working practices and provide guidance and support on site.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly so that they can be investigated, recorded and, where necessary, followed up with corrective action. This helps us to learn from incidents and prevent recurrence. Clients are encouraged to report any safety concerns they observe during a move so that they can be addressed immediately.

Consultation and Communication

We recognise the value of involving employees in health and safety matters. Staff are encouraged to contribute ideas for improving safety and to raise any concerns without fear of disadvantage. Health and safety information, instructions and updates will be communicated clearly to all employees and contractors. Clients will be informed of any relevant safety arrangements that may affect them during the course of a move.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice or our own operations. We monitor compliance through supervision, incident analysis and feedback from staff and customers. Man With a Van Hither Green is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance and will take all reasonably practicable steps to achieve high standards in every aspect of our removal services.