Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Mile End Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Mile End 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 approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, deliveries, loading, unloading, and driving.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The aim of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our removal and transport services. Our objectives are to:

Identify and manage hazards related to lifting, carrying, driving, and working in and around customer premises.

Provide safe systems of work and appropriate equipment for handling, loading, and transporting items.

Ensure all staff receive suitable information, instruction, and training relevant to their role.

Encourage a positive safety culture where concerns can be raised and addressed promptly.

Comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man With a Van Mile End rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources are provided to implement this policy.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of safe working practices, communicating procedures to staff, and monitoring compliance at job sites and in vehicles.

All employees and contractors 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 follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, incidents, or near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before undertaking removal work, we carry out risk assessments that consider the location, access routes, parking, manual handling requirements, and any special risks associated with the items to be moved. Where required, site-specific instructions are communicated to the team.

Safe systems of work are established for typical removal tasks, including safe lifting techniques, use of lifting aids, securing loads, and working around vehicles. Staff are trained to pause work if they identify unexpected hazards and to contact a supervisor for further guidance.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Lifting and carrying are core parts of our service, and we recognise the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries. To reduce these risks:

We encourage the use of mechanical aids and handling equipment such as trolleys and dollies wherever reasonably practicable.

Team lifting techniques are used for bulky or heavy items, with staff instructed not to exceed personal capability.

Manual handling training is provided, covering posture, grip, route planning, and safe loading and unloading methods.

Equipment is inspected regularly and withdrawn from use if defective or unsafe.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our removals rely on the safe operation of vans and related vehicles. To help protect drivers, passengers, other road users, and goods in transit:

Vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements.

Only authorised and competent drivers are permitted to operate vehicles on company business.

Drivers must obey road traffic laws, observe speed limits, and adjust driving style to weather and traffic conditions.

Loads are distributed and secured to minimise movement, prevent damage, and avoid risk to occupants and other road users.

Drivers are encouraged to take regular breaks during longer journeys to manage fatigue.

Working at Customer Premises

Our teams often work inside homes, offices, and shared spaces. To safeguard customers and staff:

Access routes are checked and, where possible, kept clear of trip hazards such as loose cables and clutter.

Protective materials may be used on floors and surfaces to reduce the risk of slips and damage.

Staff are instructed to act with courtesy and care, to maintain good housekeeping, and to avoid unnecessary disruption.

Where work involves shared or communal areas, efforts are made to warn others in the vicinity of moving items and vehicle activity.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided. This may include gloves, safety footwear, or other protective items relevant to the task. Staff are required to use issued equipment as instructed and report any loss or damage so that replacements can be arranged.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and damage to property or vehicles must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Incident reports are reviewed to identify root causes and to implement corrective measures that reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Lessons learned from incidents are communicated to relevant staff and, where appropriate, incorporated into updated procedures or training.

Training, Communication, and Consultation

New staff receive an introduction to our health and safety expectations as part of their induction. Ongoing training is provided to refresh skills and address new risks or changes in working methods.

Safety information is communicated through briefings, job instructions, and toolbox talks. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns, suggestions, or questions about safety so that issues can be addressed promptly and collaboratively.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, services, or relevant legislation. We are committed to continuous improvement and to integrating health and safety considerations into planning, scheduling, and delivery of removal and transport services.

By following this policy and working together, Man With a Van Mile End strives to provide reliable, efficient, and safe moving services for all customers and communities we serve.