Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Harrow
Man and a Van Harrow is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with household and commercial removals, packing, loading, unloading, and driving.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our main objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property, while ensuring that all work related to our moving and delivery services is carried out in a safe, controlled, and professional manner. We aim to continuously improve our safety performance and to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man and a Van Harrow has overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this policy. This includes:
Ensuring that adequate resources, equipment, and training are provided to carry out work safely. Setting clear health and safety standards for all staff and contractors. Conducting and reviewing risk assessments for our removal and transportation operations. Investigating any accidents, near misses, or incidents, and taking action to prevent recurrence. Reviewing this policy regularly and updating it as required by changes in law, guidance, or our working methods.
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. All staff are expected to:
Follow company safety procedures, instructions, and training at all times. Use equipment, tools, and vehicles correctly and safely. Wear suitable clothing and any provided personal protective equipment where required. Report hazards, defects, or unsafe conditions promptly to a supervisor or manager. Report all accidents, injuries, and near misses, however minor, so that they can be recorded and investigated.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We assess the risks associated with our removal activities and put in place control measures to manage those risks. This includes:
Carrying out site-specific assessments where necessary before starting work. Planning access routes, parking, and loading areas to minimise risks to staff, customers, and the public. Identifying risks such as heavy or awkward items, stairs, uneven surfaces, and weather conditions. Implementing safe systems of work for lifting, carrying, stacking, and transporting items.
Where risks cannot be eliminated, we aim to reduce them as far as is reasonably practicable using appropriate equipment and methods.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of our removal services and must always be carried out safely. We are committed to:
Providing training in safe lifting techniques and team handling. Planning lifts in advance, including route planning and clearance of obstructions. Using mechanical aids such as trolleys and dollies where appropriate. Avoiding single-person lifts of excessively heavy or awkward loads. Encouraging staff to ask for assistance when needed and never to take unnecessary risks.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to our business, and we place great importance on safe driving and vehicle maintenance. We will:
Ensure that vehicles used for removals are regularly inspected and maintained in a roadworthy condition. Check that loads are evenly distributed, properly secured, and within safe weight limits. Require drivers to hold the appropriate licence and training to operate the vehicles they use. Promote safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits, rest breaks, and defensive driving. Prohibit driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substances that may impair safe driving.
Use of Equipment and Protective Measures
To protect staff and customers, we use suitable equipment and protective measures, including:
Removal blankets, straps, and protective coverings to prevent damage and reduce manual handling risks. Trolleys, skates, and lifting aids to move heavy or bulky items more safely. Appropriate footwear and clothing to improve grip and reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Clear communication between team members when manoeuvring large items through tight spaces, stairs, or doorways.
Protecting Customers and the Public
We take care to ensure that our work does not put customers, neighbours, or the general public at risk. This includes:
Maintaining clear walkways and exits during loading and unloading. Using caution signage or verbal warnings where there are trip hazards or moving loads. Positioning vehicles safely to minimise obstruction and maintain visibility. Handling customers property with care, aiming to reduce damage and maintain safe working conditions inside homes and business premises.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We provide staff with appropriate information, instruction, and training to perform their roles safely. This may include:
Induction training for all new staff covering basic health and safety requirements. Task-specific training for manual handling, use of equipment, and vehicle operation. Ongoing updates and briefings on changes to procedures or identified risks. Supervision and on-the-job guidance, particularly for less experienced team members.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as possible. We will:
Record details of incidents in an internal log. Investigate significant incidents to identify causes and take corrective action. Provide or arrange first aid where required, and contact emergency services if necessary. Review procedures following serious incidents to prevent recurrence.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Man and a Van Harrow is committed to monitoring the effectiveness of this Health and Safety Policy. We will:
Review accident and incident reports to identify trends and areas for improvement. Update risk assessments and safe systems of work when necessary. Review this policy regularly to ensure it remains current and effective. Encourage feedback from staff and customers on any health and safety concerns.
Policy Communication and Availability
This Health and Safety Policy is available to all employees and is provided to relevant contractors where appropriate. A copy is available to customers on request. By working in line with this policy, we aim to deliver reliable, professional removal services while maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved.
