Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Haggerston
Man with Van Haggerston is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, the public and anyone affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy outlines the principles and procedures we follow to manage health and safety risks during local and regional moves, collections, deliveries and related services.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe practices in all aspects of our man and van operations. We seek to continually improve our standards of safety and welfare by assessing risks, implementing control measures, providing training and monitoring performance.
Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver removal and transport services for homes, offices and commercial customers. Everyone working with or on behalf of Man with Van Haggerston is expected to cooperate with this policy and take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.
Legal Responsibilities and Management Commitment
Man with Van Haggerston complies, as far as reasonably practicable, with relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance applicable to removal and transport activities. Management bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring that safe systems of work are in place and that this policy is implemented, reviewed and maintained.
We allocate appropriate resources, time and attention to health and safety matters and ensure that managers and supervisors lead by example, promoting a positive safety culture in all service areas we cover.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for typical man and van tasks, including lifting and carrying items, loading and unloading vehicles, operating in residential and commercial premises, working at height when necessary, and driving in varied traffic conditions. These assessments are used to develop safe systems of work and practical procedures for our staff.
Where specific risks are identified at a customer location, staff are required to assess the conditions upon arrival and adapt their working methods accordingly, while still complying with this policy. This may include identifying trip hazards, assessing access routes, checking stairways and lifts, and considering weather conditions that may affect manual handling or driving.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of our removal work and is a significant focus of our health and safety arrangements. Our staff receive guidance and instruction on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling aids such as trolleys, straps and blankets to minimise strain and injury.
We encourage the use of mechanical aids whenever reasonably practicable, particularly for heavy, bulky or awkward items. Where an item cannot be moved safely with the available staff and equipment, the task must be reassessed and, if necessary, refused or re-planned to avoid unacceptable risk.
Vehicle Safety and Safe Driving
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are inspected regularly. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic pre-use checks and reporting any defects immediately so remedial action can be taken.
Drivers must follow the Highway Code and relevant road safety rules, and drive in a manner that is considerate of passengers, load security and other road users. Loads must be properly positioned, distributed and secured within the vehicle to prevent movement, damage or instability during transit.
Speeding, aggressive driving, the use of handheld mobile phones while driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are strictly prohibited. Rest breaks must be taken at appropriate intervals to reduce fatigue and maintain alertness.
Customer and Public Safety
We take care to protect customers, their property and members of the public while carrying out removal and transport services in homes, offices and on the street. Staff are trained to maintain clear access routes where possible, avoid blocking fire exits, and keep doors, pathways and stairwells as free from obstruction as the job allows.
Where there is a risk that the public could come into contact with moving vehicles, heavy items or equipment, our staff will take reasonable steps to manage that risk, such as carefully supervising loading and unloading, using safe parking locations, and communicating clearly with anyone nearby.
Work Environment, Welfare and Personal Protective Equipment
Man with Van Haggerston recognises the importance of a safe and healthy work environment. Staff are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for manual work, including sturdy, non-slip footwear and protective gloves where necessary.
Where risk assessments show it is required, we provide suitable personal protective equipment and ensure that staff understand how and when to use it correctly. Staff are expected to report any unsafe or unhealthy conditions they encounter at customer premises or during transport activities so that improvements can be made.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide information and guidance to staff covering safe lifting and carrying, vehicle loading, driving standards, accident reporting, and dealing safely with challenging sites. New staff receive an induction into our working methods, and existing staff are reminded of key procedures as required.
Supervisors and managers monitor working practices and address unsafe behaviour or non-compliance with this policy. We encourage open communication about safety concerns and suggestions for improvement from all members of the team.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, near misses and cases of damage to property or vehicles occurring during our man and van operations must be reported promptly to management. These reports are recorded and reviewed to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Where appropriate, we will review and update our risk assessments, working methods or training materials following an incident. The objective is to learn from events and prevent reoccurrence, rather than assign blame.
Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Work
Staff are expected to present themselves for work in a fit state, capable of safely carrying out the physical and driving duties associated with removal services. Any medical conditions, injuries or concerns that might affect a person’s ability to work safely must be reported to management.
We aim to support staff wellbeing by encouraging safe working loads, team lifting, sensible break patterns and realistic scheduling of jobs so that tasks can be completed without undue time pressure or fatigue.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This health and safety policy is reviewed periodically and whenever significant changes occur in our operations, service area or relevant legislation. Feedback from staff and customers is used to refine our procedures and raise safety standards.
By following this policy, Man with Van Haggerston strives to deliver efficient, reliable removal and transport services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.
