Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Highbury
Man with Van Highbury is committed to providing removal and transport services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our staff, customers, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods in homes, offices and public areas within our service area.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We aim to operate as a responsible removal company, ensuring that every job is planned and carried out with safety as a priority. Management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and expects all workers and contractors to follow this policy as a condition of working with Man with Van Highbury.
We will regularly review this policy, our procedures and working practices to ensure they remain suitable, effective and aligned with current guidance for the removals and transport sector.
Responsibilities and Accountability
Management is responsible for:
Ensuring appropriate risk assessments are carried out for typical removal tasks and, where needed, for specific jobs. Providing suitable equipment for lifting, loading and securing items in vehicles. Offering information and guidance on safe working practices. Investigating any incident or near miss and taking steps to prevent recurrence.
Employees and contractors are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Following all safety instructions, training and risk control measures. Using equipment only for its intended purpose and reporting faults immediately. Reporting incidents, near misses and any unsafe conditions or behaviours.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before starting removal work, we consider the nature of the items to be moved, access routes, parking arrangements and any site-specific hazards. We assess manual handling requirements, the need for lifting aids, and the safest way to move items while minimising risks to people and property.
Where jobs present particular challenges, such as restricted access, heavy or awkward loads, or busy public environments, we take additional steps to plan safe methods of work and allocate sufficient time and personnel.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core activity in removal work and a primary focus of our Health and Safety policy. We seek to minimise the need for hazardous lifting by using appropriate equipment, such as trolleys, dollies, straps and other aids, wherever practicable.
Workers are instructed in safe lifting techniques, including assessing the load, using correct posture, lifting with a stable base and asking for assistance with heavy or bulky items. Staff are expected not to attempt lifts that exceed their capability or that present an obvious risk of injury.
Use of Vehicles and Road Safety
Our vehicles are maintained so that they are safe, roadworthy and suitable for transporting goods securely. Drivers are responsible for checking basic safety aspects before use, including tyres, lights and securing systems within the loading area.
Loads must be distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of injury when unloading and protecting other road users from potential hazards. Drivers must follow road traffic laws at all times and allow adequate travel time to avoid rushing or unsafe driving behaviour.
Protection of Customers, Public and Property
We recognise our duty to safeguard not only our staff but also customers, visitors and the general public. During removals, we aim to keep access routes clear, minimise trip hazards such as loose packaging, and use safe loading and unloading practices in residential streets and business areas.
Where work may present a risk to bystanders, such as moving large items through communal areas or across pavements, we take reasonable steps to control access, communicate clearly with those nearby and complete the work as safely and efficiently as possible.
We handle customers possessions with care to prevent damage during moving, loading, transit and unloading. Equipment such as protective covers and securing straps is used where appropriate to reduce risk to both property and people.
Training, Information and Supervision
All personnel are provided with information on our Health and Safety expectations before carrying out removal work. Where appropriate, workers receive guidance in manual handling, use of equipment, loading techniques and safe conduct at customer premises and on public roads.
More experienced staff help to supervise newer workers, particularly on complex moves or where the working environment presents additional hazards. We encourage individuals to ask questions if they are unsure how to perform a task safely and to raise safety concerns without hesitation.
Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
Any accident, injury, near miss or case of property damage associated with our removal activities must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We record relevant details, review what happened and implement measures to reduce the likelihood of a similar event in the future.
We view incident reporting and feedback as essential tools for learning and continuous improvement. Suggestions from staff and customers on how to improve safety and reduce risk are welcomed and considered during policy reviews.
Policy Review and Availability
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, fleet, equipment or ways of working. Updated versions will be made available to staff and can be provided to customers who wish to understand how we manage safety during moves and transport within our service area.
By following the principles set out in this policy, Man with Van Highbury aims to deliver reliable removal and transport services while safeguarding the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
