Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Canning Town
Man with Van Canning Town is committed to providing safe, reliable and professional removal services. This Health and Safety policy explains how we protect our customers, our workers and the public while carrying out man and van and removal work in homes, offices and other premises.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
We recognise our responsibility to manage health and safety risks associated with lifting, loading, transporting and unloading goods. Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe working practices during every stage of a removal or delivery job.
Health and safety are considered in all planning, scheduling and operational decisions. We expect everyone working on behalf of Man with Van Canning Town to follow this policy and any related procedures or guidance provided.
Responsibilities
The overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the business owner or appointed manager. They ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place for risk assessment, staff training, vehicle safety and equipment checks.
All workers, including drivers, porters and subcontractors, are responsible for:
Following safe lifting and handling techniques at all times.
Using any equipment provided in a safe and proper manner.
Reporting hazards, near misses, damage and incidents promptly.
Wearing suitable clothing and footwear for manual handling work.
Cooperating with any reasonable health and safety instruction or request.
Risk Assessment and Planning
We assess the risks associated with removal and man and van activities, including access to premises, the weight and size of items, and the conditions for loading and unloading vehicles. Where necessary, we will adapt the way work is carried out to reduce risk, for example by:
Using additional staff for heavy or bulky items.
Breaking down loads into smaller, more manageable parts.
Avoiding hazardous routes such as unstable staircases or obstructed walkways.
Scheduling work to allow sufficient time to complete tasks safely.
We ask customers to provide accurate information about access issues, parking restrictions and unusual items so that we can plan safe methods of work.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a risk of back injury, strains and other musculoskeletal disorders. To reduce these risks, we:
Train workers in safe lifting, carrying and team handling techniques.
Encourage assessment of each individual lift and the use of two-person lifts where appropriate.
Use handling aids, such as trolleys or straps, when suitable and available.
Avoid lifting loads that are too heavy, unstable or awkward for the team on site.
Ask customers not to overfill boxes and to pack items so that they can be lifted safely.
Vehicle Safety and Loading
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are suitable for the type of removals and deliveries they undertake. We take particular care when loading and unloading to avoid injury and damage. This includes:
Distributing weight evenly throughout the vehicle to maintain stability.
Securing items to prevent movement during transit.
Ensuring doors, ramps and tailgates are used correctly and safely.
Keeping access to exits and safety equipment clear.
Drivers are responsible for checking that loads are secure before setting off and for driving in a way that reflects the weight and nature of the load being transported.
Working at Customer Premises
Our teams often work in occupied homes, shared buildings and business premises. We take care to minimise risks to customers, visitors and members of the public by:
Keeping walkways, stairs and entrances as clear as reasonably possible.
Using safe routes when carrying large or heavy items.
Closing or securing doors, gates and access points where needed for safety.
Working carefully around existing fixtures, fittings and belongings.
We may ask customers, family members, pets or staff to stay away from active lifting and loading areas during the move to prevent accidental injury.
Equipment and Personal Protective Measures
Where necessary, we provide equipment and protective items suitable for the task and environment, such as gloves, protective covers or moving aids. Workers are expected to use such items as instructed and to report any defects or concerns immediately.
Equipment is inspected regularly to ensure it remains fit for purpose. Any faulty equipment is removed from use until repaired or replaced.
Training and Competence
We provide information and guidance to ensure that those working for Man with Van Canning Town understand the health and safety requirements of their role. This includes induction for new workers and ongoing reminders about safe practices, such as manual handling and secure loading.
We only allocate tasks to individuals who are competent to carry them out safely, taking into account experience, physical capability and any known limitations.
Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous situations must be reported to the manager or business owner as soon as possible. We review these reports to understand what went wrong and to identify improvements in procedures, training or equipment.
Health and safety arrangements are reviewed regularly and may be updated in response to changes in legislation, industry standards or the nature of the services we provide.
Customer Cooperation
We ask customers to support our health and safety policy by providing clear information about their property and any specific risks, such as fragile structures, limited access or special items. Customers should follow the reasonable safety instructions given by our team during the move and keep children and pets away from work areas.
By working together, we can complete removals and man and van services efficiently while maintaining a high standard of safety for everyone involved.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains relevant and effective for our removal and man and van operations. Any significant changes to our services or working methods will trigger an additional review, and updated versions will be made available on request.
