Man with Van Hanworth Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Hanworth is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all workers, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with home and office removals, loading and unloading, driving, and on-site work.
We recognise our legal and moral duty to prevent injury and ill health and to continually improve our health and safety performance. All work will be carried out in a way that prioritises safety, professionalism, and respect for our customers and their property.
Policy Objectives
Our key health and safety objectives are to:
Identify and manage risks arising from removal and transport activities.
Provide safe systems of work for lifting, carrying, loading, and unloading goods.
Maintain vehicles and equipment in a safe condition.
Provide information, instructions, and guidance to workers and contractors.
Protect customers, visitors, and the public from foreseeable risks associated with our work.
Review and improve health and safety practices on a regular basis.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Hanworth rests with the business owner or designated manager. This person is responsible for implementing this policy, ensuring appropriate risk controls are in place, and reviewing performance.
All workers, including drivers, porters, and contractors, share responsibility for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions at work. Everyone is required to:
Follow the safe working practices set out in this policy and in any additional instructions.
Use vehicles, equipment, and handling aids correctly and safely.
Report hazards, near misses, incidents, and injuries promptly.
Cooperate with any training, supervision, and health and safety procedures.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Risk assessments will be carried out for typical removal activities, including manual handling, working in and around vehicles, operating in confined or shared spaces, and working on customers premises. Where non-standard risks are identified, such as limited access, high floors without lifts, or unusually heavy items, specific controls will be planned before work begins.
When a job is booked, customers will be asked to provide clear information about access, parking, and any unusual or heavy items. This information helps us plan sufficient staffing levels, appropriate equipment, and safe methods for handling and transport.
Manual Handling and Lifting Safety
Manual handling is a key part of our removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury.
Workers are expected to:
Use correct lifting techniques, keeping loads close to the body and avoiding twisting.
Ask for help or use handling aids for heavy or bulky items.
Avoid lifting loads that are beyond their capability.
Plan the route before lifting to ensure it is clear of obstructions and trip hazards.
Where possible, trolleys, dollies, straps, and other aids will be used to minimise manual lifting. Items that are exceptionally heavy or difficult will only be moved where it is reasonably safe to do so and may require additional staffing or equipment.
Vehicle Safety and Safe Driving
All vehicles used by Man with Van Hanworth will be maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, lights, brakes, securing points, and loading areas. Any defects must be reported immediately and the vehicle taken out of service if it is unsafe.
Drivers are responsible for operating vehicles safely and legally at all times. This includes:
Driving at safe speeds and in accordance with road traffic laws.
Ensuring loads are evenly distributed and properly secured to prevent movement during transit.
Planning routes to allow sufficient time to complete journeys without rushing.
Parking in a safe and lawful manner, minimising risks to pedestrians and other road users.
Drivers must not drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that impairs their ability to drive safely.
Safe Loading and Unloading
Loading and unloading will be carried out carefully to protect workers, customers, the public, and property. The following principles apply:
Loading areas and access routes will be kept as clear as possible.
Ramps and steps will be used where appropriate and kept stable and secure.
Heavy items will be placed at a low level in the vehicle and secured to prevent shifting.
Care will be taken to avoid blocking fire exits, driveways, or shared walkways while work is in progress.
Workers will pay attention to passing pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles when operating near roads or shared access ways.
Customer and Public Safety
We take reasonable steps to protect customers and members of the public during our removal operations. This includes:
Advising customers to keep children and pets away from working areas.
Using safe working practices on stairs, landings, and narrow hallways.
Avoiding unsafe actions that could cause damage or injury, such as overloading lifts or forcing large items through unsuitable spaces.
Where necessary, temporary measures such as closing off an area or requesting that others keep clear may be used to maintain safety.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Equipment such as trolleys, straps, ramps, and blankets will be maintained in good working order. Defective equipment will be removed from use until repaired or replaced.
Where appropriate, workers will use personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, and high-visibility garments. Workers are expected to take reasonable care of any equipment issued to them and to use it correctly.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Man with Van Hanworth will provide workers with appropriate information and guidance on safe working practices, including manual handling, vehicle safety, and customer care. Less experienced workers will be supervised and supported until they are competent to work independently.
Instructions on this policy and any updates will be communicated to all workers and contractors. Individuals are expected to familiarise themselves with the policy and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Accidents, Incidents, and First Aid
All accidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported as soon as possible so that the circumstances can be recorded and investigated. This helps to identify trends and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in future.
Basic first aid provisions will be available in vehicles or at the base of operations. In the event of a serious incident, emergency services will be contacted without delay.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and following any significant change in our activities, working methods, or relevant legislation. Feedback from workers and customers will be considered in improving our arrangements.
By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Hanworth aims to ensure that all removal and transport services are delivered as safely as reasonably practicable, protecting our team, our customers, and the wider community.
