Man With a Van Abbey Wood Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Abbey Wood is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our principles and arrangements for managing safety across all moving, loading, unloading and transportation tasks.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our main objectives are to prevent injury, protect health and minimise risks associated with the provision of man and van and removal services. We aim to identify hazards, assess risks and put suitable controls in place so that all work is carried out as safely as reasonably practicable.

We will continually review our procedures to ensure that they reflect current good practice in the moving and transport sector, taking into account changes in legislation, guidance and the nature of our operations.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the business owner or nominated manager, who ensures that appropriate arrangements, resources and supervision are in place.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day to day basis, including checking that staff follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly and report hazards or incidents.

All employees, drivers and porters have a duty 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 with the company in all health and safety matters, follow training and instructions, and report any unsafe conditions, near misses or accidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will carry out risk assessments for key activities, including domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading of vehicles, lifting and carrying, use of equipment, and working in customers premises or public areas.

Findings from risk assessments will be used to create safe systems of work, including clear procedures for planning moves, assessing access routes, protecting customers property, and coordinating team tasks to avoid confusion and accidents.

Where necessary, site specific assessments will be completed before starting work, especially where there are unusual access issues, shared entrances, steps, narrow corridors or where work may interact with other trades or the public.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work, and we recognise the risks associated with lifting and moving heavy or awkward items. All staff will receive appropriate manual handling training, covering lifting techniques, team lifting, use of mechanical aids and the importance of working within personal limits.

We will provide suitable equipment such as trolleys, sack trucks, moving straps, furniture blankets and protective coverings to reduce the need for hazardous manual handling and to protect both staff and customers goods.

Equipment will be maintained in good condition and checked regularly. Any defective or damaged equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported so it can be repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles will be maintained in a safe, roadworthy condition and checked regularly, including tyres, lights, brakes, securing points and loading areas. Only authorised and competent drivers will be permitted to operate company vehicles.

Safe driving practices are required at all times. Drivers must comply with road traffic legislation, speed limits and parking rules, and must never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that impairs driving ability.

Loads must be planned and secured correctly to prevent movement during transit. Weight limits for vehicles will not be exceeded, and heavy items will be distributed safely and secured using straps, bars and other appropriate restraints.

Working at Customers Premises

When working in homes, offices or other premises, our staff will take care to protect the safety of customers, visitors and the general public. This includes keeping access routes clear, using warning signs where necessary and avoiding unnecessary noise or obstruction.

Floor coverings, doorways and staircases will be checked prior to moving items. Protective materials may be used to minimise the risk of slips, trips and falls and to avoid damage to property. Staff will be vigilant for hazards such as loose carpets, trailing cables or poor lighting and will take steps to reduce associated risks.

Welfare, Health and Fitness for Work

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. Staff are encouraged to maintain good levels of fitness and to report any health issues that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely.

Workers must not undertake tasks for which they are not physically capable, and must seek assistance or use mechanical aids where appropriate. Breaks will be taken as necessary to reduce fatigue and maintain alertness, particularly for longer jobs or journeys.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff will receive induction training and ongoing instruction relevant to their role. This will include manual handling, use of equipment, safe loading and unloading, vehicle safety, customer care, and emergency procedures.

Supervisors will monitor performance, provide guidance, and correct unsafe practices promptly. Additional training will be provided where new equipment is introduced, new procedures are adopted, or where risk assessments highlight the need for further instruction.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible. Records will be kept and reviewed so that patterns and preventative actions can be identified.

In the event of an accident or incident, staff must prioritise safety, secure the area where practicable, and seek medical attention where required. Emergency contact procedures and first aid arrangements will be communicated to all team members.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage employees to contribute ideas and raise concerns about health and safety. Constructive feedback from staff and customers forms an important part of improving our working practices and reducing risks.

This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, legal requirements and industry standards. We are committed to continuous improvement in all aspects of health and safety management within our removal and man and van services.