Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Harringay Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Harringay is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all workers, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with lifting and moving items, travelling to and from jobs, and working in homes, offices, and other premises.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

The aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health arising from our man and van and removal activities. We will identify hazards, assess risks, and implement suitable control measures for all aspects of our operations.

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the business owner or designated manager. They are responsible for ensuring that appropriate procedures, training, and equipment are in place, and that this policy is reviewed regularly. All workers have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions while carrying out removal work.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out proportionate risk assessments for our core activities, including moving household and office items, loading and unloading vehicles, driving between locations, and working in unfamiliar properties. These assessments are reviewed when there are changes in our activities, equipment, or working conditions.

From these assessments we develop safe systems of work, such as agreed methods for lifting, team handling, stacking items in vehicles, and working on stairs or in confined spaces. All workers are expected to follow these safe systems at all times and report any issues that may require procedures to be updated.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of our man and van and removal services. To reduce the risk of injury, we:

Provide instruction on safe lifting techniques, including maintaining a stable posture, keeping loads close to the body, and avoiding twisting while carrying items.

Encourage team lifting for heavy or awkward items such as furniture, appliances, and large boxes.

Use handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and moving blankets where appropriate.

Assess the route before moving items, ensuring it is free of obstructions, trip hazards, and unnecessary obstacles.

Workers are instructed not to attempt to lift or move any item they believe to be too heavy, unstable, or unsafe. Customers may be advised where dismantling, additional manpower, or specialist equipment is required for a safe move.

Vehicles, Driving, and Load Security

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition in line with legal requirements and manufacturer guidelines. Pre-use checks are carried out to ensure that brakes, lights, tyres, and other key components are in safe working order.

Drivers are required to hold a valid driving licence appropriate to the vehicle they operate and to follow all rules of the road. Safe driving practices include observing speed limits, allowing sufficient time for journeys, avoiding distractions while driving, and adjusting driving style to suit weather and traffic conditions.

We pay particular attention to safe loading and load security. Items are positioned to distribute weight safely, with heavy items placed low and secured to prevent movement. Straps and other securing devices are used as needed to keep loads stable during transit. Overloading vehicles is strictly prohibited.

Working at Customer Premises

Our teams regularly work in customers homes, offices, storage units, and other premises. On arrival, the team will consider access routes, stairs, narrow corridors, and any potential hazards such as loose flooring, poor lighting, or wet surfaces.

We take care to prevent damage and to reduce risks by keeping walkways clear, stacking items safely, and avoiding blocking fire exits and escape routes. Where access is particularly challenging, we will agree an appropriate plan with the customer before proceeding.

Workers will treat all premises with respect, minimise disruption, and maintain good standards of housekeeping during and after the move. Any concerns about unsafe conditions at a site will be discussed with the customer and, if necessary, work may be paused until a safe method can be agreed.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide suitable equipment to support safe handling and transport, including vehicles, ramps, trolleys, and securing devices. All equipment is maintained and inspected regularly, and any defective item is taken out of use until repaired or replaced.

Personal protective equipment will be provided and used where risk assessments show it is necessary. This may include safety footwear, gloves, and high-visibility clothing. Workers are responsible for using this equipment correctly and reporting any loss or damage.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Workers receive information and instruction relevant to their role, including manual handling, vehicle safety, and site-specific risks. New workers are introduced to our safety procedures before undertaking removal work without supervision.

Where necessary, tasks are supervised to ensure that safe working practices are followed, especially for complex or high-risk moves. We encourage open communication so that workers can raise health and safety concerns without hesitation.

Accidents, Incidents, and Reporting

All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences involving our removal operations are recorded and, where required, investigated. The purpose of investigation is to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Workers must promptly report any injury, unsafe condition, damaged equipment, or incident involving vehicles or property. We use this information to improve our procedures and safety performance over time.

Health, Welfare, and Wellbeing

We recognise that physical demands, time pressure, and driving can affect the health and wellbeing of workers. We aim to schedule work sensibly to avoid excessive hours, ensure adequate breaks, and reduce fatigue. Workers are encouraged to report any health issues that may affect their ability to carry out removal tasks safely.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our services, work methods, or relevant legislation. Updated versions will be communicated to all workers so that everyone understands their responsibilities and the standards expected at Man With a Van Harringay.