Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Harrow Removal Services

Man with Van Harrow is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, transport, and related services carried out in homes, offices, and other premises in our service area.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our main objectives are to prevent injury, protect health, and minimise the risk of damage to property during removal and transport operations. We aim to identify and control hazards, promote safe working practices, and continually improve our health and safety performance.

Management has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy is implemented and reviewed. All staff and contractors working with Man with Van Harrow share a duty to follow this policy, cooperate on safety matters, and take reasonable care of themselves and others.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Man with Van Harrow will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance applicable to removal and transportation services. We will ensure that:

All activities are planned and carried out in a way that prioritises safety.
Responsibilities for health and safety are clearly defined and communicated.
Staff are competent to perform their roles safely.

Employees and operatives are required to:

Work safely and follow all safety procedures and instructions.
Use equipment and vehicles only as trained and authorised.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazards without delay.
Wear suitable clothing and protective equipment when required.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before undertaking removal work, Man with Van Harrow will assess the risks associated with the tasks, locations, and loads involved. This includes consideration of access routes, staircases, floors, weather conditions, parking, and any special items such as fragile, heavy, or bulky goods.

Where necessary, we will implement safe systems of work, including:

Planning the sequence of moving items to reduce manual handling risks.
Ensuring sufficient personnel are available for heavy or awkward loads.
Using suitable equipment such as trolleys and lifting aids where appropriate.
Securing loading and unloading areas to avoid contact with traffic or bystanders.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a key element of removal work and presents significant risk of injury if not managed correctly. Man with Van Harrow will:

Provide training and guidance in safe lifting and carrying techniques.
Encourage staff to assess each lift and avoid unsafe practices.
Promote team lifting for heavy or awkward items.
Discourage staff from attempting to lift or move items beyond their capability.

Staff are expected to:

Plan each lift before starting.
Keep loads stable and close to the body.
Avoid twisting and overreaching while carrying items.
Stop work and request assistance if a load is too heavy or unsafe to move.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our removal services, and we place strong emphasis on road safety and vehicle condition. Man with Van Harrow will:

Ensure vehicles used for work are roadworthy and well maintained.
Carry out regular checks on tyres, lights, brakes, and securing equipment.
Provide suitable restraints, straps, and protective coverings for loads.

Drivers must:

Hold a valid driving licence appropriate for the vehicle driven.
Follow road traffic laws and drive responsibly at all times.
Ensure loads are evenly distributed and securely fastened before moving off.
Refrain from using mobile devices while driving, unless supported by safe hands free systems.
Report any vehicle defects or incidents immediately.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our work often takes place in customer homes, offices, and shared spaces. Man with Van Harrow is committed to respecting and protecting these environments. We will:

Take reasonable steps to protect flooring, walls, doorways, and fixtures from damage.
Keep work areas as tidy and unobstructed as practicable.
Position vehicles safely to minimise obstruction and risk to pedestrians.

Where work is carried out in communal or public areas, staff will be mindful of others nearby and, where necessary, use clear communication and temporary barriers or signs to reduce the risk of trips, slips, and collisions.

Equipment, Tools, and Protective Measures

Man with Van Harrow will provide suitable equipment and tools required for safe removals, including where appropriate trolleys, straps, blankets, and other protective materials. All equipment will be used and stored in a manner that reduces risk.

Where specific hazards are identified, staff may be required to use personal protective equipment such as gloves or safety footwear. Staff must take care of any equipment provided, use it correctly, and report defects or concerns immediately.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We recognise that competent staff are central to safe operations. Man with Van Harrow will provide appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to the tasks performed, including manual handling techniques, safe loading, and awareness of general health and safety responsibilities.

Where necessary, less experienced team members will be supervised by more experienced colleagues, and guidance will be given on site specific hazards.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, and near misses related to our services must be reported to management as soon as possible. Man with Van Harrow will investigate such events to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Records of significant incidents and any related remedial actions will be maintained in line with legal and company requirements.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We expect our staff to be fit and able to perform their duties safely. Employees and operatives must not carry out work while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair judgment or capability.

Man with Van Harrow will take reasonable steps to manage workload, encourage breaks during longer jobs, and support staff in raising concerns about their health and wellbeing in relation to their work.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, and the nature of our services. Feedback from staff and customers, as well as findings from incident investigations and risk assessments, will be used to improve our approach to health and safety.

By engaging with this policy and working together, Man with Van Harrow aims to deliver efficient removal services while maintaining high standards of safety for everyone involved.