Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Becontree Heath
Man with Van Becontree Heath is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers, visitors, 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 our man and van and removal services, including moving household goods, business items, and related materials.
Our Health and Safety Commitments
We will, so far as is reasonably practicable:
Identify, assess, and control risks arising from our removal and delivery operations. Provide and maintain safe vehicles, tools, and equipment suitable for moving and transporting goods. Ensure that our workers are competent to carry out their duties through appropriate training, instruction, and supervision. Promote safe systems of work for manual handling, lifting, loading, unloading, and driving. Consult with workers on health and safety matters and encourage active participation in continuous improvement. Review this policy regularly and update it as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, or our working practices.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for ensuring that health and safety is integrated into the planning and delivery of all services. This includes:
Implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety policy throughout the company. Carrying out or commissioning risk assessments for typical and non-standard removal jobs. Providing suitable equipment, such as moving trolleys, straps, blankets, gloves, and any other protective items as required by the task. Ensuring vehicles used for man and van services are roadworthy, appropriately maintained, and equipped with safety features and restraint systems for loads. Investigating incidents, near misses, and complaints, and taking corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Ensuring that all workers understand their responsibilities and are aware of the procedures that apply to their work.
Employee Responsibilities
Every worker has a legal and moral duty to protect their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All workers must:
Follow the training, safe working procedures, and instructions provided. Use vehicles, tools, and moving equipment only for their intended purpose and report defects immediately. Apply safe manual handling techniques when lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling items. Wear suitable clothing and footwear that provide grip and support and use any personal protective equipment provided. Take reasonable care when working in and around customer premises, including stairways, corridors, communal areas, and driveways. Report hazards, accidents, incidents, and near misses promptly to management so that action can be taken.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Risk assessments are carried out for our routine activities as a removal and transport service. Where jobs involve unusual items, restricted access, or higher risks, additional checks will be made. Our risk control measures may include:
Planning the route and parking arrangements to reduce reversing and awkward manoeuvres. Assessing access points, stairs, narrow hallways, and potential obstacles before moving items. Identifying items that may require two or more workers or special equipment. Avoiding unsafe lifting of excessively heavy, unstable, or awkward loads. Scheduling work to manage fatigue and avoid unnecessary rushing, particularly during long-distance moves.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of our man and van and removal operations. To reduce the risk of injury, we will:
Provide training on correct lifting and carrying techniques, including posture, team lifts, and the use of mechanical aids. Encourage workers to assess loads before lifting and to break down items into smaller parts where possible. Use trolleys, dollies, and lifting straps where appropriate to reduce physical strain. Avoid asking a single worker to move items that reasonably require assistance from others.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Safe driving and vehicle management are essential to our operations. We will:
Maintain our vehicles in good condition with regular checks on brakes, tyres, lights, and securing points. Ensure that loads are properly distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit. Plan realistic schedules to avoid excessive driving hours and encourage regular breaks. Require that all drivers hold the appropriate licences and follow the Highway Code and road traffic laws. Monitor weather and road conditions and postpone or adjust work where travel would present significant risks.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working at customer homes, business properties, or public areas, we take reasonable steps to protect occupants and passers-by. This includes:
Keeping access routes as clear as possible by managing boxes and furniture locations. Using caution when moving large items through doors, stairways, and shared corridors. Avoiding blocking fire exits, escape routes, and access for emergency services. Working considerately to minimise noise, disruption, and any damage to property.
Training and Information
We are committed to ensuring that all workers involved in our man and van and removal services receive adequate health and safety training and information. This may cover:
Induction training on our policies and procedures. Safe lifting, carrying, and loading practices. Correct use of moving equipment and personal protective equipment. Emergency procedures, including fire safety and accident reporting. Any new or updated procedures relevant to specific jobs, vehicles, or equipment.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, and near misses, whether on the road, at customer premises, or at any other location, must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will:
Record and investigate incidents to identify root causes. Take prompt corrective action to prevent similar events. Cooperate with any statutory requirements regarding accident reporting. Ensure that workers know what to do in the event of an emergency, including how to summon assistance and secure the area.
Monitoring and Review
This Health and Safety policy is monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure it remains effective for our removal and transport activities. It will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or relevant legal requirements. Updated versions will be communicated to all workers.
By working together to follow this policy, Man with Van Becontree Heath aims to provide reliable removal services while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of everyone involved.
