Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Arnos Grove
Man with Van Arnos Grove is committed to providing removal and transport services in a manner that prioritises the health, safety, and welfare of our customers, our team members, contractors, and members of the public. This policy sets out our general approach, key responsibilities, and working practices for managing health and safety across our man and van operations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to conduct all removal, loading, unloading, packing, and transport activities safely and efficiently, minimising the risk of injury, ill health, and damage to property. We aim to identify and control risks associated with manual handling, driving, working at height, use of equipment, and work carried out at customers premises or in public areas.
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable, relevant, and aligned with current good practice for the removals and light transport sector.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes:
Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out for key tasks such as lifting and carrying items, loading and unloading vehicles, securing loads, and operating in residential or commercial environments.
Providing clear instructions and guidance to staff on safe working methods and the correct use of equipment, tools, and vehicles.
Ensuring vehicles are roadworthy and appropriately maintained, including brakes, tyres, lights, securing points, and loading areas.
Providing appropriate training and induction so that staff understand their responsibilities and know how to work safely.
Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses to learn lessons, implement improvements, and help prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
All staff working for or on behalf of Man with Van Arnos Grove share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Employees are expected to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and risk assessments applicable to removal and delivery activities.
Use equipment, vehicles, and any protective measures correctly and report defects or damage without delay.
Inform management promptly of accidents, injuries, near misses, unsafe conditions, or incidents involving customers or the public.
Refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety, including working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We assess risks associated with our man and van work and put in place sensible controls. Key areas include:
Manual handling: Planning lifts, using team lifts where necessary, keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting, and using trolleys or other aids where appropriate.
Loading and unloading: Ensuring items are stacked safely, weight is distributed evenly, loads are properly secured, and access routes are kept clear of trip hazards.
Working at height: Taking extra care when using steps or accessing higher levels in buildings, avoiding unsafe climbing on vehicles or furniture.
Property protection: Using protective coverings where required and handling items carefully to avoid damage to customers belongings and premises.
Traffic and public safety: Parking and manoeuvring vehicles considerately, using hazard lights where appropriate, and taking care not to obstruct driveways, pavements, or access routes.
Vehicle and Equipment Safety
Safe vehicles and equipment are essential to our operations. We commit to:
Keeping vehicles in a safe, roadworthy condition through regular checks and maintenance.
Ensuring that tie-downs, straps, and securing systems are suitable for the loads carried and are kept in good condition.
Checking lifting aids, trolleys, and other tools frequently and removing them from use if they are damaged or defective.
Ensuring drivers hold the appropriate licences and are competent to operate the vehicles they use.
Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work
Man with Van Arnos Grove recognises that staff wellbeing contributes to safe working. We expect all team members to present themselves fit for work and to notify management of any conditions that could affect their ability to carry out tasks safely.
We promote sensible working hours, rest breaks, and safe driving practices to reduce fatigue, particularly on longer journeys or during busy removal periods. Staff are encouraged to raise any concerns about workload or fitness for duty.
Customer and Public Safety
Many of our services are carried out in and around homes, workplaces, and public spaces. We therefore take care to:
Communicate clearly with customers about access, parking, and any hazards that may be present.
Keep walkways as clear as reasonably practicable during loading and unloading to reduce the risk of trips and falls.
Use safe lifting and carrying techniques within customers premises, being mindful of children, pets, and other occupants.
Handle customers possessions with care to reduce the risk of breakages and associated hazards, such as broken glass.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We provide information and guidance relevant to our removal services and keep staff informed about health and safety expectations. Where necessary, staff receive training in manual handling, safe loading, vehicle operation, and customer site rules.
New team members are supervised until they demonstrate suitable competence to work safely and independently. Ongoing supervision helps ensure that safe practices are maintained during day-to-day work.
Accident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, incidents, or near misses that occur during our man and van operations must be reported to management. We record relevant details and review each incident to identify root causes and any changes needed to procedures, equipment, or training.
We treat feedback from customers and staff as an opportunity to improve our safety performance, the quality of our service, and the protection of people and property. This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and updated when necessary to reflect operational changes or new guidance.
