Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Anerley

Man With a Van Anerley is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure working environment for our staff, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our standards, responsibilities and arrangements to reduce risk and promote safe working practices during all moving, loading, unloading and driving operations.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise that professional removal services, including domestic and commercial moves, can involve manual handling, driving, use of equipment and working in a range of properties and access conditions. Our policy is to manage these activities in a way that minimises the risk of injury, ill health, property damage and environmental impact. We comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and continually seek to improve our performance.

Health and Safety Objectives

Our key objectives are to:

Identify, assess and control risks associated with removal and transportation work.

Provide clear instructions, information, training and supervision to our staff.

Maintain our vehicles and equipment in a safe and reliable condition.

Promote safe manual handling techniques to prevent strain and injury.

Protect customers, visitors and the public during loading and unloading activities.

Investigate incidents and near misses and implement corrective actions.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man With a Van Anerley is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety Policy and ensuring that adequate resources are available to meet our commitments. Management will:

Set and review health and safety standards and procedures for all removal services.

Carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for typical jobs and specialist moves.

Ensure staff are competent and trained in safe working practices and emergency procedures.

Monitor performance, deal with non-compliance and promote a culture of safety and reporting.

Keep this policy under review and update it as legislation, guidance or working practices change.

Employee Responsibilities

Every member of staff has 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. Employees are required to:

Follow all company safety procedures, training and instructions.

Use equipment, vehicles and protective gear correctly and report any defects immediately.

Apply safe manual handling techniques and ask for assistance where loads are heavy, awkward or difficult to move.

Maintain good housekeeping in vehicles and at customer premises to prevent slips, trips and falls.

Report accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards so they can be investigated and addressed.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for our core removal and man and van activities. These assessments consider factors such as load weight, access routes, stairways, parking, traffic, weather conditions, equipment required and time pressures. On arrival at a property, staff will review any existing assessment and carry out a dynamic assessment to identify new or unexpected hazards. Where risks are identified, staff will use appropriate control measures, such as team lifting, use of moving equipment, adjusting routes or seeking additional support.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of our work, and we aim to prevent musculoskeletal injuries by:

Training staff in safe lifting and carrying techniques and the use of their own capabilities and limitations.

Using trolleys, dollies, straps, ramps and other aids where reasonably practicable.

Planning lifting operations to avoid unnecessary carrying, twisting or reaching.

Refusing to carry out tasks that present an unacceptable risk to staff or others.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

The safe use of vehicles is essential to our operations. We are committed to:

Ensuring drivers are competent, hold the correct licences and follow road traffic laws.

Conducting regular vehicle checks and arranging timely maintenance and repairs.

Ensuring loads are correctly distributed, restrained and protected during transit.

Planning routes and journeys to reduce driving risks, considering traffic, weather and access.

Prohibiting driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair performance.

Customer and Public Safety

We take steps to protect customers, neighbours and members of the public during our work. This includes:

Maintaining clear access routes, particularly around doorways, stairs and pavements.

Positioning vehicles safely to minimise obstruction and risk when loading or unloading.

Using caution when carrying items near people, vehicles or fragile property.

Communicating clearly with customers about any safety concerns at their premises.

Housekeeping and Property Protection

Good housekeeping is important for both safety and property protection. Our teams aim to:

Keep working areas organised and free of unnecessary obstacles.

Use protective covers, blankets and equipment where appropriate to reduce the risk of damage.

Check for potential hazards such as uneven floors, loose carpets, low ceilings or sharp edges.

Leave work areas tidy and safe at the end of the job.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We expect staff to present fit for work and to notify management of any health issues that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. We promote:

Reasonable rest breaks, especially during physically demanding work or long driving periods.

Hydration and appropriate clothing for weather conditions.

Supportive communication regarding any concerns related to work-related stress or fatigue.

Training, Communication and Consultation

We provide relevant health and safety training for new staff and refresher training where needed. Information is communicated through briefings and job instructions. We encourage staff to contribute ideas for improving safety and to raise any concerns without fear of reprisal.

Incident Reporting and Policy Review

All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses are to be reported as soon as possible so they can be recorded, investigated and used to improve our practices. Lessons learned will be shared with staff where appropriate. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable, sufficient and aligned with our removal and man and van services.