Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Manor House Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Manor House is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, transporting, and handling goods in homes, offices, and other premises within our service area.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

The aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health arising from our work. We will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and continuously seek to improve our standards.

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that appropriate resources, training, and supervision are provided. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, including ensuring that staff follow safe systems of work and use equipment correctly.

All employees and contractors are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must co-operate fully with the company in implementing this policy and report hazards, near misses, and incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will identify, assess, and manage risks associated with removal operations, including collection, loading, transportation, unloading, and delivery. Where appropriate, a risk assessment will be carried out before work begins, particularly where access is restricted, heavy or awkward items are involved, or there are specific hazards such as stairs, uneven ground, or limited parking.

Control measures will be introduced to minimise identified risks. These may include using additional staff for heavy items, employing mechanical aids where available, planning routes to avoid hazards, and agreeing safe access points with customers. Safe systems of work will be developed, communicated, and reviewed regularly to reflect changes in our activities or working environment.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of our removal activities, and we place a high priority on preventing injuries related to lifting and carrying. Staff will receive manual handling training appropriate to their role, with emphasis on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and avoidance of unnecessary strain.

Suitable equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and protective padding will be provided where necessary to assist with safe movement of goods and to protect both staff and customers property. All tools and equipment will be regularly inspected, maintained in good condition, and taken out of service if considered unsafe.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Regular checks will be carried out on brakes, lights, tyres, and securing points, and defects will be reported and addressed promptly.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, be medically fit to drive, and follow all road traffic laws. They are responsible for conducting basic pre-use vehicle checks, driving safely and considerately, and ensuring loads are evenly distributed and properly secured to prevent movement during transit.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to protect customers, visitors, and members of the public while we work. Our teams will plan loading and unloading to minimise obstruction to walkways, entrances, and shared areas. Where work may affect others, staff will use safe working zones, verbal warnings, and, where necessary, temporary barriers or signs.

Care will be taken to avoid damage to property, fixtures, and fittings. Staff will be mindful of trip hazards such as tools, blankets, and packaging, and will keep work areas as tidy as reasonably practicable throughout the job.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man with Van Manor House will provide employees with suitable induction and ongoing training related to health and safety, including manual handling, safe loading, use of equipment, and emergency procedures. Refresher training will be offered where work practices change or where additional risks are identified.

Supervisors will monitor working practices to ensure safe procedures are followed and will provide guidance and support to less experienced staff. Health and safety information will be communicated clearly, using briefings, instructions, and updates as required.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur during our operations must be reported to management as soon as reasonably possible. We will investigate such events to determine root causes and identify actions to prevent recurrence.

Where necessary, we will keep appropriate records of accidents and incidents and comply with any applicable reporting requirements to relevant authorities. Lessons learned from investigations will be used to improve our risk assessments and safe systems of work.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We are committed to promoting the health and welfare of our staff. Employees are expected to attend work fit for duty and must not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair their ability to work safely. Any condition or medication that could affect safe performance must be disclosed to management so that appropriate adjustments or controls can be considered.

Where reasonably practicable, breaks will be scheduled on longer jobs or journeys to prevent fatigue, and staff will be encouraged to report signs of overexertion, strain, or ill health promptly.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage open communication about health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggestions, or ideas for improving safety during removal activities. Feedback from customers regarding safe working practices is also welcomed and will be considered during policy reviews.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, or the nature and scale of our operations. Our goal is to continually improve our performance and to ensure that every removal or delivery is carried out as safely and efficiently as possible.