Man with Van St Margarets Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van St Margarets is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, including packing, lifting, loading, transport and unloading.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
We aim to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our work. Our objectives are to identify and control risks, promote safe working practices for all removal tasks, and comply with applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice.
Health and safety is a core part of the way we operate in homes, offices and other premises in our service area. All work is planned and carried out with safety as a priority, rather than speed or convenience.
Responsibilities and Management
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van St Margarets rests with the company management. They ensure that appropriate arrangements, resources and training are in place to implement this policy and review it regularly.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation on site. They must brief staff on potential hazards at each job, ensure equipment is suitable and in good condition, and stop work if they believe conditions are unsafe.
Every worker is responsible for working safely, following instructions, using equipment correctly and reporting hazards, near-misses and incidents. No employee is expected to carry out work that they reasonably believe to be unsafe.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We assess risks associated with removal activities to identify hazards and put in place proportionate control measures. This includes considering the type and weight of items to be moved, access routes, stairs, external pathways, parking and loading areas, and any vulnerable persons on the premises.
Before starting any job, our team will consider the safest method of moving items, the number of people required, and any equipment needed such as trolleys, skates, straps or blankets. If site conditions change or new hazards are identified, the team will review and adjust the method of work.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key aspect of removals work, and we take particular care to reduce the risk of injury from lifting and carrying. Our approach includes:
Providing training and guidance on correct lifting techniques and team lifts.
Planning routes to avoid unnecessary carrying, twisting and reaching.
Using mechanical aids and moving equipment wherever reasonably practicable.
Restricting the weight of items handled by a single person to safe limits.
Encouraging staff to speak up if an item is too heavy or awkward to move safely, so that an alternative approach can be used.
Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are central to our removal services, and we manage driving risks carefully. Vehicles are regularly checked and maintained to a safe standard. Drivers must hold suitable licences for the vehicles they operate, follow road traffic law and drive in a responsible manner.
Loading and unloading is carried out to maintain vehicle stability and to prevent movement of goods in transit. Loads are secured using appropriate methods and equipment. Parking and loading locations are chosen with regard to the safety of staff, customers and other road users, avoiding unnecessary obstruction or risk.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We recognise our duty to protect customers, visitors and the public while we work in and around properties. Our teams will:
Keep access routes as clear as reasonably possible.
Use caution when moving items through doorways, stairwells and communal areas.
Communicate clearly with customers about areas that should be kept free of people during heavy lifting.
Take care to prevent damage to property, fixtures and fittings that could lead to safety hazards.
If any damage or hazard is created during the work, our team will report it immediately and take reasonable steps to make the area safe.
Equipment, Tools and PPE
We provide appropriate tools and moving equipment suitable for the nature of our removal work. All equipment is checked regularly and taken out of use if found to be defective. Staff must use equipment only for its intended purpose and follow instructions given.
Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves, high-visibility clothing or safety footwear will be provided and must be worn as instructed. PPE is considered a last line of defence and is used together with other control measures.
Training, Information and Supervision
We ensure that our staff have the skills and knowledge needed to work safely. This includes induction training covering health and safety responsibilities, safe lifting, working in customer premises and emergency arrangements.
Further training is given as needed when new equipment, vehicles or methods of work are introduced, or when staff take on new roles. Supervisors provide on-the-job guidance and monitor working practices to ensure standards are maintained.
Accidents, Incidents and First Aid
All accidents, incidents and near-misses that occur during our work must be reported to management as soon as possible. We keep records and investigate where necessary to identify causes and prevent recurrence.
Basic first aid arrangements are in place during operations, and staff are informed of how to obtain assistance if an injury occurs. Where required, emergency services will be contacted promptly, and access will be kept clear for them.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We consult with employees about health and safety matters and encourage suggestions for improving our systems and procedures. Staff are invited to raise concerns or ideas for safer ways of carrying out removal work.
This policy is reviewed periodically and after any significant change in our operations, legal requirements or organisational structure. We are committed to continually improving our health and safety performance to protect everyone involved in our removal services.
By following this Health and Safety Policy, Man with Van St Margarets aims to deliver reliable, professional and safe removal services throughout our operating area.
