Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Crouch End

Man with Van Crouch End is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our customers, employees, subcontractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, lifting, transport and handling of household and commercial items during our man and van and removal services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our objectives are to prevent injury, protect health and reduce risks in all aspects of our removal activities. We will plan and carry out each job so that risks are identified, controlled and reviewed. We aim to continuously improve our safety standards and promote a positive safety culture throughout our business and service area.

Legal Responsibilities

We comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and guidance for the removal and transport industry. We recognise our duty of care to provide safe systems of work, suitable equipment, and clear information, instruction and training for everyone engaged in our activities. All employees and subcontractors are required to cooperate with this policy and follow safe working practices at all times.

Responsibilities and Accountability

Management is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety policy, assessing risks and providing adequate resources to maintain safe working conditions. Each driver, porter and team member is responsible for:

Working safely and using equipment correctly; reporting hazards, near misses and incidents; following manual handling guidance; using personal protective equipment when required; and respecting customers, neighbours and members of the public at all times.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting any removal or man and van job, we consider the nature of the items to be moved, access conditions, parking arrangements, and any specific customer requirements. We identify potential hazards such as stairs, tight spaces, heavy or awkward loads, poor lighting, slippery surfaces and vehicle access risks. Where necessary, we adapt our methods to reduce risks, including using additional workers, specialist moving equipment or alternative routes.

We develop and follow safe systems of work for loading, unloading, securing loads in vehicles, and transporting goods. We review our procedures regularly and update them when new risks are identified or working practices change.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling and lifting are core parts of removal work. To minimise the risk of injury, we:

Train our team in correct lifting and carrying techniques; plan routes in and out of properties to avoid unnecessary carrying; use trolleys, dollies, straps and other lifting aids where appropriate; avoid single-person lifts for heavy or bulky items; and take regular breaks during intensive lifting work.

Staff are instructed not to attempt to move items they consider unsafe to handle, and to request support or additional equipment when needed.

Vehicle Safety and Load Security

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are suitable for transport of furniture and goods. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic pre-use checks and reporting defects. Loads are distributed and secured to prevent movement, damage or instability during transit. We avoid overloading vehicles and ensure that access to exits and safety equipment remains clear.

Drivers are required to follow traffic laws, drive responsibly, and adjust speed and driving style to match road and weather conditions. Parking for loading and unloading is chosen to reduce risk to staff, customers and other road users.

Protection of Customers, Property and the Public

During every removal, we take care to protect customers, their property and the public. We manage access routes, keep walkways as clear as reasonably possible, and use protective coverings where necessary. We position ramps, boards and equipment securely and avoid leaving tools or materials in areas where people could trip or fall.

We respect noise and disturbance restrictions, and act courteously towards neighbours and other building users. We take particular care in shared spaces such as communal hallways and entrances to minimise disruption and hazards.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide suitable removal equipment and maintain it in good condition. Where required by risk assessment, staff are provided with and instructed in the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing. Equipment that is damaged or defective is taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate health and safety information and training relevant to their role. This may include manual handling, safe use of removal equipment, vehicle safety, and incident reporting. New or inexperienced workers are supervised until they are competent to work safely on their own. We provide updates or refresher training when necessary, especially when new equipment or methods are introduced.

Incident, Accident and Near Miss Reporting

We encourage prompt reporting of all accidents, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions. Reports are recorded and reviewed so we can identify root causes and take corrective action. Lessons learned are shared within the team and, where appropriate, result in changes to our procedures or training.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical demands of removal work and encourage staff to look after their health and wellbeing. Team members must not work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair their ability to work safely. Any health condition that could affect safe working must be reported so we can consider adjustments or alternative duties.

Cooperation with Customers and Third Parties

Safe removals require cooperation between our team, customers, building managers and other contractors where present. We may ask customers to inform us about any known hazards such as damaged steps, low ceilings, restricted parking, or items that are especially heavy or fragile. Where work is carried out in shared premises, we will follow any agreed site safety rules and coordinate our activities to reduce risks.

Review and Policy Updates

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, equipment or legal requirements. Updated versions are communicated to all staff. Our aim is to maintain high standards of safety for all removal and man and van services we provide, and to continually improve the way we manage health and safety in our business.