Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Sands End

Man with Van Sands End is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removal and delivery services, including packing, loading, transport and unloading of goods.

We recognise that removals and van operations involve manual handling, driving, use of equipment and work at clients premises. Our aim is to prevent injury, damage and ill-health by planning work carefully, training our staff and responding promptly to any concerns raised.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

The overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Sands End rests with the business owner or appointed manager. They are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, reviewed regularly and that suitable resources are made available.

All employees, contractors and temporary workers are required to follow this policy, cooperate with supervisors and take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Every member of staff must report hazards, near misses, incidents or unsafe practices as soon as they are identified.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will identify, assess and manage health and safety risks associated with our removal and transport activities. This includes, as a minimum, consideration of manual handling, working in and around vehicles, access to properties, traffic routes, slips and trips, and risks associated with customer premises.

Risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work, which are communicated to staff through training and ongoing supervision. Where necessary, dynamic risk assessments will be carried out on site if conditions differ from those expected or if new hazards become apparent.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a central part of our work and is managed with particular care. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, including team lifting, the use of handling aids and the importance of assessing the weight, shape and stability of items before moving them.

Where items are too heavy, bulky or awkward to move safely by hand, mechanical aids such as trolleys or dollies will be used if available and appropriate. Staff are instructed not to exceed their personal limits, and to request assistance or refuse to move an item if it cannot be handled safely.

We encourage customers to inform us in advance of any unusually large or heavy items so we can plan suitable equipment and staffing levels. Routes for carrying items will be checked for obstructions, uneven surfaces, low ceilings and other hazards.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors, securing points and safety equipment. Any defects must be reported immediately and vehicles taken out of service if they are not safe to use.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and are expected to follow all road traffic laws, including speed limits, parking regulations and rules regarding loading and unloading. Journey times are planned realistically so that drivers do not feel pressured to speed or take unnecessary risks.

Loads are secured carefully to prevent movement in transit, taking into account weight distribution and the protection of customer goods. Doors are to be kept closed and locked during transit, and vehicles are to be parked safely and considerately when working in residential or commercial streets.

Safe Working at Customer Premises

When working at customer properties, staff must respect the premises and ensure that work is carried out safely and with minimal disruption. Before moving items, access routes such as hallways, staircases, lifts and doorways will be checked and made as clear as reasonably possible.

Protective coverings may be used where appropriate to reduce the risk of slips, trips or damage. Care is taken when working on stairs, near glass, or in confined spaces. Staff must communicate clearly with customers and colleagues to coordinate movements and avoid collisions.

If conditions at a property are unsafe, such as significant structural issues, blocked fire exits or aggressive behaviour, work may be paused while concerns are addressed or alternative arrangements are made.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

Where equipment or tools are used, they must be suitable for the task and maintained in safe working order. Any damaged or defective equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported for repair or replacement.

Personal protective equipment will be provided where necessary, which may include gloves, safety footwear, high visibility garments or other items depending on the nature of the task and location. Staff are required to use such equipment correctly and to report any defects.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide our staff with appropriate training to carry out their work safely. This includes induction training, instruction on manual handling, safe use of vehicles and equipment, and information about this Health and Safety Policy and associated procedures.

Where needed, additional training or refresher sessions will be provided, especially when new equipment or methods of working are introduced. Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that safety standards are followed and provide feedback and guidance where improvements are needed.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur during our removal and transport activities must be reported to the responsible person. Accurate records are kept so that we can identify trends and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Where necessary, investigations will be carried out to establish root causes and any corrective actions required. We will cooperate with any relevant authorities and comply with legal obligations in relation to reporting and investigation.

Health, Welfare and Wellbeing

Man with Van Sands End recognises the importance of protecting the health and welfare of our staff. Work schedules will be organised so far as reasonably practicable to avoid excessive working hours, fatigue and unnecessary stress.

Staff are encouraged to raise any concerns about their health or fitness to work, particularly in relation to driving, manual handling or working in challenging environments. Reasonable adjustments will be considered where appropriate to support individual needs.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, our operations or the nature of the services we provide. We will seek to learn from experience, industry practice and feedback from staff and customers to improve safety performance over time.

By following this policy and working together, Man with Van Sands End aims to provide safe, professional and reliable removal and transport services while protecting the health and safety of everyone involved.