Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Harlington

Man With a Van Harlington is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, subcontractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy explains our approach to managing health and safety in connection with our man and van and removal services.

Health and Safety Objectives

Our main objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment during all stages of our removal operations. We aim to achieve this by identifying and managing risks associated with lifting, loading, driving, access to premises and the use of equipment, while complying with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man With a Van Harlington is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes providing clear instructions, appropriate resources and ongoing supervision to ensure safe working practices. Management will review health and safety performance regularly and update this policy whenever there are significant changes in our operations, applicable law or best practice guidance.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees share responsibility for maintaining safe working conditions. Every team member must:

Follow company safety procedures and instructions at all times, use equipment, vehicles and protective aids correctly, report hazards, accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions without delay, cooperate with training, supervision and any health and safety initiatives, and take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who might be affected by their actions.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our removal and transport activities, including packing, lifting, loading, unloading and driving. These assessments identify potential hazards such as manual handling risks, slips and trips, falls from vehicles, collisions, property damage, and risks related to access to buildings or loading areas. On the basis of these assessments, we establish safe working practices and method statements appropriate to each type of job.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of our work. To minimise the risk of strain, sprain and other injuries, our staff are trained in safe lifting techniques and team lifting practices. Where practical, we use handling aids such as trolleys, barrows and straps. Heavy or awkward items are never handled by a single person if it is unsafe to do so. Customers may be advised when an additional mover or alternative equipment is required for a safe lift.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and checked regularly. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences, follow road traffic laws and operate vehicles in a safe and considerate manner. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit and doors and tailgates are checked before departure. Drivers must not operate vehicles when fatigued, under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any medication that may impair driving ability.

Safe Loading and Unloading

Loading and unloading operations are planned to minimise risk to staff, customers and the public. Whenever possible we select safe parking positions that allow clear access to the property and vehicle, away from unnecessary traffic movement. Walkways and access routes are kept clear of trip hazards such as loose packing materials. Care is taken to protect customer property, fixtures and fittings through the use of appropriate coverings and handling techniques.

Customer Premises and Public Areas

Removal work often takes place in and around customer homes, workplaces and shared public spaces. Our teams are instructed to exercise particular care where there are children, pets or vulnerable persons present. We will, where reasonable, cordon off or clearly indicate active loading areas and request that others keep clear while heavy items are being moved. Any damage, incident or hazard identified at a customer location will be reported immediately to the customer and to management.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment provided by Man With a Van Harlington is to be used only for its intended purpose and in accordance with instructions and training. Staff must report any defect or malfunction immediately and must not use faulty equipment. Where required, suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing will be supplied and must be worn as instructed.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide appropriate induction and ongoing training to ensure our employees understand the risks involved in removal work and how to manage them. Training covers topics such as manual handling, vehicle and driving safety, use of equipment, incident reporting and customer care. Supervisors monitor working practices and provide guidance to ensure that safety standards are maintained and improved over time.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses and cases of property damage connected with our operations must be reported to management as soon as possible. We keep records of such events, investigate their causes and take appropriate action to prevent recurrence. Where required, we will cooperate fully with any external investigation by relevant authorities or third parties.

Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

We recognise that the physical nature of removal work can be demanding. Employees are encouraged to report any health conditions or concerns that may affect their ability to perform tasks safely. No one is expected to continue working if they feel unwell, overly fatigued or otherwise unable to operate safely. Supervisors will adjust duties, workloads or staffing levels where reasonably practicable to support employee wellbeing.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man With a Van Harlington is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We review this policy regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, equipment or legal obligations. Feedback from employees and customers regarding safety is welcomed and may be used to improve our procedures, training and working practices.

This Health and Safety Policy applies to all employees and contractors working on behalf of Man With a Van Harlington and forms an integral part of our commitment to delivering safe, reliable and professional man and van and removal services.