Man with Van Barnsbury Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Barnsbury is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow to manage risks associated with lifting, loading, transport, and work at customers premises.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

The management of Man with Van Barnsbury accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and aims to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, relevant codes of practice, and industry guidance relating to removal and transport services.

We will provide appropriate instruction, information, training, and supervision to ensure that our staff can carry out their duties safely and competently. We also expect our workers to take reasonable care of themselves and others and to cooperate fully with this policy.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all activities undertaken by Man with Van Barnsbury, including but not limited to domestic and commercial removals, collection and delivery of items, loading and unloading of vehicles, driving and vehicle operation, temporary storage handling, and work undertaken at client properties and on public roads.

Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety policy, ensuring that risk assessments are completed and kept up to date, providing suitable training, equipment, and resources, and investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses to help prevent recurrence.

Employees and contractors are responsible for following safe working practices and company procedures, using equipment and personal protective equipment correctly, reporting hazards, defects, incidents, and near misses without delay, and cooperating with management to improve safety standards.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Man with Van Barnsbury will identify and assess significant risks associated with removal and transport work. Typical risks include manual handling of heavy or awkward loads, slips, trips and falls, vehicle movements in confined areas, working in customers homes and business premises, and loading and securing items in vehicles.

Where risks cannot be eliminated, we will implement control measures to reduce them as far as reasonably practicable. This may include planning of each job in advance, using appropriate lifting techniques and equipment, ensuring clear walkways and safe loading areas, and adopting safe systems for working on stairs, in narrow hallways, and in shared access areas.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our work, and we recognise the potential for injury to backs, shoulders, and joints if not properly controlled. All staff involved in lifting and carrying will receive training in safe manual handling techniques, including assessing the weight and shape of items before moving them, working in teams for bulky or heavy loads, using trolleys, skates, or other aids where available, and taking regular breaks when undertaking physically demanding tasks.

Staff are instructed not to attempt to lift items that are beyond their capability or that cannot be moved safely with the resources available. Alternative arrangements will be discussed with the customer where necessary.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our removal services and must be operated safely at all times. We will ensure that vehicles are regularly inspected and properly maintained, that loads are distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit, and that doors, ramps, and tailgates are used safely and kept in good condition.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, obey road traffic laws, avoid driving while tired or unfit to drive, and conduct basic pre use checks before starting a journey. Mobile devices must not be used while driving unless in full compliance with road safety regulations and hands free rules.

Working at Customer Premises

Our teams frequently work inside homes, offices, and other premises. We will take reasonable steps to protect both our staff and our customers during these activities. This includes respecting and protecting property and furnishings, managing trip hazards such as loose cables, rugs, and packaging, keeping access routes and stairways clear, and using appropriate lifting techniques on stairs and uneven surfaces.

Customers are encouraged to inform us in advance of any particular hazards at their premises, such as restricted access, low ceilings, fragile flooring, or communal areas that may affect the safe movement of goods.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Where necessary, we provide equipment such as moving blankets, straps, trolleys, and ramps to assist in the safe handling of items. Personal protective equipment may include gloves, safety footwear, and high visibility clothing for roadside or loading activities.

Staff must use provided equipment correctly and report any damage or defects immediately so that it can be repaired or replaced.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will record these events and investigate them to identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions. Lessons learned will be shared with staff, and risk assessments and procedures will be updated where required.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of staff welfare. Employees are encouraged to maintain good levels of fitness and to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to carry out manual handling or driving tasks safely.

We will not permit staff to work while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or while impaired by medication to the extent that it could affect safety. Any concerns regarding fitness for work will be addressed in line with company procedures.

Training, Communication, and Consultation

Health and safety information will be communicated to staff through induction training, toolbox talks, and updates to procedures. Where appropriate, we will consult with employees on health and safety matters, inviting feedback on how our removal operations can be made safer and more efficient.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Barnsbury is committed to continually improving our health and safety performance. This policy and associated procedures will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, legislation, or industry best practice. Updated versions will be communicated to all staff so that everyone understands their responsibilities and the standards expected.

By following this Health and Safety policy, we aim to provide reliable, professional, and safe removal services for customers while protecting the wellbeing of our workforce and the wider community.