Health and Safety Policy for Man and Van Removal Company

This Health and Safety Policy sets out our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our man and van removal services. We recognise our legal and moral responsibilities to manage risks arising from our activities and to promote a culture where safety is a core value in every move we undertake.

Policy Aims and Objectives

Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from moving, loading, unloading and transporting goods. We will identify, assess and control workplace risks associated with our removal services, including packing, lifting, carrying, use of vehicles, and work at collection and delivery locations.

We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance, reviewing our procedures regularly and updating them in line with best practice across the removals and transport sector.

Management Responsibilities

Company management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes ensuring that suitable resources, training, equipment and supervision are provided for all removal operations. Managers will carry out or commission appropriate risk assessments for our man and van activities and ensure that safe systems of work are understood and followed.

Management will monitor health and safety performance, investigate incidents and near misses, and take corrective action where required. Any changes to working practices or new services will be reviewed for safety implications before being introduced.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, including drivers, porters and supervisors, share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Staff must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions while carrying out removal work.

Employees are required to follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, wear any necessary personal protective equipment, and report hazards, accidents or near misses immediately to management. Staff must not undertake work they consider unsafe and are encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns without fear of reprisal.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out regular risk assessments covering typical man and van removal tasks, including lifting and carrying items, use of trolleys and ramps, loading and unloading vehicles, securing loads, and operating in residential streets, apartment blocks, offices and commercial sites.

From these assessments we develop safe working practices such as planning access routes, protecting walkways and entrances, controlling vehicle movements and using appropriate lifting techniques. Staff are briefed on these procedures and are expected to adapt them sensibly to the specific conditions at each property while maintaining a high level of safety.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key risk in removal work. We are committed to reducing the likelihood of strains, sprains and other injuries by planning lifts carefully, avoiding unnecessary manual handling and using handling aids wherever possible.

Employees are trained in safe lifting techniques, including team lifting for heavier or awkward items, assessing load weight and stability before lifting, keeping loads close to the body, and avoiding twisting or overreaching. Where an item is too heavy or presents a significant risk, additional assistance or alternative equipment must be used.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard to ensure they are safe and roadworthy. Regular checks are carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points and lifting aids. Any defects identified are reported immediately and vehicles are not used until they are safe.

Drivers must hold valid licences appropriate to the vehicles they operate and must follow all road traffic regulations. They are expected to drive responsibly, plan routes to minimise risks, and allow sufficient time for each journey. Loads must be properly distributed and securely fastened to prevent movement during transit.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect customers and the public at collection and delivery locations. Our teams will assess each site on arrival, considering access routes, stairs, lifts, parking and any site-specific hazards.

Where necessary, we will put in place control measures such as using warning signs or verbal instructions, protecting floors and surfaces, managing trip hazards created by equipment or packaging, and coordinating movements in shared access areas. We will take reasonable steps to minimise disruption and risk to neighbours and passers-by in busy residential and commercial areas.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive induction training that covers fundamental health and safety responsibilities, safe loading and unloading, manual handling, and road safety. Additional role-specific training is provided where required.

Supervisors and experienced team members are responsible for providing on-the-job guidance, especially to new staff, and ensuring safe methods are followed. Health and safety instructions and updates are communicated through briefings and written guidance as needed.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses that occur during our removal operations must be reported to management as soon as possible. This enables us to provide appropriate support, investigate the cause and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Staff are instructed in basic emergency procedures, including what to do in case of fire, personal injury, road traffic collisions and damage to property. Where removal work is carried out at premises with their own emergency procedures, our staff will cooperate fully and follow the site-specific rules.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical demands of removal work and expect employees to present themselves fit for duty. Staff must not work while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or any substance that may impair their ability to work safely. Any relevant medical conditions should be discussed confidentially with management so that suitable adjustments can be considered.

We promote good welfare standards during working hours, including access to rest breaks, drinking water and appropriate protective clothing according to weather conditions and the nature of the job.

Review and Communication of this Policy

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice or the nature of our services. The most current version is made available to employees and can be provided to customers on request.

All staff are expected to familiarise themselves with this policy and to contribute to a safe working environment as we deliver man and van removal services across our operating areas. Through shared commitment and cooperation, we aim to ensure that every move is carried out safely, efficiently and with respect for people and property.