Man With Van North End Health And Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man With Van North End manages the safety and wellbeing of our customers, employees, subcontractors and members of the public during all removal and transportation activities. Our aim is to provide a reliable man and van service while preventing accidents, injuries, damage to property and harm to the environment.
This policy applies to all work undertaken by Man With Van North End, including domestic removals, small office moves, collection and delivery services, loading and unloading, packing assistance and any related activities carried out within our operating area.
Health And Safety Commitment
Man With Van North End is committed to achieving a high standard of health and safety performance. We will, so far as is reasonably practicable:
Identify and control risks associated with lifting, carrying, driving and working at customers premises. Provide and maintain vehicles, equipment and tools in a safe condition. Ensure staff receive suitable information, instruction and training. Promote safe working practices at all times, including the use of mechanical aids where appropriate. Review and improve our procedures on a regular basis.
Management is responsible for implementing this policy, and every employee and subcontractor must cooperate to ensure a safe working environment.
Legal Responsibilities
Man With Van North End will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and guidance that applies to transport, manual handling, workplace safety and road use. We recognise our duty of care to protect our workers and anyone who may be affected by our operations, including customers and the general public.
All employees and subcontractors are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, to follow safety instructions, and to report unsafe conditions or incidents immediately.
Risk Assessment And Safe Work Procedures
We carry out risk assessments for typical removal and delivery activities, including loading and unloading vehicles, moving heavy or bulky items, and operating in residential and commercial environments. These assessments guide the safe systems of work used by our teams.
Where particular risks are identified at a customer location, such as limited access, uneven surfaces, stairs, or restricted parking, staff are instructed to adapt their working methods to maintain safety. This may include using additional staff, mechanical handling aids, or altering the route taken to move items.
Risk assessments and procedures are periodically reviewed to reflect changes in our services, new equipment, or updated industry good practice.
Manual Handling And Lifting Safety
Manual handling is a significant part of our removals work. To reduce the risk of injury, Man With Van North End:
Provides guidance on safe lifting techniques, team lifting and use of handling equipment. Encourages staff to avoid lifting loads that are too heavy, unstable or awkward to handle safely. Supplies trolleys, dollies, straps and other aids where appropriate. Requires staff to plan each lift and carry route, identifying obstacles and potential hazards in advance.
Our workers are instructed not to take unnecessary risks to complete a job and to request assistance when needed.
Vehicle Safety And Driving Standards
Our vehicles are central to our man and van services. We take reasonable steps to ensure that vehicles are maintained, roadworthy and suitable for the loads they carry.
Drivers are expected to:
Carry out basic pre-use checks before each journey. Drive within speed limits and according to road conditions. Secure loads properly to prevent movement or damage in transit. Follow safe parking and unloading practices, taking account of pedestrians, customers and other road users.
We encourage responsible driving behaviour, including avoiding distractions and ensuring rest breaks are taken as needed for longer journeys.
Safe Working At Customer Premises
When working in customers homes, offices or other premises, our teams will act with care and respect for the property and individuals present. Staff are instructed to:
Assess access routes and working areas on arrival. Keep walkways as clear as reasonably possible while work is carried out. Use protective coverings where appropriate to reduce the risk of damage. Move items slowly and carefully, especially on stairs and near doorways. Communicate clearly with customers about any risks, restrictions or concerns.
If conditions are considered unsafe, our workers are authorised to pause or adjust the work until a safer approach can be agreed.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where the nature of the work requires it, Man With Van North End will provide appropriate personal protective equipment, which may include gloves, safety footwear and high visibility clothing. Staff are expected to use and care for this equipment properly and to report any defects so that replacements can be provided.
Training, Information And Supervision
We recognise that training and awareness are critical to effective health and safety management. New staff receive an induction that covers our safety rules, safe lifting techniques, vehicle use and customer service expectations. Ongoing guidance is provided through on-the-job supervision and periodic refreshers.
Supervisors and experienced team members are responsible for leading by example and ensuring that agreed safe working methods are followed.
Accident Reporting And Investigation
All accidents, near misses, injuries and significant incidents must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will record these events and, where appropriate, investigate the causes so that lessons can be learned and corrective actions taken.
Information from accident reports is used to improve our procedures, training and risk assessments, helping to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Health And Welfare
Man With Van North End recognises the importance of the general health and welfare of our staff. Workloads and schedules are planned, as far as practicable, to avoid excessive fatigue. We encourage open communication about any health concerns that might affect an individual’s ability to carry out removal tasks safely.
Where possible, adjustments will be considered to accommodate health needs and to keep our staff and customers safe.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our services, applicable legal requirements, or industry best practice. The current version of the policy is available to employees, subcontractors and customers on request.
By engaging Man With Van North End, customers can expect that health and safety is treated as a core part of our removal and transport service, and that our teams will work with care and professionalism at all times.
