Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van North Sheen

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures followed by Man with Van North Sheen to protect the health, safety and welfare of our workers, customers, visitors and members of the public during all removal and transport activities.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Man with Van North Sheen is committed to providing removal and transport services in a manner that minimises risk of injury, ill health, property damage and environmental impact. Our objective is to prevent accidents and incidents through effective planning, continuous training and responsible behaviour by everyone involved in our operations.

We aim to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry good practice. Health and safety considerations will never be compromised for speed, convenience or cost.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the management of Man with Van North Sheen. Management is responsible for:

Ensuring this policy is implemented, reviewed and communicated to all workers. Providing suitable vehicles, equipment and protective gear. Organising appropriate training and supervision. Ensuring risk assessments are carried out and updated as needed. Investigating accidents, near misses and complaints relating to safety.

All workers, whether permanent, temporary or subcontracted, are responsible for:

Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others. Following all safety instructions, training and procedures provided. Using vehicles, equipment and protective gear correctly. Reporting hazards, defects, accidents and near misses immediately. Cooperating fully with any investigation or review.

Customers also have a role in maintaining safety by:

Providing accurate information about access, parking and property layout. Ensuring walkways, stairs and loading areas are clear and reasonably lit. Informing us of any known hazards at the property or nearby. Supervising children and pets away from moving vehicles and lifting operations.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before starting any removal or transport task, we assess the risks associated with the work. This may include visual inspection on arrival or a pre-arranged survey for larger or more complex moves. Risk assessment covers, as appropriate:

Access to properties, including stairs, narrow corridors and doorways. Loading and unloading areas, including gradients and surfaces. Parking arrangements and proximity to roads and traffic. The size, weight and nature of items to be moved. Manual handling requirements and potential for awkward lifts. Weather conditions and visibility. Any special customer requirements or time pressures.

Where significant risks are identified, we will take suitable control measures such as additional staff, alternative routes, use of handling equipment or adjusting the schedule.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of removal work. Man with Van North Sheen requires that:

Workers use safe lifting techniques as taught during training. Loads are assessed before lifting and only lifted by individuals who can do so safely. Two-person lifting is used for heavy, bulky or unstable items. Mechanical aids, such as trolleys or skates, are used where reasonably practicable. Paths of travel are kept clear to avoid slips, trips and falls. Lifting is stopped immediately if conditions become unsafe.

We reserve the right to refuse to move any item that cannot be handled safely with the resources available on the day.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and used in line with all applicable road traffic requirements. Drivers must:

Hold the correct and valid driving licence for the vehicle. Conduct basic pre-use vehicle checks and report any issues. Drive within speed limits and adapt to weather and traffic conditions. Park and load vehicles safely, avoiding obstructions and hazards. Use safe reversing procedures, including assistance from a colleague where possible.

Loads are secured so that items cannot move dangerously during transit. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited.

Equipment and Personal Protective Gear

Where necessary for the task, Man with Van North Sheen will provide suitable equipment and personal protective gear. This may include gloves, high-visibility clothing, protective footwear and handling aids. Workers must use such equipment as directed and report loss, defect or damage promptly so it can be repaired or replaced.

Safe Working Environment at Properties

To maintain a safe working environment at homes, offices and other premises, we aim to:

Keep work areas as tidy and orderly as reasonably possible. Avoid blocking fire exits and key access routes. Protect flooring and property where appropriate and agreed. Communicate clearly with customers about our movements and timing. Pause work if an unforeseen hazard arises until it can be controlled.

Customers are asked to cooperate by ensuring that access routes are clear of loose items, that parking instructions are accurate, and that any building work or other high-risk activity taking place at the same time is coordinated to avoid conflict.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, vehicle collisions, property damage and near misses must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Man with Van North Sheen will:

Record relevant details in internal records. Take prompt action to make the situation safe. Investigate the causes to identify any improvements needed. Implement corrective and preventive measures where appropriate. Cooperate with any official investigations if required.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide training and instruction appropriate to the tasks undertaken. This may include induction training, manual handling techniques, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety and customer interaction. Less experienced workers are supervised and supported on more demanding moves until competent to work independently.

Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

Workers are expected to present fit for duty, free from the influence of alcohol or illegal substances and not impaired by medication that affects safe performance. Any worker who feels unfit to carry out a task safely must inform management immediately so suitable adjustments can be made.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van North Sheen is committed to the ongoing improvement of health and safety performance. This policy is reviewed regularly and after any significant change in operations or relevant legislation, and may be updated as necessary. Feedback from workers and customers regarding safety issues is welcomed and will be considered as part of this review process.

By engaging Man with Van North Sheen, customers acknowledge our commitment to safe working practices and agree to support us in maintaining a safe environment during removal and transport services.